Nicolaus BRUHNS (1665-1697) Cantatas & Organ Works Vol 1 - Dann Coakwell, James Taylor (tenor) Paul Max Tipton (bass-baritone) Yale Institute of Sacred Music/Masaaki Suzuki (organ) rec. 2016/17 BIS BIS-2271 SACD [86:14] [GPu] By any standards, an inspired and inspiring disc, and the perfect introduction to Nicolaus Bruhns. Fernand de LA TOMBELLE (1854-1928) Organ Works 2 - Stanislaw Maryjewski (organ) rec. 2021 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0517/18 [2 CDs: 150:35] [MR] Stanislaw Maryjewski convinces us that this is a composer whose neglect is thoroughly unjustified. Allan PETTERSSON (1911-1980) Complete Songs - Peter Mattei (baritone) Bengt-Åke Lundin (piano) rec. 2021 BIS BIS2584 SACD [71:35] [GF] If you have to limit yourself to only one recording of these songs, this is the one to go for. Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Earth’s Wide Bounds - Leah Jackson (soprano) Joshua Ryan (organ) Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea/William Vann rec. 2020/21 ALBION RECORDS ALBCD051 [78:05] [JQ] A marvellous disc in every respect. Simone Dinnerstein (piano) Undersong - Works by Francois Couperin, Robert Schumann, Glass & Satie rec. 2020 ORANGE MOUNTAIN MUSIC OMM0156 [73:28] [MSJ] Dinnerstein's trilogy of intimate home-recorded albums concludes with a compelling mix of ever-shifting music from across three centuries.

Hans ABRAHAMSEN (b. 1952) Schnee - Lapland Chamber Orchestra/John Storgårds rec. 2020 DACAPO 6.220585 SACD [54:18] [LW] Fascinating work in an excellent performance with sound to match.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Complete Lute Works - Evangelina Mascardi (lute) rec. 2020/21 ARCANA A529 [60:11 + 50:41] [SW] A superb recording of Bach’s varied and enthralling lute works.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantatas Dieterich BUXTEHUDE (c1637-1707) Klag-Lied - Iestyn Davies (countertenor) Carolyn Sampson (soprano) John Mark Ainsley (tenor) Neal Davies (bass-baritone) Tom Foster (organ) Arcangelo/Jonathan Cohen rec. 2020 HYPERION CDA68375 [65:12] [SG] Radiant performances, immensely satisfying.

Samuel BARBER (1910–1981) Orchestral Works - Molly McGurk (soprano), London Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra/ David Measham rec. 1973–76 ALTO ALC1463 [78:04] [RB] Vintage Barber recordings … superheated radiance … penetrating poignancy.

Woldemar BARGIEL (1828-1897) Piano Trios Nos 1 & 2 - Leonore Piano Trio rec. 2021 HYPERION CDA68342 [73:31] [DJB] Two works that fit very well into the Schumann-Brahms soundworld.

Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) The Complete Songs - Fleur Barron (mezzo-soprano), Louise Kemény, Soraya Mafi (sopranos), Jess Dandy (contralto), Julien Van Mellaerts (baritone), William Thomas (bass), Dylan Perez (piano) rec. 2021 RESONUS RES10301 [78:14 + 80:26] [GF] A valuable addition to the Barber discography, not least due to 19 first recordings.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) String Quartets Nos 4-6 - Chiaroscuro Quartet rec. 2019 BIS BIS-2498 SACD [79:55] [DBi] The most stimulating disc of Beethoven Quartets I have heard in a very long time - essential listening.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No.9 - Ch & O Bayreuth Festival/Wilhelm Furtwängler rec. 1951 BIS BIS-9060 SACD [82:45] [MB] Stick with Orfeo unless you particularly want to feel as if you are sitting in front of a radio in 1951.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Complete Piano Concertos - Krystian Zimerman (piano) London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2020 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4839971 [3 CDs: 172:40] [JQ] I enjoyed and admired this set very much - it’s well worth hearing.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No. 6 Steven STUCKY (1949-2016) Silent Spring - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra/Manfred Honeck rec. 2017/18 REFERENCE RECORDINGS FR-747 SACD [58:02] [LD] Probably for Honeck’s admirers only – and even they should proceed with some caution.

Lord BERNERS (1883–1950) Le Carrosse Du Saint-Sacrement, Caprice péruvien - Ian Caddy (baritone), Alexander Oliver (tenor), RTÉ Sinfonietta/David Lloyd Jones, BBC Symphony Orchestra/ Nicholas Cleobury rec. 1983/95 NAXOS 8.660510 [78:47] [GH] A re-issue of the composer’s only opera in a lively and strongly characterised presentation.

Marco Enrico BOSSI (1861–1925) Complete Organ Works Vol. 15 - Andrea Macinanti (organ) rec. 2002–21 TACTUS TC862791 [2 CDs: 110:59] [MR] The final volume of this long-running complete Bossi organ music series, comprises an odd assortment of trifles ranging from the sublime to the vaguely ridiculous.

