February 2023

Humour and Classical Music: Fantasia

by David Barker

Pettersson: Symphonies 10 & 11 (cpo)

(Déjà Review) Deeply impressing pieces [RB]

Stravinsky: Violin & Piano (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) An unexpectedly wide range of memorable repertoire in colourful and personally characterised performances [LF]

Schönberg, Berg: Transfigurations (Alpha Classics)

Intelligently programmed and well played key works of the Second Viennese School [NB]

Fabien Sevitzky (conductor) The Indianapolis Symphony Vol. 6 (Pristine Audio)

The final release in the Sevitzky-Indianapolis series ends in a celebration of the dance [JW]

Verdi: Messa da Requiem (Rondeau)

I have honestly never heard anything like this… [RMo]

Heinichen: Dresden Vespers (Accent)

Excellent recording of music by a composer who was in no way inferior to the best of his time [JV]

Haydn: The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross (Brilliant Classics)

With added flute part, this arrangement is a welcome curiosity for those already familiar with the work [SW]

Arnold: Orchestral Works (Chandos)

A great way to fill the gaps in one’s Malcolm Arnold collection with these superb performances and sound LW]

Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano) Le Belle Immagini (Deutsche Grammophon)

(Déjà Review) A disc that should be bought even by those who resist hype on principle [CH]

Bantock: Sappho (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A sensual and voluptuous delight [LM]

Sharon Bezaly (flute): Synergy (BIS)

Pleasing and moving, played with soulful and technical virtuosity [RB]

Araja & Pellegrini: Keyboard Works (Brilliant Classics)

Two little known composers whose work illustrates the polarities of harpsichord music in 18th century Italy [GPu]

Gideon Klein: Don’t forget about me (Toccata Press)

The life of a young genius tragically ended by a cruel and evil regime [SG]

Rachmaninov: All Night Vigil (Pentatone)

The famous Vespers, beautifully sung and more intimate than usual but with no lack of gravitas [RMo]

Rott: Symphony (Deutsche Grammophon)

Jakob Hrůša breaks a lance for the symphony by Hans Rott [JQ]

Vivaldi, Leclair, Locatelli: Violin Concertos (Harmonia Mundi)

An excellent demonstration of what was written for the violin in the high baroque era [JV]

Bax: Film Music (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) Bax’s discomfort with the medium of film music shows through [IL]

Dufay: Music for St Anthony of Padua (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) Superlative performances, well recorded, of attractive music: another excellent Helios reissue [BW]

McCabe: Piano Music (British Music Society)

(Déjà Review) A most worthwhile issue of some compelling British music [BBr]

Mahler: Symphonies (Sony)

(Déjà Review) In spite of reservations, hearing this music played by this orchestra under this conductor at this time is thrilling [TD]

Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (Forgotten Records)

The elegant, refined art of Peter Rybar in fine transfers from his Westminster legacy [JW]

Yggdrasil (2L)

A gloriously recorded and performed collection of songs for trees and nature [DC]

Marschner: Overtures & Stage Music Vol. 1 (Naxos)

Long-forgotten music that’s well worth a listen [RMay]