From the Last Week

Revelatory and thoroughly engrossing [DF]

A tour de force from the leading dramatic soprano of the modern age [PH]

First recordings of two attractive Ukrainian piano concertos with a depressing history [EJW]

Lovers of piano music are in for a treat with the many discoveries this disc affords [SA]

A fine disc of cantatas by a relatively neglected composer [GPu]

An original recital including a creative imagining of a sixteenth quartet by Shostakovich [DHa]

(Déjà Review) An extraordinarily rewarding series now celebrated in a fourth volume [RB]

(Déjà Review) The set should be highly rewarding to those who place top priority on gorgeous music [DS]

An interesting glimpse into Doráti’s Hindemith [DHa]

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

A pleasant miscellany, though the number of very short tracks and the limited variety of instrumental colour makes sustained concentration difficult [GPu]

Intriguing arrangements for brass band of some contemporary pieces [KT]

Anyone wanting a collection of Fauré songs need look no further than this [GF]

The best available transfer of a great performance of Bruckner’s Eighth [PSt]

Four world premieres of a neglected late Baroque composer played with aplomb and vigour [MS]

Cortot’s playing almost always convinces one that his is the true way [CC]

A superb release which should not be missed [MP]

Fine performances but a problem with the recorded balance partially hinders one’s pleasure [GPu]

With abundant sonic splendour and musical prowess, Järvi and his band kick off their new Mahler cycle on a high (trumpet) note [KC]

These remarkable discs have been hard to track down so it is wonderful to have them collected together and to hear Etsuko Hirose’s dazzling pianism [RCh]

A welcome return to the music of Shostakovich by the Jerusalem Quartet [DHa]

Hard to find many positives here [DJB]

(Déjà Review) Merckel admirers can savour his very special musicianship in works entirely congenial to him [JW]

(Déjà Review) Finely paced readings with a clear sense of the inner relationship of the parts, textures and drama [ED]

A newly released live recording reminds us of the legacy of a great Mahlerian [DHa]

Music from the age of Boccaccio, performed colourfully, with sensitivity and imagination [GH]

Committed, full-throated bel canto singing – but it must be measured against formidable competition [RMo]

The cultured elegance of violinist Jelly d’Arányi in recordings from the 1920s and 30s [JW]

Brilliant performances of unusual, even quirky, repertoire [NB]

Rübsam brings a fresh and intoxicating musicality to these captivating scores [SG]

(Déjà Review) The players are clearly at home with these sonatas providing high expression combined with superb technique [MC]

(Déjà Review) Aristocratic playing and transfers that sound extremely well [JW]

Very interesting and worthwhile music in excellent performances [JQ]

The Varslavia Ensemble showcases the voice as an instrument for a magical experience [SA]

Virtuosic performances of Haydn full of wit, zest and the exuberance of life [PH]

An interesting take on this contrapuntal masterpiece – but the sound engineering is peculiar [RMo]

Concertmaster-soloist Arthur Catterall in historically valuable late acoustic recordings [JW]

A glimpse back into a Golden Age of singing [PH]

(Déjà Review) Not just recommended but absolutely essential to any civilised person [SH]

(Déjà Review) Resplendently carried off [RB]

An impressive collection with Il Pomo d’Oro giving first class performances [MC]