Giovanni BOTTESINI (1821-1889) String Quintets Nos 1-3 - I Musicanti, Leon Bosch (double bass) rec. 2021 SOMM SOMMCD0645 [77:22] [GPu] Shows that there was more to Bottesini than being “the Paganini of the double bass”.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphonies Nos 3 & 4 - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Herbert Blomstedt rec. 2021 PENTATONE PTC5186852 [80:38] [JQ] Interpretations and playing of great distinction.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Sextets - Belcea Quartet, Tabea Zimmermann (viola), Jean-Guihen Queyras (cello) rec. 2021 ALPHA 792 [75:54] [MC] The warm generosity of spirit and compelling character of these works, very successfully captured.

Havergal BRIAN (1876–1972) Faust - Peter Hoare (tenor), David Soar (bass-baritone), Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera/Martyn Brabbins rec. 2019/21 DUTTON EPOCH SACD 2CDLX7385 [76:55 + 58:25] [JQ] All admirers of Havergal Brian’s music should add this important release to their collection.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 4 - Bruckner Orchestra Linz/Markus Poschner rec. 2021 CAPRICCIO C8083 [83:16] [RMo] As fine an account of Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony as you could wish to encounter.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 4 - Altomonte Orchester St Florian/Rémy Ballot rec. 2021 GRAMOLA 99261 SACD [79:27] [RMo] Ballot’s leisureliness in Bruckner is controversial as always but with its own interest and insights.

Fortunato CHELLERI (1690-1757) 6 Sonate di Galanteria - Luigi Chiarizia (harpsichord) rec. 2017 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 96308 [70:49] [JV] Pleasant sonatas by a little-known composer.

Frédéric CHOPIN (1810–1849) Piano Concertos (chamber arrangements) - Emmanuel Despax (piano), Chineke! Chamber Ensemble rec. 2021 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD700 [75:09] [RMay] Attractive new accounts of the Chopin concertos in chamber versions.

Edward COWIE (b. 1943) Where Song Was Born - Sara Minelli (flute), Roderick Chadwick (piano) rec. 2021 MÉTIER MSV28620 [67:12] [GH] Twenty-four highly original miniatures inspired by Antipodean birds.

Frederic CURZON (1899-1973) Orchestral Music - Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra/Adrian Leaper rec. 1991 NAXOS 8.555172 [66:25] [PCG] A reissue of Frederic Curzon's music, still unchallenged in the catalogue.

Robert DOCKER (1918-1992) Three Contrasts & other orchestral works - RTÉ Concert Orchestra/Barry Knight rec. 1995 NAXOS 8.574322 [78:38] [JF] Delightful, committed playing by all the performers.

Ernst von DOHNÁNYI (1877–1960) Concertos, Variations On A Nursery Song - Sofja Gülbadamova (piano), Silke Aichhorn (harp), Andrei Ionita (cello), Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz/ Modestas Pitrenas rec. 2021 CAPRICCIO C5463 [68:14] [RCh] A valuable disc bringing these three rewarding works together.

Jonathan DOVE (b.1959) Judith WEIR (b.1954) & Matthew MARTIN (b.1976) Choral works - Peter Holder (organ) Westminster Abbey Ch/James O’Donnell rec. 2020 HYPERION CDA68350 [70:16] [MR] English church music by three living British composers exquisitely performed by the choir and organists of Westminster Abbey.

Antonín DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Cello Concerto, Serenade for Strings - Petr Nouzovský (cello), Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice/Stanislav Vavřínek rec. 2021 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95696 [74:34] [WH] A very fine reading of a favourite concerto.

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) The Reeds by Severn Side - Joshua Ryan (organ), Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea/William Vann rec. 2021 SOMM RECORDINGS SOMMCD278 [79:47] [JF] An ideal survey of Elgar’s choral music.

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Elgar Reimagined - Raphael Wallfisch (cello), English Symphony Orchestra/Kenneth Woods rec. 2020 LYRITA SRCD 394 [69:27] [JQ] An excellent re-imagining of Elgar’s String Quartet.

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Elgar from America Vol. 3 - rec. 1953-59 SOMM ARIADNE 5015-2 [69:50+ 58:03] [PCG] Barbirolli’s live New York Dream of Gerontius is something of a revelation.

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Piano Trio, Piano Quartet No 1 - Stefan Tarara (violin) Molly Carr (viola) Eun-Sun Hong (cello) Josu De Solaun (piano) rec. 2021 NAXOS 8.573616 [58:18] [LW] Enescu chamber music in spirited and persuasive performances.

George ENESCU (1881-1955) Violin Concerto, Phantasy - Carolin Widmann (violin) Luiza Borac (piano) NDR Radiophilharmonie/Peter Ruzicka rec. 2021 CPO 555 487-2 [53:33] [SB] Early works, beautifully unearthed and presented, but really only for Enescu completists.

Einar ENGLUND (1916-1999) Complete Music for Solo Piano - Laura Mikkola (piano) rec. 2017 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0356 [71:44] [HC] A fine exploration of Englund’s piano music.

