rmo

Over fifty years on, this set is still holding up pretty well, despite a few negligible flaws [RMo]

Poschner once more subjects Bruckner’s Third Symphony to unreasonable and unaesthetic haste [RMo]

A fine Scheherazade, beautifully played but not necessarily superior to classic versions, and two thrilling Mussorgsky novelties which for me constitute the main interest of this issue [RMo]

Pristine’s stereo remastering reveals its glories yet more vividly – but unfortunately also highlights the constant hacking of the audience and Windgassen’s coordination problems. [RMo]

A great Callas recording is tidied up a bit, and her co-singers are brought into better focus [RMo]

A mercilessly rushed series of performances which almost invariably sacrifices grandeur in favour of mere propulsion [RMo]

An accomplished, early Strauss chamber work of mild interest and a tender, carefully wrought, but slightly too cautious Metamorphosen [RMo]

A great performance revitalised in extraordinarily vivid sound – another Pristine remastering triumph [RMo]

Bernstein in genial mood directing a luscious-sounding Concertgebouworkest [RMo]

An extraordinarily daring and vital realisation of a masterwork by a “maverick” conductor who dares to challenge convention – and triumphs [RMo]

Another way to skin the Sibelian cat – and enjoy sound of unparalleled depth and clarity [RMo]

by Ralph Moore

A varied and absorbing medley of American works [RMo]

Conducting, playing and engineering of the highest quality – subtle and thrilling in equal measure; a treasurable set [RMo]

A fine performance, well recorded, but inferior to Sinopoli’s more sensuous account [RMo]

A potentially attractive coupling, quite well played but too low-key and lightweight. [RMo]

A very well played anthology of what is not Tchaikovsky’s most memorable or celebrated music [RMo]

A crisp, rhythmically alert account, making a wholly persuasive case for the original version of Bruckner’s Second Symphony [RMo]

Another way to listen to this imperishable masterpiece, beautifully arranged for and performed by lower, male voices [RMo]

A survey by Ralph Moore

Thoroughly disappointing – a voice of no great distinction in a gimmicky programme [RMo]

The youthful Puccini’s complete songs, robustly sung – and an even more pleasing trio of early orchestral pieces [RMo]

A performance to convert the Sibelian reluctant to appreciate the bleak Fourth’s special qualities, in a death-laden programme complete with two superb companion pieces [RMo]

New repertoire from 16th and 17th Century Portuguese liturgical music, beautifully performed [RMo]