Somm Recordings

A valuable archive bicentenary tribute to Bedřich Smetana [JQ]

Splendid performances of an early version of a Howells quartet and a jaunty, attractive work by Charles Wood [JW]

A very welcome further installment in this significant historical Bruckner series [JQ]

Contrasting works by pupil and teacher in an intelligent, interesting programme [NB]

George Szell’s Smetana in live American performances [JW]

A good archive reading of Bruckner’s Third symphony and a more questionable Fourth [JQ]

The best of Handel in instrumental arrangements [JV]

A worthy 150th anniversary tribute to Gustav Holst [JQ]

Another fine anthology of historic live performances to mark an important anniversary [NB]

Challenging yet rewarding music, fine performance and recording [WH]

(Déjà Review) Three gorgeously, lyrical, romantic British violin sonatas played with great affection [IL]

Containing a number of recorded premieres, this is an attractive selection of some of Stanford’s many Irish songs [JQ]

This second instalment confirms this will be a series well worth following as the Bruckner bicentenary year progresses [JQ]

Not to be missed [WK]

Two notable archive recordings in excellent transfers to mark Schmidt’s 150th anniversary [JQ]

Excellent restorations which capture the very essence of these recordings [SG]

The Frankfurt Gang and Beatrice Harrison inspire a cellistic programme [JW]

Well worth investigating [GH]

The auspicious launch of what promises to be a Bruckner series of uncommon interest [JQ]

Bizet’s L’Arlésienne returns to its original theatrical roots, and the revelation is enchanting in the hands of Plasson [PCG]

The best thing to do with a disc such as this is to sit down, relax and enjoy [HC]

A fine representative collection; no more rustic accents, please [JW]

Lovers of English song should not hesitate: acquire this disc and gatecrash Uncle Ralph’s musical party [JQ]

Winsome, windy and windswept with the occasional folkloric moment, but Stanford on auto-pilot [JW]