BIS

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5, The Voyevoda, Capriccio italien  (BIS)

(Déjà Review) Popular and not so well known pieces, excellently played and stunningly recorded [JPh]

Sibelius Tone Poems Malkki Helsinki BIS 2638 SACD

Sibelius: Lemminkäinen Legends, Rakastava & Karelia Suite (BIS)

Fine performances, presented in exemplary sound [JQ]

Scarlatti: Sonatas (BIS)

(Déjà Review) A pianist to watch out for, and a recording that need not fear critical listening [ED]

Ruby Hughes (soprano): End of My Days (BIS)

An outstanding recital; elegantly conceived, ideally recorded and beautifully performed [RHa]

couperin lecons bis

F Couperin: Leçons de Ténèbres (BIS)

(Déjà Review) Music-making of a high order [RH]

Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)

Not a library choice but there’s a lot going for this recording of the Eighth [JQ]

john pickard mass in troubled times

Pickard: Mass in Troubled Times (BIS)

A lesser-known facet of Pickard’s output, with a viscerally thrilling performance of the Mass [HC]

Shostakovich: Chamber Symphonies (BIS)

(Déjà Review) This is a challenging and absorbing listening experience [PJL]

Jarrell: Orchestral Works (BIS)

Gripping, inventive, often beautiful music in superb performance and recording [HC]

Mahler Symph 8 Vanska BIS 2496SACD

Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)

Vänskä’s performance of Symphony of a Thousand; a rave review [EJW]

Leiviskä: Orchestral Works Volume 1 (BIS)

An auspicious first volume of orchestral music by an unfamiliar Finnish composer [NB]

Wilms: The Piano Concertos, Vol 2 (BIS)

If you like the fortepiano, you’ll enjoy this [SFV]

Kuusisto sym BIS2747

Kuusisto: Symphony (BIS)

Two remarkably cogent pieces, each composed by more than one hand [RHa]

Beethoven Harp String Quartet Chiaroscuro BIS2668SACD

Beethoven: String Quartets Opp 74 & 130 (BIS)

A very fine recording of the Harp Quartet, although the outer movements of the Op130 quartet are lacking in power and thus take the disc down a notch [MZ]

Stravinsky violin BIS2657

Stravinsky, Bartok & Martinů (BIS)

A puzzling release in which clarity trumps nuance and warmth [JW]

mahler symphony bis

Mahler: Symphony No 8 (BIS)

A stunner of a Mahler Eighth, one of the best since Solti’s classic account [RMo]

Anders Paulsson (soprano saxophone): Solitary Poems for Soprano Saxophone (BIS)

Beautiful, approachable contemporary music showcases the craft of a wonderful saxophonist [MB]

R Schumann: Piano Trios, Vol. 2 (BIS)

Superb performances of lesser-known but deeply rewarding Schumann [PBW]

Songs Sampson BIS2673

Carolyn Sampson (soprano) but I like to sing… (BIS)

A delight from start to finish – Carolyn Sampson is on effervescent form [JQ]

Chamber works Wigmore Soloists BIS 2547

Wigmore Soloists: Chamber Works (BIS)

Committed and inspiring performances of important chamber works [JF]

Folkjul – A Swedish Folk Christmas (BIS)

(Déjà Review) A refreshing Christmas disc, off the beaten track [GF]

Sumera Mushroom Cantata BISCD1560

Sumera: Mushroom Cantata (BIS)

(Déjà Review) As irreplaceable as a volume by a favourite author – be sure never to lend it to anyone; you’re unlikely to get it back! [DC]

Schubert impromptus BIS2614

Schubert: Impromptus (BIS)

A refreshingly intimate account of Schubert’s impromptus in masterly performances by a fortepiano player of unparalleled recording experience [MG]

Beethoven Piano Sonatas Brautigam BIS SACD1362

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos 8-11 (BIS)

(Déjà Review) A fresh viewpoint, though not everything convinces [CC]