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John Quinn

Rachmaninov: The Bells, Symphonic Dances (London Philharmonic Orchestra)

A most attractive coupling of two of Rachmaninov’s finest scores in excellent performances [JQ]

Holst BeniMora SommRecordings

Holst: Beni Mora (Somm Recordings)

A very valuable archive issue, which is self-recommending to Holst enthusiasts [JQ]

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Wood: Songs for Voice and Piano (Delphian)

This fine disc enables a wider appreciation of the music of Charles Wood [JQ]

Lament & Liberation (Signum Classics)

A challenging, rewarding album [JQ]

Schubert: Schubert’s Four Seasons (BIS)

An outstanding Schubert recital [JQ]

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Mahler: Symphony 3 (Pentatone)

A fine addition to Semyon Bychkov’s Mahler cycle [JQ]

Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (BIS)

A very fine, deeply satisfying account of Brahms’ great masterpiece [JQ]

Victoria: Second Vespers of the Feast of the Annunciation (Delphian)

(Déjà Review) A most enjoyable release to which I’m very happy to give an unreserved welcome [JQ]

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Orchestral Anthems (Delphian)

An excellent follow-up to these performers’ previous disc of orchestral anthems [JQ]

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Rorem: Choral Works (Resonus)

Highly accomplished performances of music that is polished and refined [JQ]

Contemporary Choral Works (Regent)

An enjoyable and stimulating album of recent church music [JQ]

Bruckner & Gesualdo: Motets (Soli Deo Gloria)

A stimulating and interesting musical programme, superbly performed by the Monteverdi Choir [JQ]

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Elgar: The Kingdom (Signum Classics)

A fine achievement which amply demonstrates the greatness of Elgar’s score [JQ]

Barber OrchestralWorks RCA

Barber: Orchestral Works (RCA)

A lack of documentation detracts only a little from the excellent performances [JQ]

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Dupont: Complete Songs (Aparté)

An excellent album which admirers of French songs should investigate [JQ]

Haydn DieSchopfung BRKlassik

Haydn: Die Schöpfung (BR Klassik)

An outstanding performance of Haydn’s life-enhancing oratorio [JQ]

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Hough: Piano Concerto (Hyperion)

Definitive performances of his own music by Stephen Hough [JQ]

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Mahler: Symphony 9 (Decca)

An interesting, provocative reading of the Symphony and the performances of the songs are very good [JQ]

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius (Naxos)

This version has much to commend it but it doesn’t displace existing recommendations [JQ]

Mahler: Symphony 7 (BR Klassik)

Inspirationally conducted, fantastically played and stunningly recorded, this demands the attention of all Mahler devotees [JQ]

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius (Ondine)

Much to admire but this is not a performance to challenge the leading recommendations [JQ]

Strohl: Orchestral Music (La Boîte à Pépites)

Very interesting and worthwhile music in excellent performances [JQ]

Gurney: Songs Vol 2 (Naxos)

Admirers of Gurney’s music and of English song in general should hasten to acquire this important release [JQ]

Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius – Survey Pt 2

by John Quinn