sb
Stephen Barber
Busoni: Piano Concerto (SWR Classic)
A worthy performance of this massive work but others are better [SB]
Tchaikovsky, Korngold: String Sextets (Hyperion)
Two delightful string sextets, expertly played [SB]
Stainer: The Crucifixion (Delphian)
An ideal performance of this famous old work which should win it new friends [SB]
Schumann: Chamber works with wind instruments (B Records)
Minor Schumann, but very pleasant listening [SB]
Britten: Violin Concerto (Orfeo)
An eloquent performance of the main work with an interesting early work to complement it [SB]
Pärt: Tractus (ECM)
These new arrangements for string orchestra of existing works are of more specialist than general appeal [SB]
Franck: Les Béatitudes (Fuga Libera)
A fine performance of this ambitious but uneven work, but note the skimpy documentation [SB]
Grieg: Violin Sonatas (Brilliant Classics)
A charming new version of Grieg’s attractive violin sonatas [SB]
Stravinsky: Violin Concerto, Apollon Musagète (Chandos)
Superb recordings of all the works here [SB]
Busoni: Doktor Faust (Dynamic)
Good singing and lighting do not outweigh poor orchestral playing and perverse staging [SB]
Łukaszewski: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2 (Dux)
Two impressive choral symphonies by this important Polish composer [SB]
Clarke, Britten & Bowen: British Music for Viola and Piano (Claves)
An international version of some very British works [SB]
Tcherepnin: Three generations of Chamber Works (Capriccio)
Nikolai’s quartet and Alexander’s piano quintet are the stand-out works here [SB]
Igor Levit (piano): Fantasia (Sony Classical)
Another outstanding recital from Levit, with a superb version of the big Busoni work [SB]
Henze: The Raft of the Medusa (Capriccio)
An impressive account of this once notorious work [SB]
Montgeroult: Piano Sonatas (Brilliant Classics)
Remarkable piano sonatas but check whether you are happy with the fortepiano [SB]
Mustonen: Symphonies Nos 2 & 3 (Ondine)
Two attractive works by this gifted Finnish composer [SB]
Noè Rodrigo Gisbert (percussion) Paraules (IBS Classical)
This recital of solo percussion works will appeal to the adventurous [SB]
Mozart and the Organ (Lawo Classics)
Most of the epistle sonatas and the three late organ works on one convenient disc [SB]
Hindemith: Ludus Tonalis (DUX)
An admirable new account of Hindemith’s piano masterpiece [SB]
Schubert: Lieder with Orchestra (BR Klassik)
Rewarding orchestral versions of Schubert songs, most sensitively performed [SB]
Hindemith: Cardillac (BR Klassik)
An excellent recording of a gripping but not loveable work [SB]
Higdon: Concertos (Naxos)
Two attractive examples of this prominent American composer’s work [SB]