Morton FELDMAN (1926-1987) For Bunita Marcus, Palais de Mari, Triadic Memories - Alfonso Gomez (piano) rec. 2021 KAIROS KAI0015106 [3 CDs: 187:00] [DMD] An ideal way into the magical world of Feldman’s music.

Ignacy FRIEDMAN (1882-1948) Complete Songs - Şen Acar (soprano), Szymon Chojnacki (bass-baritone), Jakub Tchorzewski (piano) rec. 2021 ACTE PRĖALABLE AP0523 [79:41] [RCh] It is a real pleasure to hear the beautiful songs of this famous pianist.

Umberto GIORDANO (1867-1948) Siberia - Sonya Yoncheva (soprano) Giorgi Sturua (tenor) O e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino/Gianandrea Noseda rec. 2021 DYNAMIC CDS7928.02 [51:11 + 43:43] [MC] Those who enjoy the verismo tradition and rarely recorded operas should savour this. 

Edward GREGSON (b. 1945) Chamber Music - Alison Teale (cor anglais) Rob Buckland (alto saxophone) Navarra String Quartet rec. 2021 NAXOS 8.574223 [67:04] [JF] Five premiere recordings reveal great depth, vision and technical assurance.

Camargo GUARNIERI (1907–1993) Choros Vol. 2 - São Paulo Symphony Orchestra/Roberto Tibiriçá rec. 2020/21 NAXOS 8.574403 [70:13] [NB] Spirited and compelling performances of instantly attractive music.

Sofia GUBAIDULINA (b. 1931) Orchestral Works - Radiophilharmonie Hannover des NDR/ Johannes Kalitzke, Bernard Klee rec. 1991–1993 CPO 999164-2 [57:42] [SB] A valuable collection of this fine composer’s work.

Louis Gabriel GUILLEMAIN (1705-1770) 12 Caprices, Amusement - Gilles Colliard (violin) rec. 2001/02 EMEC RECORDS E-048/054 [64:08 & 78:04] [JV] Impressive performances of music by Guillemain who was Leclair's equal.

George Frederick HANDEL (1685-1759) Saul - Florian Boesch (bass-baritone) Jake Arditti (counter-tenor) Anna Prohaska (soprano) Arnold Schoenberg Ch, Freiburg Baroque O/Christopher Moulds rec. 2021 UNITEL 805604 Blu-ray [158 mins] [PCG] A superb performance of Handel’s oratorio, but concerns about aspects of the production.

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) La Resurrezione - Sophie Bevan, Lucy Crowe (soprano) Iestyn Davies (countertenor), The English Concert/Harry Bickett rec. 2021 LINN CKD675 [64:48+52:30] [RMo] A faithful, atmospheric recreation of Handel’s youthful showpiece, compromised by some indifferent singing.

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah - Eboracum Baroque/Chris Parsons rec. 2020 EBORACUM BAROQUE [2 CDs: 132:08]  [JD] Despite the sense of joy here, significant flaws prevent this recording from being a contender.  

Emil HARTMANN (1836-1898) Scandinavian Folk Music – Cathrine Penderup (piano) rec. 2021 DANACORD DACOCD 936-937 [2 CDs: 116:26] [JF] The performance of this novel musical byway is committed and expressive.

Thomas Alexandrovich de HARTMANN (1885-1956) Orchestral Music - Bülent Evcil (flute) Lviv Ntl PO Ukraine/Theodore Kuchar rec. 2021 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0633 [65:55] [EJW] Enjoyable, unusual orchestral music by a little-known composer.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Complete Symphonies Vol. 26 - Heidelberger Sinfoniker/Johannes Klumpp rec. 2020 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC HC22019 [68:16] [MC] Johannes Klumpp and the Heidelberger Sinfoniker make a strong case for these early symphonies.

Mary HOWE (1882-1964) Songs and Duets - Courtney Maina (soprano) Christopher A. Leach (tenor) Mary Dibbern (piano) rec. 2021 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0634 [69:24] [WK] Wonderful interpretations of works by an important American voice.

Charles IVES (1874-1954) & Samuel BARBER (1910-1981) String Quartets - Emerson String Quartet rec. 1990/91 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 435 864-2 [64:40] [PBW] These are superb performances – an essential purchase in every way.

John JENKINS (1592-1678) Four-Part Consorts - Phantasm rec. 2012 LINN RECORDS CKD677 [76:15] [JV] Consort playing of the highest level.

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Die Tote Stadt - Klaus Florian Vogt (tenor) Camilla Nylund (soprano) Finnish National Opera Chorus & Orchestra/Mikko Franck rec. 2010 OPUS ARTE OACD9050D [2 CDs: 143:42] [DBi] This is a perfectly decent recording of Korngold’s lovely opera but there are others that include librettos and are better recorded.

Jean-Baptiste LULLY (1632-1687) Grands Motets Vol. 2 - Les Épopées/Stéphane Fuget rec. 2021 CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES SPECTACLES CVS059 [66:20] [DBi] Urgent performances of supremely good Motets by a master of the French Baroque.

