Classical Music Reviews: May 2021 - MusicWeb-International

Charles-Valentin ALKAN (1813-1888) Complete Piano Music Vol. 3: Grande Sonate, Op 33; Souvenirs – Trois Morceaux dans le genre path騁ique, Op 15 - Mark Viner (piano) rec. 2018/19 PIANO CLASSICS PCL10209 [68:22] [DM] A superb addition to what’s fast becoming an indispensable series; Alkanites and pianophiles, rejoice!

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) & Johann Michael HAYDN (1737-1806) Motets and other Choral Works - MDR Leipzig Radio Choir/Philipp Ahmann rec. 2020 PENTATONE PTC5186868 [61:52] [CSa] Come for the Bruckner, but stay for the Michael Haydn! This is an incredible release.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Concertos Nos 1 & 2; Piano Trio No 2 - Simon Trpčeski (piano) Andrei Kavalinski (trumpet); Jan?ček Philharmonic Ostrava/Cristian Macelaru; Aleksandar Krapovski (violin), Alexander Somov (cello) LINN CKD659 [69:38] [DMD] A real winner with a very special account of the Second piano trio.

Jodie Devos (soprano) And Love Said … - Nicolas Kr?ger (piano) rec. 2020 ALPHA 668 [68:58] [RHa] An outstandingly planned and performed recital.

Eventyr Works by Tveitt, Sinding, Harum & Grieg - Christian Gr?vlen (piano) rec. 2019 2L RECORDS 2L-163-SACD [85:06] [DC] Exceptionally fine, and very much worth anyone’s time.

Adolphe ADAM (1803-1856) Le Corsaire - La Scala Ballet & Orchestra/Patrick Fournillier rec. 2018 C MAJOR 756208 DVD [108 mins] [RW] La Scala ballet delights in a strong performance of Adam’s Corsaire.

Franco ALFANO (1875-1954) Risurezzione - Orchestra & Chorus of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino/Francesco Lanzillotta rec. 2020 DYNAMIC CDS7866.02 [2 CDs: 110:07] [EJW] An interesting revival of Alfano’s early opera, in a decent performance rather let down by some female soloists.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) The Well-Tempered Consort II - Selections from the Well-Tempered Clavier Books 1 & 2 - Phantasm rec. 2020 LINN CKD657 [70:05] [DMD] Phantasm continue to dig deep into Bach’s music with stellar results.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Klavierwerke - Rinaldo Alessandrini (harpsichord) rec. 2019 NAマVE OP30581 [79:02] [SSi] A structured survey, informative and a pleasure to listen to.

Eduardas BALSYS (1919-1984) Violin Concerto No 1, Reflections of the Sea, Dramatic Frescoes - Džeraldas Bidva (violin) Indrė Baikštytė (piano) Lithuanian Ntl SO/Modestas Pitrėnas rec. 2020 ONDINE ODE1358-2 [66:15] [JW] Triumphant explorations of a major Lithuanian composer.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphony No 3 ノtienne Nicolas MノHUL (1763-1817) Les Amazones Overture - Les Si鐵les /Fran輟is-Xavier Roth rec. 2020 HARMONIA MUNDI HMM902421 [54:14] [JQ] An exceptional, dramatic and probing recording of the ‘Eroica’.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Beethoven Reflections Symphony No 5, Piano Concerto No 3, An die ferne Geliebte (transcr. Franz Liszt & Charles-Valentin Alkan) - Leonardo Pierdomenico (piano) rec. 2020 PIANO CLASSICS PCL10224 [62.33] [RCh] Electrifying pianism in these marvellous transcriptions.

Victor BENDIX (1851-1926) Music for Piano - Isabel Carlander (piano) rec. 2002/03 DANACORD DACOCD901-2 [75:26 + 72:59] [JW] A Danish composer seemingly too often shackled in his piano writing.

Alban BERG (1885-1935) Violin Concerto, Seven Early Songs, Three Pieces for Orchestra - Gil Shaham (violin) Susanna Phillips (soprano) San Francisco Symphony/Michael Tilson Thomas rec. 2015/18 SFS MEDIA SFS0080 SACD [67:09] [SB] Fine performances of three appealing works.

Richard BLACKFORD Niobe, Blewbury Air, Kalon - Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin) Raphael Wallfisch (cello) Adrian Farmer (piano) Albion Quartet, Czech Philharmonic O/Ben Gernon, Jiř? Rožeň rec. 2017/2020 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI6420 [59.07] [PCG] Three major new works by Richard Blackford, superbly recorded.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Sonata for two pianos - Eric Le Sage, Th駮 Fouchenneret (pianos) rec. 2021 B RECORDS LBM032 [56:39] [DMD] Distinctive pianos, even more distinctive performances.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Symphony No 2, Academic Festival Overture - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig/Herbert Blomstedt rec. 2019 PENTATONE PTC5186851 [55:00] [GM] Blomstedt is well worth hearing in these works.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Philia - Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, Intermezzo - Yi Lin Jiang, Jacopo Giovanni (piano) rec. 2020 ANCLEF 20201031 [21:47] [DC] A fine EP from a new generation of excellent artists.

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Complete Folk Songs for Voice and Piano - Mark Milhofer (tenor), Marco Scolastra (piano) rec. 2019, 2020 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 96009 [67:52 + 57:29] [MG] A comprehensive collection performed with great freshness and variety.

