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Nick Barnard
Mer(s) (Appassionato)
Well-played performances hampered by a claustrophobic recording [NB]
Shostakovich: String Quartets 7-13 (Genuin)
Blazingly impressive performances given with intense virtuosity and musical insight [NB]
Ballard: Orchestral music (Naxos)
Committed performances of works of cultural rather than musical significance [NB]
Shostakovich: Symphony No 8 (ICA Classics)
A concert that marks the beginning of a great conductor/orchestra relationship hampered by poor sound [NB]
Bonis: Entre Soir et Matin (CAvi-music)
The considerable talent of Mel Bonis showcased in a well-planned and well-executed survey [NB]
Delius: A Mass of Life (LAWO Classics)
The mighty Mass of Life is revealed as a genuine masterpiece in this blazing performance [NB]
H2O (ANCLEF)
Three Orchestral Masterpieces effectively rendered in piano 4-hands versions by their composers [NB]
Empire to Commonwealth (Ars Organi)
Underwhelming music performed with zealous commitment [NB]
Poston: Carols and Anthems (Naxos)
Impressive rediscovery of much beautiful but unfamiliar music by a familiar composer [NB]
Dello Joio J: Piano Concerto (Bridge Records)
Impressive performances of three diverse and serious works [NB]
Bonis: Complete Piano Works, Vol 1 (Toccata Classics)
Well played attractive music bodes well for the developing complete survey [NB]
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Acis)
This well-chosen programme is more interesting and varied than many similar showcase discs [NB]
Gibbs: String quartets (Convivium Records)
Dedicated performances of attractive if not ultimately compelling music [NB]
Ritchie: Symphony 6 (Rattle)
Ritchie’s symphonic journey continues with the deeply personal and introspective Symphony No.6 [NB]
Jazz Violin Concertos (Gramola)
Crossover concerti triumphantly bridge the gap between Jazz and Classical [NB]
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]
