Bloch: Orchestral Works (Alto)

Often eloquently introspective but rising to anger and vigour [RB]

Bach Family: Motets (Christophorus)

Unusual performances due to relatively slow tempi, but full of expression [JV]

atmospheriques sono luminus

Atmospheriques Vol. 1 (Sono Luminus)

Dark Nordic masterpieces from this fine Icelandic orchestra [GPJ]

Clara Rockmore’s Lost Theremin Album (Bridge)

An affectionate tribute and mostly a pleasure that these recordings been set free [RB]

Debussy: Orchestral Works (Eloquence)

(Déjà Review) A delightful Debussy collection, excellently performed [MC]

Butterworth: Chamber Music (Dutton Epoch)

(Déjà Review) Tuneful and tonal works from a contemporary composer, in accomplished and suave performances [EML]

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Farrenc: Symphonies (Erato)

Another important step in establishing the reputation of this gifted composer [GPJ]

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Haydn: String Quartets Op 76 (NoMadMusic)

Fresh, mischievous Haydn from a brilliant young quartet [DMD]

Castrapolis BIS2585

Castrapolis: Neapolitan Cantatas & Arias (BIS)

An attractive programme of largely unfamiliar music from ‘Baroque’ Naples [GPu]

Harrison chamber RES10313

Harrison: Chamber Works (Resonus)

Chamber music pastures tilled by a little-known British melodist [RB]

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Corfield Godfrey: The Nightingale and the Rose (Prima Facie)

Admiringly appraised … a contemporary ‘take’ on romantic and lush impressionism [RB]

Gade piano C00685

Gade: Piano Works (Da Vinci Classics)

Attractive music but underwhelming performances [RCh]

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Salonen: Wing On Wing (Deutsche Grammophon)

Three impressive major works in magnificent performances [CT]

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Schuman: Symphonies 4 & 9 (Naxos)

Fine music by a composer who really had something to say [JQ]

All in Twilight David Harenstam DAPHNE1081

All in Twilight (Daphne)

Borderless explorations of new or unknown repertoire, new ways of expression, illuminating eye-openers [GF]

Bartok Concerto for Orchestra Canellakis Pentatone PTC5187027

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (Pentatone)

An outstanding version of the rare Four Orchestral Pieces and a very good one of the Concerto for Orchestra [SB]

Bruckner Symphony 4 Roth Myrios MYR032

Bruckner: Symphony 4 (Myrios Classics)

Roth makes a fine case for the original version of Bruckner’s Fourth [JQ]

Byrd Pavans Galliards Pienaar Avie AV2574

Byrd: Pavans & Galliards, Variations & Grounds (Avie)

A masterclass of historically informed performance on the piano with zip, colour and eloquence [MG]

Ingegneri Sacred Music Vol 3 Toccata TOCC0677

Ingegneri: Sacred Music, Vol 3 (Toccata Classics)

Another chance to discover fine sacred works by an underappreciated composer [GH]

Gesualdo Gent Herreweghe Phi LPH036

Gesualdo: Madrigals (PHI)

Expressive interpretations, but the ensemble is not entirely satisfying [JV]

Rossini Overtures Reiner RCA GD60837

Rossini: Overtures (RCA)

(Déjà Review) Effervescent music and the unmatched panache of Reiner’s conducting are a winning formula! [PJL]

Saint-Saens Chamber Nash Hyperion CDA67431-2

Saint-Saëns: Chamber Music (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A wonderfully presented release that is clearly one of my records of the year [MC]

romantic clarinet quintets musical concepts

Romantic Clarinet Quintets (Musical Concepts)

A warmly textured and rubato-conscious performance from an experienced clarinettist and chamber colleagues [JW]

messiaen canyons hyperion

Messiaen: Des canyons aux étoiles (Hyperion)

A fine new recording of Messiaen’s celebration of the natural world [SB]