March 2023
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 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: 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 Vol 1 (Danacord)
This is a desirable acquisition for all lovers of choral music [GF]
Porpora: L’aureo serto (Challenge Classics)
A satisfyingly versatile recital of bass arias [CRo]
