Somm Recordings

A certain stylistic sameness compromises the fine performances [NB]

An uneven but promising start to a large-scale exhumation [SV]

A fascinating set of rare live Fischer Dieskau performances and a chance to hear him reminisce [DHa]

A wonderful CD featuring works by four English composers [KT]

A disc that should gain wide recognition [SA]

Sargent’s charisma shows these scores in their best light [NB]

Scharwenka’s fine arrangements of these sunny, playful symphonies are superbly played [TMS]

A heartfelt portrait of a nation in vivid pianistic colours [PH]

From early Gurney to Ian Venables, the Pastoral is renewed through warmly flowing compositions [JW]

Boult’s stature as the leading Elgarian reaffirmed in spoken word and musical deed [NB]

New meat for cello fans [DC]

A most enjoyable disc [JQ]

A Boult miscellany spearheaded by the first CD appearance of the Second Symphony with the Scottish National Orchestra [JW]

A well-filled disc of two piano delights [PRJ]

The conclusion of a most rewarding series of archive Bruckner recordings [JQ]

A reissued BBC broadcast, two rehearsal segments in improved sound and a never-before-released BBC interview [JW]

Collectors who have been following this important Bruckner series can invest with confidence in this penultimate installment [JQ]

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]