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Nick Barnard
The Monarch’s Music (CRD)
Admirers of music for Military Band and its performing traditions will enjoy this diverse programme [NB]
Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No 1 (Cedille)
Superb Shostakovich coupled with a contemporary concerto that challenges convention [NB]
Warlock: Maltworms and Milkmaids (EM Records)
Exemplary performances and recording expose both the strengths and limitations of this elusive composer [NB]
Overtures from Finland (Chandos)
Well-devised programme lacking the last degree of performance finesse [NB]
British Piano Concertos (Lyrita)
Five-star performances and recordings of second tier works [NB]
Stöhr: Orchestral Music Vol. 2 (Toccata Classics)
Substantial ‘forgotten’ scores presented in the best possible light [NB]
Antheil: Violin Sonatas (Naxos)
Bravura performances cannot prevent ‘modern’ music from showing its age [NB]
Entartete Musik (Antarctica Records)
Powerful, moving music beautifully performed and recorded let down by abject documentation [NB]
Herrmann: Wuthering Heights (Chandos)
Cathy finally comes home in Herrmann’s magnum opus superbly performed [NB]
Liszt: Transcendental Études (Steinway & Sons)
A legendary performance unfolds before you [NB]
Ives: Complete Sets for Chamber Orchestra (Naxos)
Colourful and quirky Ives receiving skilled if somewhat studious performances [NB]
Coates: Orchestral Works Vol. 3 (Chandos)
Coates’ life-enhancing music receives definitive performances [NB]
Moorland Symphonies (Lyrita)
A successful and informative introduction to this appealing composer’s work [NB]
Khachaturian: Symphony 3 (cpo)
A competent performance not good enough to make the case for a gaudy symphony [NB]
Deified (Pentatone)
Resplendent brass playing with Wagner’s Ring ruling lesser contemporary works [NB]
Stanford: Requiem (Hyperion)
A genuine triumph – a completely convincing performance of a typically Victorian Choral Festival work [NB]
Leighton: Every Living Creature (SOMM Recordings)
Valuable premiere recordings of beautiful music in impressive performances [NB]
The First Songs of Travel (Albion)
A historical release that wears its age lightly – excellent restoration and attractive singing of well-chosen repertoire [NB]
Shadow Dances – British Works for Flute (Chandos)
A diverse and interesting programme beautifully played and recorded [NB]
Armenian Cello Concertos (BIS)
Fine performances of Soviet and post-Soviet cello concerti with a distinct Armenian accent [NB]
Sancan: A Musical Tribute (Chandos)
A worthy tribute – scintillating music played with wit, verve, insight and exceptional skill [NB]
Classics of American Romanticism (Bridge Records)
Intriguing early American symphonies in convincing performances [NB]
Szymanowski: Music for Violin and Piano (BIS)
Sensational Szymanowski played with utter technical control and expressive abandon [NB]
Eroica (EM Records)
An interesting survey of different aspects of writing for solo violin [NB]
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