Thomas LUPO (1571-1627) Fantasia - Fretwork rec. 2018 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD716 [64:06] [DMD] The Rolling Stones of the viol world make an irresistibly charismatic case for a lesser known composer.

Bruno MADERNA (1920-1973) Hyperion - Annette Meriweather (soprano), Carmelo Bene (reciter), Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro della RAI di Milano/Marcello Panni rec. 1981 TACTUS TC920290 [52:30 + 31:25] [GH] A highly original, avant-garde work of the 1960s unlikely to appeal to most modern listeners.

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No.4 - Chen Reiss (soprano) Czech PO/Semyon Bychkov rec. 2020 PENTATONE PTC5186972 [56:49] [DMD] Deserves to be added to the list of recent outstanding versions of this much recorded symphony.

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 8 - London Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra/Vladimir Jurowski rec. 2017 LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO-0121 [83:25] [RMo] Initial sound issues soon give way to reveal a stupendous performance, even if the some of the solo singing has been bettered.

Johann Simon MAYR (1763-1845) Alfredo il Grande - Marie-Luise Dressen (mezzo), Concerto de Bassus/Franz Hauk rec. 2019 NAXOS 8.660483-84 [87:08 + 69:16] [MP] An honorable effort to breathe life into a long lost operatic curiosity.

Fanny MENDELSSOHN HENSEL (1805-1847) A Woman’s Hand - Helen Cawthorne (piano) rec. 2021 PRIMA FACIE PFCD172 [61:20] [JF] Technically and interpretively perfect – a voyage of delight from end to end.

Ernest J MOERAN (1894–1950) Chamber Music - Fidelio Trio, Nicky Sweeney (violin) rec. 2021 RESONUS RES10296 [66:27] [JW] A rare, and successful, outing for an all-Moeran chamber disc.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Piano Concertos Nos 22 & 23 - Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano) Manchester Camerata/Gábor Takács-Nagy rec. 2021 CHANDOS CHAN20166 [64:34] [MG] Bavouzet and Takács-Nagy provide fresh insights in their ongoing exploration of Mozart.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Così fan tutte - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Lisa Otto (soprano) Nan Merriman (mezzo) Philharmonia Ch & O/Herbert von Karajan rec. 1954 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO189 [3 CDs: 160:33] [RMo] This classic performance is now revealed in new glory.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 3, Sinfonia Concertante - David Oistrakh (violin), Rudolf Barshai (viola), Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra/Kirill Kondrashin rec. 1959-63 ALTO ALC1454 [75:23] [RB] A heartfelt entry-price contender in strong 1960s mono.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Serenades - Berliner Barock Solisten/Reinhard Goebel rec. 2021 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC HC21013 [51:29] [PBW] As Goebel's way with Mozart is very individual, its appeal undoubtedly will be a matter of personal taste.

Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) & Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concertos - Johan Dalene (violin) Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra/John Storgårds rec. 2021 BIS BIS2620 SACD [73:32] [RWe] The only SACD choice for this coupling, in fine performances, especially the Nielsen.

Fernando PALATÍN (1852-1927) Violin Virtuoso - Rafael Muñoz Torrero (violin) Julio Moguer (piano) rec. 2020 IBS CLASSICAL IBS222021 [68:13] [JW] An attractive exploration of the art of a little-remembered virtuoso of the violin.

Dora PEJAČEVIĆ (1885-1923) Piano Concerto, Symphony - Peter Donohoe (piano) BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sakari Oramo rec. 2021 CHANDOS CHSA5299 SACD [70:57] [NB] A sweepingly impressive symphony overshadows a less individual concerto.

Hieronymus PRAETORIUS (1560-1629) Organ Works - Léon Berben (organ) rec. 2021 AEOLUS AE-11311 SACD [78:46 + 78:29] [SG] Once again, Aeolus mines attractive rarities.

Florence PRICE (1887-1953) Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, Piano Concerto Valerie COLEMAN (b. 1970) Umoja: Anthem of Unity Jessie MONTGOMERY (b. 1981) Soul Force - Michelle Cann (piano) New York Youth Symphony/Michael Repper rec. 2020 AVIE AV2503 [52:51] [LW] A celebration of Black American women composers.

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858–1924) La bohème - Celine Byrne (soprano) Merūnas Vitulskis (tenor) Irish Ntl Opera Ch & O/Sergio Alapont rec. 2021 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD702 [2 CDs: 107:03] [GF] Not a frontrunner but has a great deal to offer even so.

Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Orchestral Works - Royal Stockholm PO/Sakari Oramo rec. 2020/21 BIS BIS-2438 SACD [68:43] [JQ] A highly enjoyable Ravel collection.

Silvestre REVUELTAS (1899-1940) Redes Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) The City - PostClassical Ensemble/Angel Gil-Ordóñez rec. 2007/14 NAXOS 8.574350 [68:27] [NB] Fine and important complete recreations of two seminal film scores.

