jf
John France
Saint-Saëns: Organ music (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) An excellent opportunity to move beyond the familiar [JF]
Duo Menurida: In Two Minds (Métier)
Sensuous, inventive and often fantastic improvisations [JF]
Browne: Music from the Eton Choirbook (Gimell)
Near perfect music from the late fifteenth century sung in glorious style [JF]
Parallels (Divine Art)
This impressive recital ‘parallels’ old and new favourites [JF]
Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music (Albion Records)
This important historical document must be judged on its own terms [JF]
A Year at Newcastle (Regent)
An absorbing exploration of 20th-century church music, and a few recent compositions [JF]
20th Century Middle European Flute Music (Dynamic)
Four 20th century composers united in their response to political extremism [JF]
Ravel, Berkeley & Pounds (Chandos)
Three fulfilling works interconnected by pedagogical history [JF]
The Great Organ of Aarhus Cathedral (Danacord)
Superb performances, great sound quality, brilliant documentation and rewarding programming [JF]
Lalo: Orchestral Works (Chandos)
Played with sensitivity balanced by enthusiasm [JF]
Sgambati: Piano Concerto (Naxos)
A heroic performance of a remarkable piano concerto [JF]
Luminos (Métier)
Interesting exploration of less well-known clarinet and piano repertoire [JF]
Ravel: Complete Solo Piano Music Vol. 3 (Danacord)
The performance captures all the nuances of Ravel’s pianism [JF]
Wigmore Soloists: Chamber Works (BIS)
Committed and inspiring performances of important chamber works [JF]
Dreams, Desires, Desolation (Divine Art)
A substantial exploration of English song [JF]
Debussy: Études (Hyperion)
Performances with technical agility and remarkable interpretative skills [JF]
Copland, Creston, Kay & Piston: Concertos & Orchestral Suites (Naxos)
Mid-20th century Americanism in works of universal appeal [JF]
Wordsworth, Wilson & McGuire: Piano Works (Heritage)
Impressive performances all around [JF]
Beethoven: Late piano sonatas (Danacord)
Moving, inspirational recordings of late masterpieces [JF]
A Child’s Christmas: Orchestral Music for Christmas (Heritage)
Enjoyable, approachable, interesting pieces [JF]
Hartmann: Piano Works Vol. 5 (Danacord)
Danish romantic piano music, full of interest, gives much pleasure [JF]
Monteverdi: Stage Works (Apex)
(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts [JF]
Bendix: Symphonies Nos 1-4 (Danacord)
(Déjà Review) Bendix wrote some extremely beautiful and moving music [JF]