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Sinfonia da Requiem, Violin Concerto, Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra - Ralph Holmes (violin) BBC Symphony Orchestra, Hall? Orchestra/Sir John Barbirolli rec. 1967/69 BARBIROLLI SOCIETY SJB1104 [73:44] [JQ] A very welcome reminder of Barbirolli’s efforts on behalf of Britten.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphonies Nos 2 & 8 - Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra/Andris Nelsons rec. 2019 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 483 9834 [68:47 + 81:59] [SG] Spacious accounts in striking sound.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No 3 - Wiener Philharmoniker/Christian Thielemann rec. 2020 SONY CLASSICAL 19439861382 [61:13] [RMo] A majestic and wholly enjoyable account.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 7 - Stavanger Symphony Orchestra/Markus Stenz rec. 2018 STAVANGER SSO1201 [59:43] [RMo] A fine, if slightly lightweight, performance which gives pleasure but is not among the best.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No 8 - Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra/Ken Takaseki rec. 2020 TOWER/BRAIN OSBR-37016 [31:28 + 54:20] [RMo] Some fine, noble playing but various issues lower the competitiveness and desirability of this recording.

Carlo Antonio CAMPIONI (1720-1788) 6 Harpsichord Sonatas Op 4B - Simone Stella (harpsichord), Valerio Losito (violin) rec. 2019 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95997 [74:29] [JV] A most pleasant and entertaining acquaintance with Campioni’s oeuvre.

Ignacy Feliks DOBRZYŃSKI (1807-1867) Symphony No 2 Karol KURPIŃSKI (1785-1857) Elegy Stanisław MONIUSZKO (1819-1872) The Fairy Tale - Wrocław Baroque O/Jarosław Thiel rec. 2020 CD ACCORD ACD282 [59.57] [MW] Fine, fresh recordings of substantial 19^th Century Polish works – well worth exploring.

Marcel DUPRノ (1886-1971) Organ Music Vol. 1 - Alessandro Perin (organ) rec. 2020 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95644 [64:44] [JF] Perin clearly understands and relates to Dupr?’s kaleidoscopic and highly virtuosic music.

Henri DUTILLEUX (1916-2013) Le Loup & arrangements - Adam Walker (flute) Juliana Koch (oboe) Jonathan Davies (bassoon) Sinfonia of London/John Wilson rec. 2020 CHANDOS CHSA5263 SACD [55:54] [RB] Limpid, beguiling music from the early 1950s and spanky new thoughtful orchestrations of concertante works from the 1940s.

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Violin Concerto - Itzhak Perlman (violin) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim rec. 1982 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 413 312-2 [47:00] [MB] A technically superb performance, but not one that rivals the finest on disc.

P騁er EヨTVヨS (b. 1944) Violin Concerto No 3 Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Le Sacre du Printemps - Isabelle Faust (violin) Orchestre de Paris/Pablo Heras-Casado rec. 2019 HARMONIA MUNDI HMM902655 [87:41] [CCC] Allows the timbres in the 'Rite' to evoke a scene in the mind, and the 'Alhambra' is a rewarding listen; the two pieces come together in a coherent and enlightening programme.

Philipp Heinrich ERLEBACH (1657-1714) Lieder, Sonatas - Le Banquet C駘este/Damien Guillon rec. 2020 ALPHA 725 [71:04] [BW] Should appeal both to those expanding their knowledge of German baroque music and to general listeners.

Friedrich Ernst FESCA (1789-1826) Complete String Quartets Volume 2 - Amaryllis Quartet rec. 2007-2013 CPO 777 483-2 [4 CDs: 233:42] [GH] Rare repertoire, beautifully played and well worth exploring.

Martin GEORGIEV (b.1983) Violin Concerto - Vasko Vassilev (violin) Covent Garden Soloists rec. 2020 TRITTICO RECORDINGS no number [20:40] [RB] Rather than raising conflict to an artform Georgiev masters a meditative approach that gives a quiet voice to spirituality, stasis and concentration.

Carlo GESUALDO da Venosa (1566-1613) Madrigali Libro primo & secondo - Les Arts Florissants/Paul Agnew rec. 2019 HARMONIA MUNDI HAF8905307.08 [81:43] [JV] A promising start to what will be a complete recording of the six madrigal books by Gesualdo.

Percy GRAINGER (1882-1961) The Grainger Edition: Sixty Years 1961-2021 - various performers rec. 1992-2015 CHANDOS CHAN20196(21) [21 CDs: c. 25 hrs] [RB] Keeping faith with Grainger’s music, and doing it generously in quantity and in nobility.

Johnny GRANDERT (1939-2019) Symphony No 5, String Quartet No 4 - Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra/B Tommy Andersson, Vilnius String Quartet rec. 1997 PHONO SUECIA PSCD 111 [70:50] [RB] Decidedly resistant 20^th century music yet with a tonal style that jostles with modernism.

Rocco GRECO (c1650-1718) Music for Bass Violin - Mvsica Perdvta/Renato Criscuolo (bass violin) David Maria Gentile, Federico Marcucci (chant) rec. 2019 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 96100 [67:52] [JV] A unique opportunity to hear the bass violin as a solo instrument.