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792–1868) Il barbiere di Siviglia - Maria Callas (soprano) Luigi Alva (tenor) Tito Gobbi (baritone) Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus/Alceo Galliera rec. 1957 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO191 [59:44 + 70:04] [RMo] Anyone new to this timeless and perennial favourite is urged to go for the Pristine option - it is as good as it gets.

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Ermione, La donna del lago, Bianca e Falliero - rec. 2000-2009 OPERA RARA CLASSICS ORB2 [8 CDs: 614 mins] [MC] Bel canto enthusiasts should not hesitate to acquire these opera recordings.

Albert ROUSSEL (1869-1937) Le Testament de la Tante Caroline - Marie Lenormand, Marion Gomar, Lucile Komitès, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes/Dylan Corlay rec. 2019 NAXOS 8.660479 [79:00] [SB] Roussel’s comic opera is workmanlike but lacks fizz.

Poul RUDERS (b. 1949) Harpsichord Concerto - Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord) Aarhus Symphony Orchestra/Leif Segerstam rec. 2020 OUR RECORDINGS 9.70896 [20:58] [PRB] A delicious Danish delight, with more than enough tang to tantalize anyone’s taste buds.

Claudio SANTORO (1919–1989) Symphony Nos. 5 & 7 - Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra/Neil Thomson rec. 2018 NAXOS 8.574402 [70:58] [EJW] 20^th Century Brazilian music, well recorded and performed, but ultimately lacking memorability or any notable ‘personal voice’.

Erik SATIE (1866-1925) Piano Music Vol. 5: Ésoterik Satie - Noriko Ogawa (piano) rec. 2018 BIS BIS-2345 SACD [76:04] [SB] Intense but rather limited pieces from Satie’s involvement with occultism.

Franz SCHUBERT (1797–1828) The Fair Maid of the Mill - Nicky Spence (tenor), Christopher Glynn (piano) rec. 2020 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD711 [63:25] [GF] Nicky Spence’s theatrical reading should be a natural choice for those wanting an English language version, but also an interesting alternative for already well-stocked collectors.

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Complete Symphonies & Fragments - L’Orfeo Barockorchester/Michi Gaigg rec. 2018 CPO 555228-2 [4 CDs: 277:25] [JLW] Schubert’s symphonies in the moment of creation.

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Arabeske, Kreisleriana, Fantasie - Stephen Hough (piano) rec. 2020 HYPERION CDA68363 [70:07] [PBW] Admirers of Stephen Hough's artistry should first listen to this, rather than automatically buying; for me it is a mismatch.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) & Mieczysław WEINBERG (1919-1996) Piano Trios & Songs - Kateryna Kasper (soprano) Trio Vivente rec. 2020 CPO 555 367-2 [77:37] [SA] A most intelligent reading of all the works; Weinberg’s piano trio is the highlight.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Concerto No. 1, Symphony No. 9 - Yefim Bronfman (piano) Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/Mariss Jansons rec. 2011/12 BR KLASSIK 900202 [46:17] [WH] Superb live performances of two of Shostakovich’s most mercurial works.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Jazz Suite No.1, The Age of Gold & The Limpid Stream suites, Suite for Variety Orchestra - Singapore SO/Andrew Litton rec. 2019 BIS BIS-2472 SACD [69:14] [NB] Sophisticated performances of entertaining music.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphonies 1-7 - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra/Klaus Mäkelä rec. 2021 DECCA 4852256 [4 CDs: 264:23] [DMD] The young Finn shows he is much more than a wunderkind.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) The Complete Symphonies - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra/Klaus Mäkelä rec. 2021 DECCA 485 2256 [4 CDs: 265:13] [RWe] An impressive debut recording – no allowance required for the conductor’s youth.

Roman STATKOWSKI (1859-1925) Piano Works 3 - Anna Paras (piano) rec. 2021 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0536 [53:21] [PRB] Yet another new name with something of true merit to say.

Roman STATKOWSKI (1859-1925) Works for Violin and Piano - Natan Dondalski (violin), Anna Paras (piano) rec. 2021 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0537 [49:15] [PRB] A composer of charming miniatures, but with a disproportionately large talent and heart.

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Metamorphosen Franz SCHREKER (1878-1934) Intermezzo Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Symphonic Serenade - Sinfonia of London/John Wilson rec. 2021 CHANDOS CHSA5292 SACD [64:22] [ST] A total treat: you’ll have a whale of a time while you listen.

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Metamorphoses - Le OFF rec. 2019 NOMADMUSIC NMM100 [58:34] [RMo] Something of an odd hodgepodge which is nonetheless beautifully played.

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) The Firebird, Petrushka, The Rite of Spring - London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2017 LSO LIVE LSO5096 SACD [47:26 + 69:07] [NB] Rattle calling cards played with assured brilliance by the LSO.

Alfons SZCZERBIŃSKI (1858-1895) Complete Piano Works Vol. 2 - Giorgio Koukl (piano) rec. 2021 GRAND PIANO GP884 [61:52] [RCh] More elegant piano music from this forgotten Pole.

