Ida Presti & Alexandre Lagoya (guitars) Vol. 2 (Doremi)
A valuable contribution to the recorded history of the classical guitar [ZT]
Charpentier: Te Deum (Château de Versailles)
One of the main attractions of this disc is the magnificent De profundis [JV]
Rachmaninov: The Return (Challenge Classics)
One of Rachmaninov’s less famous works gets a highly emotional rendering on this debut disc [MZ]
Rarities of Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum 2002 (Danacord)
A number of works catch the ear [JW]
Schubert: String quartets Vol. 5 (Naxos)
The Kodály’s musicality shines through this delightful selection of three earlier works [CC]
Pohjola: String Quartets Nos 5-7 (Alba)
Three substantial string quartets in committed performances and a fine recording [HC]
Bach: The French Suites (Hyperion)
Enriching performances, informed by consummate musicianship [SG]
Beethoven & Schubert: String Quartets (Orchid Classics)
A highly attractive pairing of two of the greatest string quartets, interpreted and played to perfection [RMo]
Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos 4 & 11 (ICA Classics)
Rozhdestvensky conducts both symphonies with great authority and understanding [JQ]
Humperdinck: Königskinder (Naxos)
An enjoyable production of Humperdinck’s King’s Children, beautifully performed in effective modern staging [EJW]
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 5 & 7 (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) The stuff of legends, but what are legends made of? [CH]
Böhm: Works for Organ (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Very well played, and recorded in a beautiful clean, clear acoustic [SM]
Bach: Goldberg Variations (Deutsche Grammophon)
I’m not sure it is possible to overhype playing as good as this [DMD]
Composing Myself (Toccata Press)
One of the most important composer autobiographies [GH]
Schubert: Symphonies Vol. 3 (Chandos)
Excellent playing, woodwinds especially, but Brüggen brings more compelling, dramatic impact [MG]
Through The Night (BIS)
A stimulating medley of the best string music, beautifully executed [RMo]
Schumann: Symphony No. 1; Strauss: Sinfonia domestica (Orfeo)
(Déjà Review) Mitropoulos’ readings offer a must-hear, never less than fascinating experience [CC]
Cherubini: Medea (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) The set should be heard for its documentation of an extraordinary musical meeting [CH]
Auerbach: Milking Darkness (Challenge Classics)
Delta Piano Trio continue to excel in Auerbach’s music [LW]
Ekaterina Siurina (soprano): Where Is My Beloved? (Delos)
A stream of imperturbably sedate tone, virtually devoid of characterisation [RMo]
Puccini: Tosca (Pentatone)
An indifferent Scarpia, so this is not a premier choice, but great singing by Melody Moore and Ștefan Pop [GF]
Lully: Benedictus (Château de Versailles Spectacles)
An impressive testimony of Lully’s skills as a composer of sacred music [JV]
Beethoven, Berwald: Septets (BIS)
Two lovely chamber scores for strings and winds [SV]
Weyse: Sovedrikken [The Sleeping Draught] (Dacapo)
(Déjà Review) The score is bright, carries warm harmonies and is fast moving with enjoyable themes, and catchy motifs [RW]
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