Edward GREGSON (b.1945) Instrumental Music - Soloists from the Halle & BBC Philharmonic Orchestras rec. 2020 NAXOS 8.574224 [76:50] [JF] Wide ranging, impressive and always interesting music - impeccably performed.

Thomas de HARTMANN (1885-1956) Piano works - Elan Sicroff (piano) rec. 2011/15 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI6409 [66:46 + 59:21] [JW] An intriguing compositional voice.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Solitude Piano Works Vol 2 - Markus Becker (piano) rec. 2020 CAVI-MUSIC 8553031 [70:11] [SSi] A very pleasing disc of Haydn’s piano music, which makes me want to invest in volume one and any subsequent volumes in Becker’s cycle.

Joseph HAYDN (1830-1915) Complete Keyboard Concertos - Mélodie Zhao (piano); David Nebel (violin) Camerata Schweiz/Howard Griffiths rec. 2020 CPO 555 400-2 [67.22 + 76.58] [MW] Superb performances of significant Haydn works.

P疝 HERMANN (1902-1944) Complete Surviving Music Volume 1 - Clive Greensmith (cello), Kateryna Poteriaieva (violin), Alina Shevchenko, Roman Marchenko (piano), Sofia Soloviy (soprano), Lviv International Symphony Orchestra/Theodore Kuchar rec. 2018, 2020 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0443 [69:49] [JW] Reimagined Hermann inaugurates a new series.

Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) Vorspiel zum Requiem, Sinfonische Metamorphosen nach Themen von Carl-Maria von Weber, Mainzer Umzug - LandesJungendChor Rheinland-Pfalz, Philharmonisches Staats O Mainz/Hermann B舫mer rec. 2018-2020 CPO 555 257-2 [68:18] [NB] A disc unlikely to win many converts to the Hindemith cause.

Francis JACKSON (b. 1917) 100+ Organ Music - Mark Swinton (organ) rec. 2017 WILLOWHAYES RECORDS WHR065 [67:06] [JQ] A very rewarding disc and a handsome tribute to Francis Jackson.

KASSIANヘ (ca. 810-ca. 865) Hymns - Cappella Romana/Alexander Lingas rec. 2020 CAPPELLA RECORDS CR422 SACD [79:40] [DC] The current reference for this rather special repertoire.

Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD (1887-1957) Die tote Stadt - Ren? Kollo (tenor) Carol Neblett (soprano) Bavarian Radio Ch, T?lzer Boys Ch, Munich Radio O/Erich Leinsdorf rec. 1975 DUTTON EPOCH 2CDLX7376 SACD [69:51 + 67:34] [JQ] This first recording of Die tote Stadt was a major achievement and we can now experience it, thrillingly renewed, on these SACDs.

Leopold KOZELUCH (1748-1818) Complete Sonatas - Jenny Soonjin Kim (fortepiano) rec. 2013-18 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95984 [12 CDs: 765 mins] [SSi] Get it if you like late eighteenth-century keyboard music.

Johann KUHNAU (1660-1722) Complete Sacred Works Vol. 6 - Opella Musica, camerata lipsiensis/Gregor Mayer rec. 2019 CPO 555 305-2 [57:35] [JV] Five superb examples of German Lutheran sacred music.

Fernand de LA TOMBELLE (1854-1928) Organ Works - Stanisław Maryjewski (organ) rec. 2020 ACTE PRノALABLE AP0484-85 [73:32 + 67:06] [GF] I'm happy to have made the acquaintance of these works.

Gy?rgy LIGETI (1923-2006) The 18 ノtudes - Danny Driver (piano) rec. 2019 HYPERION CDA68286 [57:44] [DM] Superbly played and recorded, but older versions still hold sway.

Duarte LOBO (c.1565-1646) Masses, Responsories & Motets - Cupertinos/Lu?s Toscano rec. 2019 HYPERION CDA68306 [70:47] [JV] This disc offers some fine specimens of Portuguese renaissance polyphony, superbly sung by Cupertinos.

Jean-Baptiste LULLY (1632-1687) Dies Irae - Grands Motets Vol 1 Dies irae, O Lachrymae, De profundis - Les ノpop馥s/St駱hane Fuget rec. 2020 CHツTEAU DE VERSAILLES SPECTACLES CVS032 [69:25] [SSi] No fan of Lully and French baroque music in general will want to be without this.

Jean-Baptiste LULLY (1632-1687) La Grotte de Versailles, George Dandin - Ens. Marguerite Louise/Ga騁an Jarry rec. 2020 CHツTEAU DE VERSAILLES SPECTACLES CVS027 [78:43] [SSi] No fan of French baroque music and Lully in particular will want to be without this disc.

Amanda MAIER (1853-1894) & Ethel SMYTH (1858-1944) String Quartets - Maier Quartet rec. 2019 DB PRODUCTIONS DBCD197 [66:02] [SSi] An excellent recording of two neglected string quartets.

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Cello Sonatas - Raphael Wallfisch (cello), John York (piano) rec. 2017, 2018 NIMBUS NI8105 [74:38] [DC] Can stand comparison with the best.

Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Cavalleria rusticana - Renata Tebaldi (soprano), Jussi Bj?rling (tenor), Lucia Danieli (mezzo-soprano), Ettore Bastianini (baritone), Rina Corsi (alto), Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra & Chorus/Alberto Erede rec. 1957 ALTO ALC1434 [73:35] [RMo] The best vintage recording available, its stereo sound here remastered so that it is now fuller and warmer.

Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Iris, opera in 3 Acts- Karine Babajanyan (soprano) Samuele Simoncini (tenor) Choir & Orchestra of the Berlin Opera Group/Felix Krieger rec. 2020 OEHMS CLASSICS OC991 [2 CDs: 119:34] [EJW] A very good recording of a Mascagni rarity.

Peter MAXWELL DAVIES (1934-2016) Renaissance and Baroque Realisations - The Fires of London/Sir Peter Maxwell Davies rec. 1980 UNICORN UKCD2044 [61:58] [JF] Essential listening for all Max devotees.

Missy MAZZOLI (b. 1980) Proving Up - Michael Slattery (tenor) Talise Trevigne (soprano) International Contemporary Ens/Christopher Rountree rec. 2018 PENTATONE PTC5186754 [79:48] [RHa] An intelligent, compelling, contemporary yet approachable cautionary tale.

Nikolai MEDTNER (1880-1951) Songs - Sofia Fomina (soprano), Alexander Karpeyev (piano) rec. 2018 CHANDOS CHAN20171 [56:40] [RB] Most satisfying and extremely well documented.

Olivier MESSIAEN (1908-1992) Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant J駸us - Alfonso G?mez (piano) rec. 2020 KAIROS 0015081KAI [55:27 + 72:56] [SB] A good version but not the equal of the best.

Milan MIHAJLOVIĆ (b. 1945) Memento Orchestral Works - Jan Mracek (violin), Yoriko Ikeya (harpsichord), Juliana Koch (oboe), Robert Starke (piano), Thomas Georgi (cello), Klaudina Schulze-Broniewska (violin), Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt/Howard Griffiths rec. 2018 CPO 555 296-2 [63:06] [RB] A blend point between beckoning tonality and groaning expressiveness.

Vasilije MOKRANJAC (1923-1984) Piano Works - Vladimir Gligorić (piano) rec. 2017 CPO 555221-2 [59:48] [RHa] Mokranjac’s melancholy and introspective piano music is subtly appealing and ideally presented on this fine disc.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Violin Sonatas: Fragment Completions - Rachel Podger (violin), Christopher Glynn (fortepiano) rec. 2020 CHANNEL CLASSICS CCSSA42721 SACD [55:45] [BW] The quality of these reconstructions makes me return to Rachel Podger’s earlier recordings of the regular Mozart sonatas.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Complete Sonatas for Keyboard and Violin - Gary Cooper (fortepiano), Rachel Podger (violin) rec. 2004-09 CHANNEL CLASSICS CCSBOX6414 [8 CDs] [BW] A difficult decision, but this box set would be my Desert Island choice.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Complete Multipiano Concertos - Multipiano Ensemble (Tomer Lev, Berenika Glixman, Daniel Borovitzky, Alon Kariv (pianos)) English Chamber Orchestra rec. 2014 HYPERION CDA68367 [58:39] [RHa] There are more characterful readings of the concertos, but you do get an intriguing novelty.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 3 - Jean Muller (piano) rec. 2016/17 HトNSSLER CLASSIC HC20065 [57:43] [MC] Muller excels in this instalment of his admirable on-going cycle.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1790) Piano Quartets Nos 1 and 2 - Paul Lewis (piano); Leopold String Trio rec. 2002. HYPERION CDA67373 [62:59] [GM] Hard to imagine that these works will ever be played and recorded better than this.

Douglas MUNN (1929–2008) Complete Music for Solo Piano - Arta Arnicane (piano) rec. 2019 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0559 [57:44] [SG] Arnicane must be lauded for her championing of Munn’s captivating scores in these first recordings.

V?tĕzslav NOVチK (1870-1949) Pan – Tobias Borsboom (piano) rec. 2020 PIANO CLASSICS PCL10219 [56:06] [EJW] An excellent CD in every way, providing great advocacy for this work and Nov疚 in general.

Ignacy Jan PADEREWSKI (1860-1941) Symphony 'Polonia' - Lviv National Philharmonic SO/Bohdan Boguszewski rec. 2019 DUX 1636 [63:39] [DC] Original, exotic orchestration restored in the remarkable ‘Polonia’ symphony.

Niccol? PAGANINI (1782-1840) Sonatas for Violin and Guitar - Gianfranco Iannetta (violin), Walter Zanetti (guitar) rec. 2018 TACTUS TC781606 [74:52] [SSi] May this be the first disc in the complete series of these late Paganini masterpieces.

チstor PIAZZOLLA (1921-1992) Complete Tango! - Isabelle van Keulen Ensemble rec. 2013-17 CHALLENGE CLASSICS CC72873 [3 CDs: 186:06] [SB] Very enjoyable versions of Piazzolla’s tangos.

Mario PILATI (1903-1938) Preludio, aria e tarantella, Quattro canzoni popolari italiane, Divertimento, Bagatelles - Vadim Davydov (piccolo), Aleksandr Kosolov (oboe), Aleksandr Posikera (bassoon), Eliena Alekseyeva (piano), Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Adriano rec. 2007/2008 NAXOS 8.574168 [52:43] [RB] The lighter serenading side of this buoyantly imaginative composer.