Alfons SZCZERBIŃSKI (1858-1895) Complete Piano Works 2 - Giorgio Koukl (piano) rec. 2021 GRAND PIANO GP884 [61:52] [SA] Hopefully Koukl’s excellent performances of these extremely enjoyable works will bring the composer’s compositional talents to a wider audience of lovers of piano music.

Jenö TAKÁCS (1902-2005) Piano Concerto & other orchestral works - Oliver Triendl (piano) Nina Karmon (violin) Georgian Chamber Orchestra Ingolstadt/Evan-Alexis Christ rec. 2020 CAPRICCIO C5438 [65:59] [CL] Presents the serious and not-so-serious sides of the globe-trotting composer, pianist, and pedagogue.

Germaine TAILLEFERRE (1892–1983) Her Piano Works, Revived Vol. 1 - Nicolas Horvath (piano) rec. 2021 GRAND PIANO GP891 [83:21] [GPJ] A fine disc which displays the enormous breadth of Tailleferre’s achievement, and celebrates her outstanding musical gifts.

Evert TAUBE (1890-1976) Out There So Quiet & other songs - Torsten Mossberg (tenor) rec. 2020/21 STERLING CDA1857-2 [73:44] [GF] This recording is another feather in Torsten Mossberg’s cap.

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Chamber Music - Rainer Seidl (bassoon), Daniel Valentin Marx (guitar) rec. 2021 NAXOS 8.551433 [51:15] [GPJ] An enjoyable disc of music for this unusual but highly successful combination of instruments.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) A Sea Symphony - Isobel Baillie (soprano) John Cameron (baritone) London Philharmonic Ch & O/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 1953-1954 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC658 [67.20] [PCG] The remastering of a historic recording, nearly seventy years old, which still justifies its place in the catalogue.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphonies Nos 5 & 6 - BBC Symphony Orchestra/Sir Adrian Boult rec. 1975, 1972 ICA CLASSICS ICAC5164 [69:06] [JW] A critically penetrating interpreter with new things to say about the music.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Pan’s Anniversary - Britten Sinfonia/William Vann rec. 2021 ALBION RECORDS ALBCD054 [71:48] [NB] Dependably fine recordings of unknown Vaughan Williams, the arrangement of The Fantasia is more a curio than convincing.

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La mia letizia infondere - Héctor Sandoval (tenor) Philharmonie Baden-Baden/Pavel Baleff rec. 2007 GRAMOLA 99233 [52:36] [SV] A worthy heir to the Pavarotti style, but technical lapses intrude.

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) La Senna Festeggiante - Gwendoline Blondeel (soprano), Lucile Richardot (mezzo-soprano), Luigi De Donato (bass), Orchestre del’Opéra Royal/Diego Fasolis rec. 2021 CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES CVS064 [80:49] [DBi] Perhaps Vivaldi’s best secular vocal music in a performance which might be equalled elsewhere but is very enjoyable.

Mortimer WILSON (1876–1932) The Thief of Bagdad - Frankfurt Radio Symphony/Mark Fitz-Gerald rec. 2019 FIRST HAND RECORDS FHR126 [74:45] [WK] Even if you do not know the film, this is very fine music in its own right.

Paul WRANITZKY (1756-1808) Works for oboe - Vilém Veverka (oboe) Wranitzky Kapelle/Marek Štilec rec. 2021 ARCODIVA UP0235 [56:35] [SV] Pleasing if short-winded Classical concerti.

David YARDLEY (b. 1978) The Lost Codex of Avalon - David Yardley (alto) Chloe Lankshear (soprano) Cristina Alís Raurich (portative organ) The Song Company, Sydney Chamber Choir/Sam Allchurch, Pastance TALISMAN [57:30] [MP] Enjoyably performed Medieval pastiche that will especially appeal to the re-enactment crowd.

Bach before Bach Chouchane Siranossian (violin) Balász Máté (bass violin, cello) Leonardo García Alarcón (harpsichord) rec. 2020 ALPHA 758 [64:22] [JV] A fine disc, which will give every lover of the violin much pleasure.

British Piano Concertos Simon Callaghan (piano) BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Martyn Brabbins rec. 2021 LYRITA SRCD407 [68:33] [HC] Lesser-known works for piano and orchestra, played with highly communicative enthusiasm.

Les caractères de la danse Works by Lully, Rebel, Rameau, Gluck and Mozart - Orchestre de l'Opéra Royal/Reinhard Goebel rec. 2021 CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES SPECTACLES CVS055 [70:06] [JV] The more recently the music was written, the better the performances are.

Marcel Ciampi (piano) Live in Concert – Paris 1955-56 - L’Association des Concerts de chambre de Paris/Fernand Oubradous SOLSTICE SOCD395 [80:04] [JW] A great French pianist in previously unreleased live concerts from the mid-50s.

Cool Tunes for the Big Bassoon Susan Nigro (contrabassoon), Mark Lindeblad (piano) rec. 2021 CRYSTAL RECORDS CD980 [59:32] [GPJ] An excellent introduction to this diffident and often neglected instrument.

