Purcell
A Musical Tour from Renaissance to Baroque (Da Vinci Classics)
A compelling demonstration of an uncommon performance practice [JV]
Enrico Gatti (violin) Praeconium solitudinis (NovAntiqua)
The performances are superb, but the concept may not appeal to everyone [JV]
Peace I leave with you – Music for the Evening Hour (Coro Magdalen)
A discerningly chosen programme given accomplished performances [JQ]
Sylvie Spycket (harpsichord) (Forgotten Records)
A short-lived harpsichordist heard in a bracingly robust recital [JW]
Philarmonica (Alpha Classics)
A potentially interesting programme, but it tended to all blend together [DJB]
Purcell: The Fairy Queen (Harmonia Mundi)
This 35-year-old recording is still a worthy competitor in a crowded field and the sound comes up as fresh as new paint [GF]
Popper: Complete Transcriptions for Violoncello and Piano (Paladino Music)
A valuable addition to the Popper discography and a chance to hear a Hubay rarity [RCh]
Alexander Chance (alto): Drop not, mine eyes (Linn Records)
Chance is a foremost representative of his generation in the falsetto range [JV]
Purcell: Music for Queen Mary (Apex)
(Déjà Review) One of the crowning glories of John Eliot Gardiner’s early recordings [PB]
Kagami – Mirror: viola da gamba pieces (Ramée)
Very personal choice of viola da gamba pieces, performed with much sensitivity [JV]
Philarmonica (Alpha Classics)
Le Consort deserves praise for bringing the music by the mysterious Mrs Philarmonica to our attention [JV]
The Coronation of George II (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) A wonderful recording of superlative music in performances that surely cannot be bettered [JL]
Through The Night (BIS)
A stimulating medley of the best string music, beautifully executed [RMo]
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas (Pentatone)
A colourful and dramatic performance of “The only perfect English opera” – with a modern twist [GF]
Soaked in Colour (Fuga Libera)
There are a few winners here, but no consistency [MP]
Schubert: The Complete String Trios (Resonus)
Domestic music from Schubert and Purcell played with quiet magic [DMD]
In the Streets of London – A 17th Century Musical Pub Tour (Fuga Libera)
The music of the people, as heard in London in 1651, played with verve and character [GH]
The Queen’s Favourites (Arcana)
A highly entertaining disc to which the lover of wind music will regularly return [JV]
Frederica von Stade (mezzo-soprano) Song Recital (Sony Classical)
(Déjà Review) One of the most sheerly beautiful and instantly recognisable mezzos of the last fifty years [RMo]
The Crown (Château de Versailles Spectacles)
These performances of Handel’s Anthems are among the best that I have heard [JV]
Blow/Purcell: Operas (Opus Arte)
A delightful baroque double bill in an enjoyable period production and setting [PCG]
Lovesick (Signum Classics)
A beautiful recital of mostly rare 17th Century songs on an immortal subject [GH]
Lovesick (Signum Classics)
Lovely love songs, best taken in small doses for maximum effect [GF]
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