jq
John Quinn
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)
(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 Oratorio (Delphian)
A highly attractive disc on which very appealing music is performed to the highest of standards [JQ]
Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos 4 & 11 (ICA Classics)
Rozhdestvensky conducts both symphonies with great authority and understanding [JQ]
Whitacre: The Sacred Veil (Acis)
A sincere and deeply felt work, expertly performed [JQ]
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: 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: Choral Works (Gimell)
Magnificent examples of Tudor polyphony, superbly performed [JQ]
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 (SOMM Recordings)
A fine centenary tribute to a distinguished British singer [JQ]
Coleridge-Taylor: Choral Works (Orchid Classics)
This collection of pieces, expertly performed, expands our knowledge of this short-lived composer [JQ]
Wagner: Götterdämmerung (Decca)
A recording for the ages, revealed in full splendour in a new re-mastering [JQ]
Barber: Orchestral Works Vol 5 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Very fine indeed – Knoxville is a particularly conspicuous success [JQ]
Sounds and Sweet Air – A Shakespeare Songbook ( BIS)
This fine, imaginative album will entertain and enlighten [JQ]
Beethoven: Symphony No.3 & Overtures (DG)
A disc of distinguished Beethoven performances [JQ]
The First Songs of Travel (Albion)
Despite reservations, Standen’s Songs of Travel merits a place in the VW discography [JQ]
Mahler: Symphony No 1 (Pentatone)
A recording in which those who have been following the Bychkov cycle can invest with confidence [JQ]
Bridge: Orchestral Works (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) An authoritative introduction to Bridge’s orchestral music … an ideal place to start [JQ]