I Diporti della Villa in ogni Stagione, Venezia 1601 Gruppo Vocale Àrsi & Tèsi/Tony Corradini rec. 2019 TACTUS TC590005 [65:06] [JV] Very enjoyable, even without understanding the texts.

Dumka Jasmina Kulaglich (piano) rec. 2021 CALLIOPE CAL2194 [69:23] [RCh] An attractive collection with some nice surprises but lacking in passion.

Dutch Hidden Gems Works for viola by Badings, Werkman, Koetsier & Bosmans - Dana Zemtsov (viola) Anna Fedorova (piano) Phion, Orchestra of Gelderland & Overijssel/Shizuo Kuwahara rec. 2021 CHANNEL CLASSICS CCS41222 [65:10] [DBi] For once we really do have a hidden gem - the Badings Viola Concerto is a valuable discovery and worth the price of this excellent CD.

Oksana Dyka (soprano) In Questa Reggia - Kaunas City SO/Constantine Orbelian rec. 2019 DELOS DE3586 [68:05] [MC] Despite some caveats, this collection of Puccini and Verdi arias provides many electrifying moments.

Christian Ferras (violin) Violin Recitals in Germany 1953-1965 - Pierre Barbizet (piano) MELOCLASSIC MC2048 [78:17 + 74:55] [JW] Recital favourites but also works new to Ferras’ legacy enliven this twofer from Meloclassic.

Christian Ferras (violin) Concert Tours in Europe 1961-74 MELOCLASSIC MC2049 [77:54 + 76:47] [JW] Ferras in warhorses but also in repertoire new to his discography.

Norma Fisher (piano) At the BBC Vol. 3 - Works by Brahms, Chopin & Schumann rec. 1984/92 SONETTO CLASSICS SONCLA006 [62:21] [SG] For technically wonderful pianism and musically informed interpretations, look no further.

From Dennis Brain’s Library Stephen Stirling (horn) Tony Halstead, Kathron Sturrock (piano) Christian Halstead (violin) rec. 2021 MPR 112 [78:21] [JD] A treat not for only for horn enthusiasts but anyone who enjoys listening to excellent performers.

Bronislaw Gimpel (violin) Live Vol. 1 rec. 1937-1967 DOREMI DHR-8163-64 [75:26 + 79:14] [JW] The vivid and communicative Bronislaw Gimpel, charted over three decades.

Bronislaw Gimpel (violin) Live Vol. 1 rec. 1930s-1967 DOREMI DHR-8163/4 [75:24 + 79:12] [SG] A player who never achieved the fame he deserved.

Global Wagner – From Bayreuth to the World A film by Axel Brüggemann NAXOS 2.110708 DVD [97 mins] [DJB] There’s an interesting story in here, trying hard to get out but not succeeding.

Sir Eugene Goossens (conductor) Cincinnati Symphony, Vol. 1 Works by Delius, Walton & Vaughan Williams rec. 1941/46 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC654 [76:18] [MSJ] Restorations of sensual and atmospheric performances by Goossens in Cincinnati.

Jugendstil Arrangement of works by Mahler & Schoenberg - Beatrice Berrut (piano) rec. 2021 LA DOLCE VOLTA LDV100 [67:33] [DMD] Mahler and Schoenberg as though transcribed by Liszt with magical results.

Kaiju Crescendo An Evening of Japanese Monster Music - John DeSentis, Michiru Oshima (conductors) rec. 2019 SUPERTRAIN STR024 [43:45 + 50:07] [CL] The title says it all: an evening of Japanese monster music both literally and figuratively for the fans.

Legendary Soviet Violinists Concerts in Germany 1950-1977 - Boris Goldstein (violin), Igor Bezrodny (violin), Julian Sitkovetsky (violin) MELOCLASSIC MC2050 [62:16 + 66:13] [JW] Three great Soviet violinists burnish their reputations in German broadcast performances.

Marguerite Long (piano) The Complete Fauré & d'Indy Recordings rec. 1930–1957 APR 6038 [74:31 + 80:33] [SG] Long’s recordings, greatly enhanced by the superb restorations of Mark Obert-Thorn.

Lux Aeterna Choral works by Kodály & Ligeti - Danish National Vocal Ensemble/Marcus Creed rec. 2020, 2021 OUR RECORDINGS 6.220676 SACD [50:30] [WH] Superbly sung repertoire that ranges from the delightful to the truly challenging.

Mandolin on Stage Concertos by Vivaldi, Paisiello, Lecce & Hummel - Raffaele La Ragione (mandolin) Il Pomo d'Oro/Francesco Corti rec. 2021 ARCANA A524 [66:56] [JV] This disc should convince every sceptic, that the mandolin is an instrument which fully deserves a place on the stage.

Mirages: The Art Of French Song Roderick Williams (baritone) Roger Vignoles (piano) rec. 2019 CHAMPS HILL RECORDS CHRCD159 [73:06] [GF] A fascinating and refreshing promenade in a poetic French landscape with the best imaginable guides.

Dimitri Mitropoulos (conductor) The Complete RCA and Columbia Album Collection rec. 1946-1957 RCA 19439888252 [69 CDs] [RCo] Music’s mighty Athenian.

