March 2023

strings chandos

Music for Strings (Chandos)

An absolutely outstanding disc containing some of the best of English string music [EJW]

Mozart’s Idomeneo

A survey by Ralph Moore

henley piano bridges

Henley: Piano Works (Bridges Records)

Variety, not uniformity: drama, quiet lives and noble protest [RB]

Gomes: Salvator Rosa (Regis)

(Déjà Review) One can but thank Dorset Opera for their enterprise [CF]

brahms krauss dutton

Brahms: Symphony 1, Alto Rhapsody (Dutton)

(Déjà Review) A must have for all historical devotees [GFe]

A Tribute to Pauline Viardot (Aparté)

Viotti’s range and diction are to be admired [MC]

Lipkin: Piano Works (Lyrita)

Not especially tough or unforgiving yet exerts a spell that stirs the heart and the mind [RB]

Titelouze: Hymnes de l’église (Aeolus)

A revelation [SG]

Netzel, Sandström, Tarrodi: Piano Concerti (BIS)

A master pianist in music written for (and by) him – a voyage of discovery [WH]

Havergal Brian: Symphonies No. 8, 9, 22, 24 (Heritage)

Brilliant re-masterings of superb, and possibly definitive, recordings [JF]

The Monteverdi Organ (Brilliant Classics)

Groundbreaking from the perspective of performance practice [JV]

The Making of a Medium Vol. 1 (Crystal Records)

(Déjà Review) A fine selection [RB]

Bach: Goldberg Variations (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A reference disc for these timeless variations for many years to come [GFe]

Beethoven: Violin Concerto (LSO Live)

A good performance of the concerto, fatally undermined by completely unsuitable cadenzas [JQ]

Enescu: Piano Sonatas (Prospero Classical)

Enescu’s finest piano works in superb performances by a newcomer [SB]

Haydn: 2032 Project, Vol. 13: Horn Signal (Alpha)

Recommended for a most enjoyable experience [SG]

Sophie Pacini (piano) Puzzle (Fuga Libera)

A very personal and individual approach to these romantic works that would not be for everyone [RCh]

Tommasino: The Enigma of the English Mozart (Shelf Life)

Greatly refreshing and inspires surefooted confidence [RB]

Vivaldi: La Senna festeggiante (Château de Versailles Spectacles)

If you have no recording of this work in your collection, this is a good choice [JV]

The King of the Golden River (SOMM Recordings)

(Déjà Review) Another enterprising album from SOMM that deserves to succeed [IL]

Wallace: Symphonic Poems (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) Truly resplendent works [VB]

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

A commentary by Alex Segal

Schultz efterklange DACOCD951

Schultz: Efterklange Vol 1 (Danacord)

This is a desirable acquisition for all lovers of choral music [GF]

Porpora aureo CC72924

Porpora: L’aureo serto (Challenge Classics)

A satisfyingly versatile recital of bass arias [CRo]