nb
Nick Barnard
American Folklore (Nimbus Alliance)
A collection that serves as a memento of a fine student orchestra fails to compete where alternatives exist [NB]
Mahler: Symphony 8 (High Definition Tape Transfers)
An epoch-making historic performance has never sounded so good [NB]
Bacewicz: Orchestral Works Vol. 2 (Chandos)
Volume 2 reaffirms all the qualities of its predecessor [NB]
Barraine: Symphonies 1 and 2 (cpo)
Impressive music, very well performed and recorded presents an unfamiliar composer with a confident musical personality [NB]
Bax: Spring Fire – Complete Music for Cello and Piano (SOMM Recordings)
Passionate music performed with great skill and wisdom [NB]
Bach: King of Kings (Chandos)
A celebration of the unassuming genius of Sir Andrew Davis [NB]
Orchestral Anthems Vol. 2 (Delphian)
A second volume matches the high quality of the first – sensitive performances beautifully recorded [NB]
Brian: Complete Choral Songs Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)
A lovingly presented collection – the unknown or underappreciated aspects of Havergal Brian’s work [NB]
Bliss: The Composer Conducts. A 50th Anniversary Tribute (SOMM Recordings)
A treasure trove of key works in vintage live performances [NB]
Sumera: Symphonies 1 & 6 (Ondine)
Knotty and serious scores receive powerful performances, beautifully recorded [NB]
Elgar: The Kingdom (Signum Classics)
A very fine recording that gives one the best chance to reconsider The Kingdom’s virtues [NB]
Guerra-Peixe: Symphonies 1 and 2 (Naxos)
Another fine addition to this series showcasing the stylistic range of the composer [NB]
An English Pastoral (SOMM Recordings)
A certain stylistic sameness compromises the fine performances [NB]
Film Fantasia: Emily Sun (ABC Classics)
The Oscar goes to Elena Kats-Chernin’s attractive and entertaining new concerto [NB]
Dring: Complete Works for Oboe (Chandos)
A disc of unexpected delights – delicious music played with wit and elegance [NB]
Ruth Gipps: Orchestra Works Volume 4 (Chandos)
This series goes from strength to strength – Symphony No.5 is quite a discovery [NB]
Shostakovich: String Quartets 1-6 (Genuin)
Enduringly powerful music receiving performances of remarkable skill and insight [NB]
Petrassi: Concertos for Orchestra (Naxos)
Terse music given flabby performances [NB]
Bruckner: Symphony 9 (Hallé)
A slow burn superbly performed and recorded performance that makes a compelling case for the four movement completion [NB]
Walton: Violin Concerto and other works (Chandos)
Technically accomplished readings that lack the full emotional range implicit in the major works [NB]
Holst: Beni Mora and Choral Symphony (Somm Recordings)
Sargent’s charisma shows these scores in their best light [NB]
Ravel: Très Franc (TYXart)
A joyful recital of great music stunningly played and recorded [NB]
Gulda & Weill: Violin Concertos (Gramola)
Brilliant performances of unusual, even quirky, repertoire [NB]
Elgar: Boult’s forgotten recordings (SOMM)
Boult’s stature as the leading Elgarian reaffirmed in spoken word and musical deed [NB]