Marcel POOT (1901–1988) Symphonies No. 1-7 - Moscow Symphony Orchestra/Frédéric Devreese rec. 1960-2021 NAXOS 8.574292-93 [65:47 + 75:39] [RB] Largely tonal symphonies hallmarked by rhythmic energy, spry and bright orchestration and lyrical impact.

Cipriani POTTER (1792-1871) Symphony No 1, Introduzione e Rondo, Cymbeline: Overture - Claire Huangci (piano), BBC National Orchestra of Wales/Howard Griffiths rec. 2019 CPO 555 274-2 [59:00] [RB] Momentous Beethovenian writing has a freshness that takes this music beyond the work of a mere shadow.

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Symphony No 5 - Philharmonia Orchestra/Santtu-Matias Rouvali rec. 2020 SIGNUM RECORDS SIGCD669 [43:23] [IJ] Several alternative versions probe deeper into this extraordinarily powerful and multi-faceted symphony.

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Symphonies Nos 5 & 6 - USSR Radio Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra/Leopold Stokowski rec. 1949/58 PRISTINE PASC161 [78:51] [RB] A nice balance of listening pleasure, fantasy and historical significance.

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Violin Concertos Nos 1 & 2 Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Violin Concerto - Kyung Wha Chung (violin) London SO/Andr? Previn rec. 1972 Presto CD DECCA 425 003-2 [70:51] [GPJ] Classic performances of these three 20^th century violin masterpieces.

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) Il Tabarro - Melody Moore (soprano), Lester Lynch (baritone); Dresdner Philharmonie/Marek Janowski rec. 2019 PENTATONE PTC5186773 SACD [49:42] [MP] Fine conducting and an excellent cast combine to provide much pleasure.

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La fanciulla del West - Birgit Nilsson (soprano), Jo縊 Gibin (tenor), Andrea Mongelli (baritone) & others, Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala Milan/Lovro von Matačić rec. 1958 PRISTINE AUDIO PACO177 [56:26 + 69:56] [PCG] A fresh look at a long-disregarded recording.

Sergei RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943) Complete Piano Music rec. 1985-2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 96185 [8 CDs: 552:25] [GPJ] OK, it’s not quite ‘complete’; but fantastic value, packed with top-class performances plus some rarities.

Serge RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Symphony No 2 - London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle rec. 2019 LSO LIVE LSO0851 [58:50] [MB] An underwhelming performance.

Joachim RAFF (1822-1882) Chamber Music Vol 1String Quartets Nos 1 & 2 - Leipziger Streichquartett rec. 2020 MDG 307 2187-2 [70:49] [SSi] An excellent introductory volume to a survey of Raff’s chamber music.

Joachim RAFF (1822-1882) Lieder - Marina Unruh (soprano); Frederike Schulten, Lisa Wedekind (mezzo); Wolfgang Klose (tenor); Johannes Wedeking (bass); Hedayet Jonas Djeddikar (piano) rec. 2020 STERLING CDA1853 [2 CDs: 90:15] [SSi] A must for all fans of Raff’s music and leaves you wanting more.

Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Alborada del gracioso, Rapsodie espagnole, Une barque sur l’oc饌n and otherorchestral works - Basque National O/Robert Trevi?o rec. 2020 ONDINE ODE1385-2 [69:39] [GPJ] A stylish Rapsodie espagnole makes this disc a promising first issue from this combination of conductor and orchestra.

Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) & Fernand La TOMBELLE (1854-1928) String Quartets - Mandelring Quartet rec. 2018 AUDITE 97.709 [57:13] [RWe] A viable alternative view of the Ravel, coupled to an intriguing rarity.

Max REGER (1873-1916) & Paul HINDEMITH (1895-1963) ClarinetQuintets - Vladimir Soltan (clarinet) Utrecht String Qt rec. 2020 MDG 903 2198-6 SACD [57:02] [SSi] A highly rewarding release.

Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Concerto all’antica, Ancient Airs and Dances, Suites Nos 1-3 - Davide Alogna (violin) Chamber Orchestra of New York/Salvatore di Vittorio rec. 2019 NAXOS 8.573901 [81.34] [PCG] A newly reconstructed Respighi violin concerto receives its premiere recording.

Giovanni Antonio RIGATTI (c1613-1648) Vespro della Beata Vergine - I Disinvolti, UtFaSol Ens/Massimo Lombardi rec. 2018/19 ARCANA A121 [76:54] [JV] This disc makes a lasting impression, thanks to the fine music, the liturgical setting and the outstanding performances.

Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829-1894) Piano Concertos No. 2 & 4 - Schaghajegh Nosrati (piano) Rundfunk-Sinfonie-orchester Berlin/Róbert Farkas rec. 2019 CPO 555 352-2 [71:51] [RMo] If Rubinstein’s showy music is to your taste, then I doubt whether you find better advocacy of it than in this new release.

Giacinto SCELSI (1905-1988) Works for solo violin and viola - Marco Fusi (viola, violin) rec. 2019 KAIROS 0015063KAI [60:44] [RHa] Fusi’s authentic approach to Scelsi is necessary and well-intentioned but it makes for a tough listen.

Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934-1998) Works for Violin and Piano - Daniel Hope (violin), Alexey Botvinov (piano) rec. 2019 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 483 9234 [59:11] [DC] An excellent recital.

