rmo

A thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully sung outing for this rarely heard version of Donizetti’s masterpiece [RMo]

Hardly a Pagliacci to stir the blood; there is much better to be had in terms of both singing and sound [RMo]

A thoroughly disappointing recording, poorly sung, indifferently conducted and afflicted by problems in the recorded balance [RMo]

Much here is vivid and compelling, especially with Pristine’s enhanced sound, but for me de Sabata prevails [RMo]

As satisfying an account of the youthful Puccini’s first success as one could wish to encounter [RMo]

A delicate, subtle, very Gallic account, beautifully engineered [RMo]

by Ralph Moore

A fine Dutchman whose focus is firmly centred upon Lise Davidsen’s radiant Senta [RMo]

Pristine elevates the sonic experience of hearing two great artists in their Met debuts [RMo]

by Ralph Moore

A pacier, more refined Mahler Fifth, beautifully balanced but rather too restrained in parts [RMo]

On the evidence of flabby playing and murky sound, the conductor should stick to Bruckner [RMo]

Spectacularly virtuosic playing of some of Bach’s most joyously inventive music [RMo]

This must now become first choice for the original version [RMo]

A tribute to a great and versatile conductor containing some superb and some less successful performances [RMo]

A performance of two halves: the first subject to vagaries in tempo which impede coherence, but the second triumphant [RMo]

Classic accounts from a Mozart specialist, full of life and spirit [RMo]

An absorbing and enterprising programme, impeccably performed by a stellar partnership [RMo]

Gerd Schaller is determined to exploit the mighty instrument’s full potential to maximum effect [RMo]

A highly successful, satisfying anthology recital by a vocal ensemble at the top of its game [RMo]

Committed, full-throated bel canto singing – but it must be measured against formidable competition [RMo]

An interesting take on this contrapuntal masterpiece – but the sound engineering is peculiar [RMo]

As fine a modern, live account of this most pictorial of ballets as you could wish [RMo]

A beautiful warm timbre but too relaxed and urbane compared with more energised accounts [RMo]