djb

David Barker

Reverie polish Dux1765

Rêverie – Polish Cello Miniatures (Dux)

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

Biber Sonatas Accent ACC24386

Biber: Sonatas (Accent)

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

puts city naxos

Puts: The City (Naxos)

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

pisendel concertos berlin

Pisendel: Violin Concerti (Berlin Classics)

A resounding success [DJB]

icelandic stage chandos isolfsson

Icelandic Works for the Stage (Chandos)

Well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable music; Viðar is a definite discovery [DJB]

Humour and Classical Music: Johann Strauss II’s Perpetuum Mobile

by David Barker

D'Alay Dresden Concertos Reale Concerto Dynamic CDS7982

D’Alay: The Dresden Concertos (Dynamic)

Pleasant, undemanding and unremarkable [DJB]

Mompou: Música callada­ Books 1-4 (Hyperion)

Mompou fans will want this, but it remained a closed book to me [DJB]

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]

Armenia gems CDR90000209

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]

Trios image 8553514

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]

Humour and Classical Music: Haydn

by David Barker