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Schwanengesang, 5 Lieder - Andreas Schmidt (baritone) Rudolf Jansen (piano) rec. 1992 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 437 536-2 [75:17] [GF] A wholly engrossing reading!

Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Winterreise - Roderick Williams (baritone) Iain Burnside (piano) rec. 2020 CHANDOS CHAN20163 [71:45] [JQ] A perceptive and highly skilled musical partnership at work in Winterreise.

Derek B. SCOTT (b. 1950) Orchestral Works - John Dew (bagpipes) Liepāja Symphony Orchestra/Paul Mann rec. 2020 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0589 [67:34] [JW] Warmth, wit and the occasional gnomish moment.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No. 15 Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Khovanshchina Prelude, Songs and Dances of Death - Sergei Aleksashkin (bass) Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Sir Georg Solti rec. 1997 DECCA 458919-2 [64:56] [GF] Solti’s last recording, now reissued, is a deeply moving reading of Shostakovich’s last symphony.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Symphonies Nos 1 & 7 - Dresden PO/Carl von Garaguly rec. 1967 MAESTRO EDITIONS ME.064 [56:46] [JW] Garaguly’s 1960s Sibelius: trenchant and admirable.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Violin Concerto, Pell饌s et M駘isande Incidental Music, Symphony No 7 - Janine Andrade (violin) Finnish Radio SO/Nils-Eric Fougstedt rec. c 1953-59 UK SIBELIUS SOCIETY [65:32] [SG] This release, a true labour of love, will be warmly welcomed by Sibelius devotees.

Alexey STANCHINSKY (1888-1914) Piano Works - Peter Jablonsky (piano) rec. 2020 ONDINE ODE1383-2 [73:46] [EJW] This beautifully performed and recorded disc is a great introduction to a tragically short-lived composer.

Ronald STEVENSON (1928-2015) As My Harp Sang Out Of Darkness - Jane Ford (harp) rec. 2020 PRIMA FACIE PFCD139 [41:46] [PCG] Rare and beautiful arrangements: a real discovery.

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Ein Heldenleben, Burleske - Bertrand Chamayou (piano) Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia/Antonio Pappano rec. 2018/20 WARNER CLASSICS 9029502845 [67:04] [ST] Strauss shot through with sunlight: worth exploring.

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Burleske, Serenade and Tod und Verkl舐ung - Nelson Goerner (piano) Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France/Mikko Franck rec. 2019-21 ALPHA 733 [55:18] [DMD] Clean, modern performances that perhaps lack the last ounce of personality.

Sir Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900) The Harmonious Echo - Mary Bevan (soprano), Kitty Whately (mezzo), Ben Johnson (tenor), Ashley Riches (bass-baritone), David Owen Norris (piano) rec. 2020 CHANDOS CHAN20239(2) [47:30 + 46:03] [ST] I was diverted and occasionally entertained, but never once moved.

Emil TABAKOV (b. 1947) Symphony No. 7 - Bulgarian National RSO/Emil Tabakov rec. 2011 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0597 [60:52] [RB] Music of largely unremitting obduracy; no concessions to the easy way.

Giuseppe TARTINI (1692-1770) Violin Concertos, Sonata "Devil's Trill" - Giulio Plotino (violin) Francesco Galligioni (cello) Roberto Loreggian (harpsichord) L'Accademia della Rosa rec. 2017 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 96123 [56:42] [JV] May well serve as the ideal introduction to Tartini’s art.

Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681–1767) Complete Grand Concertos for Mixed Instruments - La Stagione Frankfurt/Michael Schneider rec. 2013-18 CPO 555 414-2 [6 CDs: 388:15] [SSi] A must for fans of Telemann and generally of Baroque music.

Henri TOMASI (1901-1971) Complete Solo Piano Works - Emilie Capulet (piano) rec. 2017-2018 CALLIOPE CAL2069 [2 CDs: 87:00] [RB] Opens a casement on a meritorious and imaginative French composer.

Gaspare TORELLI (1572-c1613) Amorose Faville, Il Quarto Libro delle Canzonette a tre voci (Venezia, 1608)Gruppo Vocale Armoniosoincanto/Franco Radicchia rec. 2019/20 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 96240 [69:13] [JV] Those who have a liking of the secular vocal chamber music of this era will certainly enjoy this disc.

Francesco Paolo TOSTI (1846-1916) The Song of a Life: Volume 2 - Monica Bacelli, Desir馥 Rancatore, Benedetta Torre (soprano), Jurgita Adamonyt? (mezzo-soprano), Mark Milhofer (tenor), Piotr Lempa (bass), Eugene Villanueva (baritone), Luisa Prayer, Antonio Ballista, Marco Scolastra, Marco Moresco (piano) rec. 2015/2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95429 [4 CDs: 239:16] [GF] A laudable and successful project.

Antonio VANDINI (1691-1778) Complete Works - Elinor Frey (cello) rec. 2019 PASSACAILLE 1079 [51:16] [DC] Top choice for technical refinement and a sense of fun in the playing.