The Myth of Venice Gawain Glenton (cornettos), Silas Wollston (Metal-pipe organ, Organo di legno, virginals) rec. 2021 DELPHIAN DCD34261 [61:50] [GPu] Intriguing and beautifully played.

Now the Green Blade Riseth Choir of King’s College, Cambridge/Daniel Hyde rec. 2021 KING’S COLLEGE KGS0065 [77:05] [MR] Daniel Hyde’s unfailingly perceptive and inspired direction in a truly sumptuous demonstration of choral singing.

Ombres: Women Composers of the Belle Époque Laetitia Grimaldi (soprano), Ammiel Bushakevitz (piano), Talia Erdal (cello) rec. 2019 BIS BIS-2546 SACD [69:03] [MP] A wealth of long forgotten songs worthily exhumed and luminously performed.

Salve Regina Motets by Hasse & Porpora - Clint van der Linde (alto), Les Muffatti rec. 2021 RAMÉE RAM2102 [69:07] [JV] Expressive and stylistically convincing performances by Clint van der Linde.

Slavic Roots Works by Tabakova & Vladigerov - Marina Staneva (piano) rec. 2021 CHANDOS CHAN20251 [83:38] [RCh] A rich feast of romantic piano from this enterprising young artist.

Grigory Sokolov (piano) At Esterházy Palace rec. 2018 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4861849 [2 CDs: 122:52 + Blu-ray: 127:33] [SG] Worthy of a plethora of superlatives - without doubt, a recording of the year.

Solo Works by Abel & JS Bach - Lucile Boulanger (viola da gamba) rec. 2020 ALPHA 783 [2 CDs: 90:44] [JV] A convincing case for Bach on the viola da gamba.

Specchio Veneziano Works by Reali, Vivaldi & Bach - Le Consort rec. 2021 ALPHA 771 [68:00] [JV] Reali could not have wished for better advocates of his forgotten sonatas.

Stella Renaissance Gems and their Reflections Vol. 3 - ORA Singers/Suzi Digby rec. 2017 HARMONIA MUNDI HMM905341 [74:36] [JQ] Another impressive and illuminating addition to the ORA Singers’ discography.

Frederick Stock (conductor) Chicago Symphony Orchestra Vol. 1 rec. 1916-26 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC657 [74:53 + 75:43] [GT] Historic recordings reveal the glory of Stock’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Stylus luxurians Works by Weckmann, Tunder, Froberger & Ritter - Yoann Moulin (harpsichord) rec. 2020 RICERCAR RIC433 [56:20] [JV] A very interesting and highly enjoyable recital.

The Sweet and Merry Month Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford/Mark Williams rec. 2021 OPUS ARTE OACD9049D [72:17] [MR] May Day celebrations from Magdalen College Oxford have rarely sounded so lovely.

Symphonies of the Bach Family Berliner Barock Solisten/Reinhard Goebel rec. 2021 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC HC21029 [63:37] [GF] Not a single well-known work within eyesight, but a life-enhancing excursion off the beaten track that should appeal to every baroque enthusiast.

Syncopated Musings Works by Scott Joplin and others - Marilyn Nonken (piano) rec. 2021 DIVINE ART DDA25220 [67:57] [JW] A reflective, somewhat serious look at Scott Joplin and his collaborators.

Three Generations Works by Alexander, Nikolai & Ivan Tcherepnin - Quan Yuan (violin), Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin (flute), Ian Greitzer (clarinet), David Witten, Donald Berman (piano) rec. 1997-2019 TOCCATA NEXT TOCN0012 [63:40] [SA] Three highly talented and individual composers whose music is both fascinating and genuinely different.

Violin Sonatas Works by Freitas Branco, Ravel & Villa-Lobos - Bruno Monteiro (violin), Joao Paulo Santos (piano) rec. 2021 ETCETERA KTC1750 [69:23] [PRB] Passionately-entertaining and original music, lovingly presented in a powerfully-successful reading from both performers.

Violin Unlimited Works by Schulhoff, Hindemith, Jarnach & Erdmann - Baiba Skride (violin) rec. 2020 ORFEO C210051 [57:48] [JW] Baiba Skride digs into solo violin sonatas from the 1920s.

Vous avez dit Brunettes? Les Kapsber'girls rec. 2020 ALPHA 761 [63:05] [JV] Very good singing and playing, but some aspects of the performance are less satisfying.

Mikhail Waiman (violin) Concerts in East Germany 1950-1963 MELOCLASSIC MC2051 [77:31 + 76:07] [JW] A judicious selection advances the claims of Mikhail Waiman, a perceptive romantic.

Rachel Willis-Sørensen (soprano) Rachel - Opera arias & scenes rec. 2021 SONY CLASSICAL 19439968352 [77:31] [RMo] A fine, big voice of no special distinction or individuality in a diverse debut recital.

Articles and Notices

Haydn’s The Seven Last Words - A selective survey by Ralph Moore

An interview with composer David Jennings by John France