tb
Terry Barfoot
Mahler: Symphony No.3 (Farao Classics)
(Déjà Review) Mehta knows how to handle large forces, but is less successful in conveying the music’s symphonic direction and flow [TB]
Schubert: Impromptus (Apex)
(Déjà Review) Leonskaja is an artist of the front rank and her interpretations have their own validity and abundant strengths [TB]
Britten: Cello Suites (Apex)
Butt has the music’s measure, supported by an always assured technique [TB]
Takemitsu: A String Around Autumn (BIS)
(Déjà Review) It is reassuring that in so ephemeral and vulgar a society as ours, music such as this still holds evident value [TB]
R Strauss: Suites (COE Records)
(Déjà Review) Leinsdorf makes a splendid case for these two rewarding suites [TB]
Bruckner: Symphony No 7 (Atma Classique)
(Déjà Review) A dedicated performance, with sensitive awareness of Bruckner’s idiom and musical characteristics [TB]
Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 (Elatus)
(Déjà Review) The playing and interpretations of Maxim Vengerov steal the show [TB]
Volans: String Quartets Nos 1, 2 & 6 (Black Box)
(Déjà Review) The instrumental combinations and sonorities make for compelling listening [TB]
Bruckner: Symphony No 5 (Profil)
(Déjà Review) Magnificent playing in a galvanising performance [TB]
Schubert: String Quartets Vol. 6 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) A fine example of interpretation and performance [TB]
Schubert: Sacred Music (Capriccio)
(Déjà Review) Often imaginative and sensitive music accorded a high standard of performance [TB]
Holmboe: Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 (BIS)
(Déjà Review) Music at once convincing and satisfying [TB]
Janáček: The Cunning Little Vixen (Arthaus Musik)
(Déjà Review) Mackerras conducts with love and understanding. The pacing is ideal, and the music’s lyrical intensity is experienced at every stage [TB]
Bach: Piano Transcriptions Volume 5 (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) Milne’s playing also reflects his love of this demanding yet rewarding repertoire [TB]
Schumann: Symphonies Nos 1-4 (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) With splendid standards of music making, recording and presentation, this is a benchmark and self-recommending issue [TB]
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Erato)
(Déjà Review) A dramatic rendition of Ruy Blas completes this most appealing new issue [TB]
Raff: String Quartets 6 & 7 (cpo)
(Déjà Review) A talented and wholly convincing composer, able to adapt classical principles and romantic ends [TB}
Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 (RCA)
Harnoncourt’s remarkable vision of this great symphonic master [TB]
Albinoni: Concerti a cinque (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) An outstanding issue in all regards [TB]
Anne Sofie von Otter: Lieder and Mélodies (Archiv Produktion)
(Déjà Review) A most satisfying recital by major artists in repertoire which expands our understanding of the composers [TB]
Beethoven: Symphony No.7 (Simax Classics)
An imaginative coupling, performed with drive and a real insight into the fundamental nature of both works [TB]
Brahms: Lieder Vol. 6 (cpo)
(Déjà Review) An altogether splendid offering from artists who know and love this music [TB]
Langgaard: Symphonies No.6, 7 & 8 (Dacapo)
(Déjà Review) Langgaard was the true heir of Wagner and Strauss [TB]