Pēteris VASKS (b. 1946) Cello Concerto No. 2, Musica serena, Musica dolorosa, Musica appassionata - Uladzimir Sinkevich (cello) M?nchner Rundfunkorchester/Ivan Repušić rec. 2020 BR KLASSIK 900336 [76:53] [SB] A fine recording of some beautiful music.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Folk Songs Volume 2 - Mary Bevan (soprano), Nicky Spence (tenor), Roderick Williams (baritone), Thomas Gould (violin), William Vann (piano) rec. 2020 ALBION RECORDS ALBCD043 [56:22] [JW] More gems, many previously unrecorded, from the VW song book.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Symphonies Nos 4 and 6 - London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Antonio Pappano rec. 2019-2020 LSO LIVE LSO0867 [68:06] [DMD] An enticing prospect of things to come from these performers.

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1743) Concerti for Bassoon V - L’Onda Armonica/Sergio Azzolini (bassoon) rec. 2018 NAマVE OP30573 [77:30] [GPJ] A joyful and slightly crazy disc, which has to be heard to be believed.

Pancho VLADIGEROV (1899-1978) Orchestral Works Volume 2 - Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra/Alexander Vladigerov rec. 1970-1975 CAPRICCIO C8053 [76:33 + 78:09] [JW] More life-enhancing LP restorations.

Pancho VLADIGEROV (1899-1978) Six Exotic Preludes, Ten Impressions - Nadejda Vlaeva (piano) rec. 2019 HYPERION CDA 68327 [80:00] [JW] Vladigerov’s piano music reveals a complex weave of influences.

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Tristan und Isolde: Vorspiel, Wesendonck Lieder (both arr. for string quartet) Gustav MAHLER (1860- 1911) Streichquartett No. 1.0 - Voyager Quartet rec. 2020 SOLO MUSICA SM358 [67:58] [RMo] Something of a misfire and compromised by poor recorded sound.

Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) The Freisch?tz Project - Stanislas de Barbeyrac, Johanni Van Oostrum, Chiara Skerath, Accentus Ch, Insula O/Laurence Equilbey rec. 2019 ERATO 9029510954 [79:28] [RP] The burnished, robust sound of the horns transports you to the depths of a primeval forest where danger lurks.

Carl Maria von WEBER (1786-1826) Overtures, Konzertst?ck in F minor, Arias - Martin Helmchen (piano), Anna Prohaska (soprano), Konzerthausorchester/Christoph Eschenbach rec. 2019/20 ALPHA 744 [53:33] [DMD] Helmchen glitters but even he can’t redeem a bit of a curate’s egg of a programme.

Paul WRANITZKY (1756-1808) Orchestral Works Volume 1 - Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, Pardubice/Marek Štilec rec. 2019 NAXOS 8.574227 [68:30] [RB] An unfamiliar composer is given worthy exposure.

Raymond YIU (b. 1973)The World Was Once All Miracle - Andrew Watts (countertenor) Roderick Williams (baritone) BBC SO/David Robertson, Sir Andrew Davis, Edward Gardner rec. 2015-2019 DELPHIAN DCD34225 [67:44] [JQ] If you want to hear recent music by a composer with a distinctive voice then I’d urge you to investigate this CD.

Archetypes Third Coast Percussion; Sérgio Assad (guitar); Clarice Assad (vocal, multi-instrumentalist) rec. 2020 CEDILLE RECORDS CDR90000201 [54:21] [RP] Fascinating musical portraits that capture the essence of the individuals that they depict.

Belle ノpoque French Music for Wind - Orsino Ensemble, Pavel Kolesnikov (piano) rec. 2020 CHANDOS CHSA5282 SACD [79:24] [SSi] A most welcome and rewarding disc of French music, which I hope will be the first of many by the Orsino Ensemble.

Erling Bl?ndal Bengtsson (cello) An Aldeburgh Tribute - Manoug Parikian (violin) George Malcolm (piano) English Chamber Orchestra/Norman Del Mar rec. 1973 DANACORD DACOCD870 [69:13] [JW] The last release in an admirable tribute series.

Sir Adrian Boult (conductor) A Musical Legacy - London Philharmonic Orchestra rec. 1949-69 LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO-0119 [5 CDs 269:09] [JQ] A very handsome tribute.

Emma Boynet (piano) The Complete Solo 78-rpm Recordings and Faur? LPs rec. 1933-52 APR 6033 [82:42 + 82:15] [RCh] Some sparkling and colourful playing from a little known pianist.

Burning through the Cold Works by Shostakovich, Babadjanian, Khachaturian & Rachmaninov - The Z.E.N. Trio rec. 2019 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4855046 [58:36] [MC] A most desirable release, with stylish playing and convincing levels of expression.

Caeli ‘Electro-acoustic’ musiccomposed and performed by B疵a Gisladottir & Sk?li Sverrison SONO LUMINUS SLE70020 [69.47 + 59.52] [GH] A new sound world is explored - could this be the music of the spheres?

Jeanne Demessieux (organ) The Decca Legacy rec. 1947-67 ELOQUENCE 4841424 [8 CDs: 562:26] [SG] A renowned exponent of the great French virtuoso tradition.

Natalie Dessay (soprano) タ L'Op駻arec. 1996-2010 ERATO 9029505778 [3 CDs: 220:19] [MC] This collection showcases Natalie Dessay, an accomplished performer of absolute conviction and limitless energy.

Freddie De Tommaso (tenor) Passione- London PO/Renato Balsadonna rec. 2020 DECCA 4851509 [53:18] [RMo] A worthy and estimable recital but not one which offers the interpretative nuance and vocal beauty of the greatest predecessors.

