jq

John Quinn

Bach xmas CDA680312

Bach: Christmas Oratorio (Hyperion)

A stylish and committed performance that renews again one’s awe at the genius of Bach [JQ]

Parry Holst RVW Christmas Choral Lyrita SRCD270

Parry: Ode on the Nativity (Lyrita)

(Déjà Review) The reappearance on CD of these performances is a cause for great celebration [JQ]

Listening Studio Report

by John Quinn

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No 2 (Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings)

In all respects, a worthy 150th anniversary tribute to Rachmaninov [JQ]

winter breviary RES10328

A Winter Breviary – Choral Works for Christmas (Resonus Classics)

A stimulating collection of new Christmas music, immaculately performed [JQ]

sweet was the song tewkesbury regent

Sweet was the Song (Regent)

A Christmas disc that deserves to stand out from the crowd [JQ]

Advent vol3 SIGCD768

Advent Live Vol. 3 (Signum Classics)

A varied and very enjoyable programme of music for Advent [JQ]

Fayrfax Masses Cardinalls Music ASV Gaudeamus CDGAX353

Fayrfax: The Masses (ASV Gaudeamus)

(Déjà Review) Magnificent discs containing sumptuous examples of early Tudor polyphony presented in first class performances [JQ]

Nielsen Aladdin Suite Naxos 8.557164

Nielsen: Aladdin Suite (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) An excellent introduction to Nielsen’s marvellous music. Established Nielsen enthusiasts should also add this splendid anthology to their collections without delay [JQ]

Music on Christmas Morning (Naxos)

An enjoyable and varied Christmas programme, expertly performed [JQ]

chilcott christmas DCD34321

Chilcott: Christmas Oratorio (Delphian)

A highly attractive disc on which very appealing music is performed to the highest of standards [JQ]

Shostakovich Symphs 4 11 Rozhdestvensky ICAC5169

Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos 4 & 11 (ICA Classics)

Rozhdestvensky conducts both symphonies with great authority and understanding [JQ]

whitacre sacred veil acis

Whitacre: The Sacred Veil (Acis)

A sincere and deeply felt work, expertly performed [JQ]

Listening Studio Report

by John Quinn

respighi roman trilogy delos

Respighi’s Rome (Delos)

(Déjà Review) A distinguished issue which will give much pleasure and can be recommended confidently [JQ]

Nielsen: The Symphonies (Deutsche Grammophon)

A distinguished addition to the Nielsen discography [JQ]

Allegri Palestrina GIMSE401

Allegri & Palestrina: Choral works (Gimell)

This is a disc which has attained something approaching classic status over the years, and rightly so [JQ]

Adams: Shaker Loops (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) An ideal very inexpensive introduction to one of the most stimulating composers currently before the public [JQ]

Sheppard Missa Cantate Tallis Scholars Gimell CDGIM053

Sheppard: Choral Works (Gimell)

Magnificent examples of Tudor polyphony, superbly performed [JQ]

parry prometheus chandos

Parry: Prometheus Unbound (Chandos)

This release will be self-recommending – and rightly so – to admirers of Parry [JQ]

Bach, MacMillan: Motets & Sacred Songs (Signum Classics)

A very rewarding disc [JQ]

Dvořák: Symphonies 8 & 9 (Philips)

(Déjà Review) Fischer and his colleagues enter a very competitive field and offer extremely fine versions of both symphonies which must now be counted among the best available [JQ]

schubert winterreise Ariadne5023

Schubert: Winterreise (SOMM Recordings)

A fine centenary tribute to a distinguished British singer [JQ]

Coleridge-Taylor Choral Works Orchid ORC100247

Coleridge-Taylor: Choral Works (Orchid Classics)

This collection of pieces, expertly performed, expands our knowledge of this short-lived composer [JQ]