rmo

Not the most “dangerous” or consistently inspired interpretation but so much of it exhibits elegance, beauty and restraint [RMo]

A palpable improvement over the remastering of the original mono recording and a fine performance in itself [RMo]

An oddly imbalanced double bill, with an enjoyable Brahms Requiem and some unbearably rushed Bruckner [RMo]

A grand, majestic performance catching all the requisite light and shade of Bruckner’s most popular and accessible symphony [RMo]

This sole studio recording of a thoroughly entertaining opera makes a strong case for its rehabilitation [RMo]

A faintly disguised incarnation of Karajan’s classic first studio recording with the BPO, which has long been available on other labels in somewhat superior sound [RMo]

Beautifully balanced between thrilling tension and lyricism despite – or because of? – the pervasively propulsive speeds [RMo]

Thoroughly enjoyable “period-informed” performances of some favourite Haydn symphonies, light, witty and acerbic [RMo}

A beautifully sung Faust, expertly conducted and superior to the later studio recording in everything but sound [RMo]

A powerful, idiomatic vintage recording of an unjustly neglected opera with some fascinating bonuses [RMo]

A fleet yet sonorous and profound account of these masterworks, played without repeats and delightfully absorbing [RMo]

An enterprising pairing of two works given thrilling, gripping performances and sound [RMo]

An oddly bland and inconsistent account which in no sense challenges established favourite recordings [RMo]

A compilation of superb recordings by some of the finest voices in this neglected opera [RMo]

A compilation demonstrating the versatility and musicality of Toscanini’s favourite tenor [RMo]

Pristine revitalises another indispensable gramophone classic but the improvement over the RCA issue is only marginal [RMo]

Far from ideal, but on balance the best of the French versions and its appeal is enhanced by excellent sound and conducting [RMo]

A survey by Ralph Moore

In no way does this new recording displace its illustrious predecessors except in terms of the clarity of its digital sound [RMo]

Another fine but essentially redundant issue in this Mahler series [RMo]

Handel’s grand outdoor showpieces reduced in scale to intimate chamber works [RMo]

Excellent orchestral playing, choral singing and conducting compromised by sub-par solo voices and thus a missed opportunity [RMo]

A charming anthology collected in tribute to a master interpreter of Schubert Lieder [RMo]

A survey by Ralph Moore