mc
Michael Cookson
Poulenc: Choral works (Signum Classics)
(Déjà Review) Nigel Short directs the impeccably prepared Tenebrae in beautiful accounts of this music [MC]
Rheinberger: Mass and Motets. Sacred Music IX (Carus)
(Déjà Review) Attractive performances, characterful and responsive [MC]
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto & Sonata (RCA)
(Déjà Review) I know of no more dramatic and beautifully played account of the Concerto [MC]
Mirella Freni (soprano): Great Singers Live (BR Klassik)
(Déjà Review) I just couldn’t stop playing this disc which is not surprising given that Freni has one of the finest soprano voices I have ever heard [MC]
Kirnberger: Sinfonias (Hänssler Classic)
Well performed but really one for the curious collector [MC]
Walton: String Quartets (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Thoroughly enjoyable, and I’m sure I will return to it often [MC]
Bonis & Ravel: Violin Sonatas (Evidence Classics)
A superb coupling comprising acclaimed works by Ravel and others hardly known by Bonis [MC]
Bach: The First Cantata Year. Volume 8 (Hänssler Classic)
Rademann continues to achieve impressive results [MC]
Saint-Saëns: Complete Works for Cello and Orchestra (Hänssler Classic)
(Déjà Review) A fruitful emotional encounter with Saint-Saëns [MC]
Mahler: Symphony No 2 (Hallé)
An outstanding performance that can be ranked with the finest recordings of the ‘Resurrection’ I have heard [MC]
Shepherd: Oratorio On a Clear Day (Avi-music)
A substantial and fascinating oratorio containing an important message [MC]
Gouvy: Chamber Music (Farao Classics)
An album of valuable Théodore Gouvy wind chamber works [MC]
Grieg, Medtner & Franck: Violin Sonatas (Hänssler Classic)
A worthy album with playing of uncommon integrity [MC]
Coleridge-Taylor: Toussaint l’Ouverture (Avie)
Interesting, but probably not the best introduction to the composer’s works [MC]
Mozart: Idomeneo (BR Klassik)
This recording of Mozart’s Idomeneo ticks all the boxes [MC]
Haydn: Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Some of the finest performances of Haydn sonatas I have heard [MC]
Kévin Amiel (tenor) Backstage (Aparté)
An enjoyable debut aria collection from Kévin Amiel [MC]
Ireland: Orchestral Works (Hallé)
(Déjà Review) Wilson and the Hallé on splendid form [MC]
Beach: Orchestral Works (Solo Musica)
This album confirms that Amy Beach is a composer of real note [MC]
Dvořák: String & Piano Quintets (Supraphon)
Two very fine performances [MC]
Eva Zaïcik (mezzo-soprano) Rebelle (Alpha Classics)
Eva Zaïcik gives a fitting tribute to the artistry of Célestine Galli-Marié who created the role of Carmen [MC]
Dvořák: Cello Concerto (ArtistLed)
(Déjà Review) Finckel gives one of the finest accounts of the Dvořák Cello Concerto ever recorded [MC]
Bruckner: Symphony No 9 (Hallé)
Bruckner 9 with the finale well played by the Hallé but facing fierce competition [MC]
Liszt: Complete Piano Music Vol. 24 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) One senses Andaloro’s complete involvement with the significant demands of Liszt’s challenging music [MC]
