djb
David Barker
Impressions of Iberia (Da Vinci Classics)
An impressive debut recording from the Cygnus Trio [DJB]
Reimagining the Classics: Part 2
by David Barker
Who’s Afraid Of …? Boulanger Trio (Berlin Classics)
Superb playing, but the awkward mix of styles doesn’t work [DJB]
Reimagining the Classics: Part 1
by David Barker
Strohl: Chamber Music (La Boîte à Pépites)
How can this wonderful music have lain undiscovered for so long? [DJB]
Hartmann, Gade, Mendelssohn: Clarinet trios (MDG)
Slow tempos blunt much of the impact, but the Hartmann stands out [DJB]
Tal, Kaufmann and Rubin: Orchestral Works (Avie)
Three works by unfamiliar composers, with much to commend them [DJB]
Di Martino: Chamber Works (Da Vinci Classics)
A real discovery, the Cello Sonata is quite exceptional [DJB]
Alison Balsom (piccolo trumpet) Baroque Concertos (Warner Classics)
Doesn’t take the place of the Maurice André transcriptions in my affections, but still has much to offer [DJB]
von Webenau: Piano Quartet, Cello Sonata & Miniatures (Hänssler Classic)
In the hit-or-miss world of the unsung composer, this is definitely a miss [DJB]
Osgood: Magnificat (Convivium Records)
Thoroughly tonal and thoroughly enjoyable [DJB]
Kralik von Meyrswalden: Chamber Works (Hänssler Classic)
A better second impression of the Trio but the Nonet is the star here [DJB]
Bosso: Brothers (Da Vinci Classics)
An odd, somewhat awkward mix of the moving and the meandering [DJB]
Pejačević & Röntgen-Maier: Piano trios (Da Vinci Classics)
Two very fine and underappreciated trios in outstanding performances [DJB]
Humour and Classical Music: The Two Ronnies
by David Barker
Fauré: Authentique – Complete Works for Cello & Piano (Audite)
A very cool, unemotional (and unsuccessful) take on Fauré’s cello works [DJB]
Wonder Women (Erato)
Some surprises here. Strozzi’s works stand out, as does L’Arpeggiata’s playing [DJB]
Humour and Classical Music: Morecambe and Wise
by David Barker
Pohle: Complete Sonatas & Ballet Music (Ricercar)
Very fine performances of little-known music from mid-17th century Germany [DJB]
Music of Students of Bruckner (Gramola)
Of more historical interest than musical [DJB]
Moore: Velvet (Heritage)
Soothing music, best listened to individually [DJB]
Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagione & La Follia (Alpha Classics)
An electrifying rendition of the Four Seasons to set alongside Fabio Biondi’s [DJB]
C P E Bach & Graun: Viola Concertos (cpo)
Fairly bland music that the performances don’t enliven [DJB]
J S Bach: The First Cantata Year Vol 1 (Hänssler Classic)
Given the quality of the existing cycles, this is a brave project but a very fine start [DJB]
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