djb

David Barker

ciaccona glossa

Ciaconna! (Glossa)

Everything here – music, performances, sound and notes – is exceptional [DJB]

Les Nuits de Paris (Bru Zane)

A fascinating glimpse into the world of late 19th century Paris, best consumed in small quantities [DJB]

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Gems From Armenia (Cedille)

While limited in atmospheric variety, there is plenty of quality in both the music and the performances [DJB]

Humour and Classical Music: Dudley Moore

by David Barker

Legacy Chauvin V7259

Legacy (Naïve)

An imaginative programme, given fine performances [DJB]

Humour and Classical Music: The Cat’s Duet

by David Barker

balsom haydn concerto warner

Alison Balsom (trumpet) Concertos (Warner Classics)

Glorious tone – top of the class [DJB]

Humour and Classical Music: Fantasia

by David Barker

Humour and Classical Music: Monty Python

by David Barker

Humour and Classical Music: Mozart & Beethoven

by David Barker

Glass: Mad Rush (IBS)

No Glass recital is likely to ever match that of Vikingur Ólafsson, but this one is a good one nevertheless [DJB]

Vikingur Ólafsson (piano) From Afar (DG)

A very personal programme which has divided opinions, but does have much to commend it [DJB]

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Martin, Vladigerov & Turina: Trios (Avi-Music)

Very intelligent programming, and very fine performances [DJB]

Abel: Cello Concertos (Hänssler Classic)

Four graceful concertante works of the mid to late 18th century, which may not excite but do entertain [DJB]

Rastrelli Effect (Solo Musica)

Pleasant, with many different styles, but little to arouse much excitement [DJB]

Foerster Symphony No 1 Naxos

Foerster: Symphony 1 (Naxos)

Three enjoyable works from the less-angst ridden end of the Romantic spectrum, in fine performances [DJB]

Humour and Classical Music: Haydn

by David Barker

Brazilian Music for Chamber Orchestra

Serenata (Naxos)

Graceful and charming but not at all Brazilian [DJB]

Fuoco Sacro Naxos

Fuoco Sacro (Naxos)

Very interesting content, marred by some sound issues and a jumpy narrative flow [DJB]

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Zwilich: Orchestral Works (Delos)

Beautifully crafted and entertaining music, showing the composer’s stylistic evolution [DJB]

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Goodwin: Orchestral Works (Naxos)

Light Music certainly, but of real and lasting quality [DJB]

Jesulein Christmas RIC444

O Jesulein (Ricecar)

A little too much reverence in the music somewhat dampened my enthusiasm for this interesting exercise [DJB]