jq

John Quinn

bernstein prelude sony

Bernstein: Orchestral Works (Sony Classical)

Essential, authentic listening for admirers of Leonard Bernstein [JQ]

Sommer: Orchestral songs (Pentatone)

World premiere recordings of orchestral songs by a largely forgotten composer [JQ]

Kitty Whately (mezzo-soprano) Befreit: A Soul Surrendered (Chandos)

A very rewarding album, including songs by two unjustly neglected composers [JQ]

macmillan christmas lpo

MacMillan: Christmas Oratorio (LPO)

A tremendous performance of an important new work by James MacMillan [JQ]

Rott: Symphony (Deutsche Grammophon)

Jakob Hrůša breaks a lance for the symphony by Hans Rott [JQ]

Vaughan Williams Boult Somm ARIADNE5018

Vaughan Williams: Live Vol 2 (SOMM Recordings)

Lani Spahr’s expert restorations have breathed new life into these important archive recordings [JQ]

mahler symphony PTC5187021

Mahler: Symphony 5 (Pentatone)

A distinguished account of Mahler’s Fifth [JQ]

Schubert revisited 4839758

Schubert Revisited (Deutsche Grammophon)

A revelatory album [JQ]

Canticle of sun hill regent REGCD567

The Canticle of the Sun (Regent)

An interesting programme, impressively performed [JQ]

British Choral Anthems (Naxos)

This recording of the Five Mystical Songs is touched by greatness [JQ]

The Psalms St Johns College Nethsinga Signum SIGDCD721

The Psalms (Signum Classics)

A fine addition to the discography of Andrew Nethsingha and the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge [JQ]

Handel Messiah Eboracum

Handel: Messiah (Eboracum)

Overall, an accomplished and enjoyable performance of Messiah [JQ]

Pascoe requiem REGCD549

Pascoe: Secular Requiem (Regent)

A major achievement which articulates many profound emotions [JQ]

Chilcott Christmas PRCD1240

Chilcott: On Christmas Night (Priory)

Creditable performances of two attractive works, somewhat compromised by the recorded sound [JQ]