djb

The singing doesn’t quite match the wonderful staging [DJB]

Beethoven doesn’t seem to be an ideal fit with this very fine ensemble [DJB]

A strained attempt to link Bach with Brazilian samba which doesn’t work [DJB]

An Icelandic blizzard envelops these Goldbergs and I am left cold [DJB]

by David Barker

I may not have loved everything here, but I did enjoy the journey of discovery [DJB]

Sunny and engaging music, far removed from the typical late Romantic fare [DJB]

by David Barker

No marvels here [DJB]

I’m still not entirely sold on CPE’s keyboard music, but the concertos’ slow movements did impress [DJB]

Contrasting and enjoyable works, given fine performances [DJB]

by David Barker

Two little-known composers, one very fine work [DJB]

Vibrant and energetic performances, a standout Third Brandenburg, but the disc is underfilled [DJB]

Full of melodies that please, but do not linger in the memory [DJB]

Intelligent choice of attractive works, well performed [DJB]

This protégé of Brahms had a definite gift for melody [DJB]

by David Barker

Not an original voice, but thoroughly enjoyable pieces nonetheless [DJB]

A few tempos don’t quite work, but some of the pieces match the best [DJB]

A beautifully burnished sound, but the dominance of slow tempos is a negative [DJB]

First recordings of works that deserved to stay buried [DJB]

The sonatas are fabulous, but the trumpet duos do rather drag on [DJB]

Three substantial and very fine orchestral works; the Marimba Concerto is a joy [DJB]