The Edge of Beyond - Ralph Vaughan Williams in the First World War by Stephen Connock publ. 2021 Albion Music Ltd [JQ] A major contribution to Vaughan Williams scholarship.

Favourite Orchestral Classics - Philharmonic Concert O/Iain Sutherland rec. 1988-1992 SOMM ARIADNE 5012 [78:25] [RB] A thing of truly engaging ‘rags and tatters’.

Norma Fisher (piano) At the BBC - Vol. 2rec. 1969-85 SONETTO CLASSICS SONCLA004 [57:57 + 56:45] [SG] This intriguing release provides a valuable repository of some superior pianism.

Andor Foldes (piano) Piano Recitals in Germany rec. 1950-68 MELOCLASSIC MC1054 [74:37] [SG] Performances which deliver elevated and artful musicianship.

French Works for Flute Works by Saint-Saens, Franck, Widor & Durufle - Adam Walker (flute) Timothy Ridout (viola) James Baillieu (piano) rec. 2020 CHANDOS CHAN20229 [71:01] [SSi] A very fine disc – the performers seem perfectly in tune with each other and the music.

Gods, Rhythms, Human Works by Psathas, Hamilton, Reich & Xenakis - Fabian Ziegler (percussion) Akvilė Šileikaitė (piano) Luca Staffelbach (vibraphone) rec. 2020 ARS PRODUKTION ARS38583 [63:19] [DC] A programme of immediate appeal and durable quality.

Archivo de Guatemala - Music from the Guatemala Cathedral Archive - El Mundo/Richard Salvino rec. 2018 NAXOS 8.574295 [74:03] [GH] This rare and fascinating Baroque repertoire will get your feet tapping.

Guitar and Fortepiano Works by Beethoven, Boccherini, Carulli, Hummel, & Rossini - Sheila Arnold (fortepiano); Alexander-Sergei Ramirez (Romantic guitar) CAVI-MUSIC 8553080 [56:30] [ZT] A thoroughly enjoyable recording: entertaining programme and consummate performance by both musicians.

Sofja G?lbadamova (piano) Idylle rec. 2018 HトNSSLER CLASSIC HC20047 [77:56] [MC] A captivating and splendidly played album of piano pieces including a number of rarities.

Monique Haas & Madeleine de Valmal鑼e (piano) Legendary French Pianistsrec. 1950-1964 MELOCLASSIC MC1052 [71:58 + 78:26] [SG] A release that pays rich rewards.

Horenstein in Gothenburg - Vol 4 Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony No 35 Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No 4 - Jennifer Vyvyan (soprano) Gothenburg SO/Jascha Horenstein rec. 1968 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC620 [76:27] [JQ] If you share the view that Jascha Horenstein was one of the great Mahler conductors then you should certainly add this performance to your collection.

Amy Johnson (soprano) Portrait of an Artist - MAV Symphony Orchestra/Steven Mercurio rec. 2009 MSR CLASSICS MS1711 [69:39] [GF] Anyone with an interest in some operatic byways, primarily from the last one hundred years, and/or dramatic singing of the highest order should lend an ear to this recital.

The King’s Alchemist British String Trios Works by Finzi, Wood, Beamish & Moeran - Eblana String Trio rec. 2019 WILLOWHAYNE RECORDS WHR067 [50:17] [JF] A refreshingly well-balanced and imaginative programme.

Leningrad Ballet Music Works by Archimandritov, Slonimsky & Okunev - Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra/Edward Chivzhel, Mariinsky Orchestra/Yuri Gamaley rec. 1976-84 NORTHERN FLOWERS NF/PMA99137 [72:15] [RB] Three otherwise quite unknown multi-faceted Soviet ballets from the 1970s.

Leningrad Cello Concertos Works by Falik, Tishchenko & Tzitovich - Mstislav Rostropovich, Georgy Ginovker, Natalia Gutman (cello) Leningrad PO/Igor Blazhkov, Pavel Bubelnikov, Alexander Dmitriev rec. 1966-1990 NORTHERN FLOWERS NF/PMA99135 [78:44] [RB] An opportunity to broaden one’s horizons and encounter things rich and strange.

Leningrad Chamber Concertos Works by Slonimsky, Tsytovich (or Tsitovich), Grinblat & Rogalev - Yuri Kramarov (viola) Albert Ratzbaum (flute) Alexander Makarov (domra) Leningrad Chamber O/Edward Serov rec. 1967-1982 NORTHERN FLOWERS NF/PMA99136 [60:07] [RB] A gently variegated if not drastically diverse diet; one resistant to melodic resurgency.

Leningrad Harp and Concertos Tatiana Tower (harp) Leningrad PO & Ch O/Eduard Serov; Taneyev Qt rec. 1978-84 NORTHERN FLOWERS NFPMA99140 [76:45] [RB] Harp connoisseurs need this as a vivid reminder of the musicianship of Tatiana Tower.

Luxembourg Contemporary Music Vol. 1 Works by Boumans, P?tz, Sanavia, Zelianko & Wiltgen - Solistes Europ馥ns, Luxembourg/Christoph K?nig rec. 2012-18 NAXOS 8.579059 [70:16] [HC] Very fine works in excellent performances, all well worth exploring; musical Luxembourg still has much to offer.

Willem Mengelberg (conductor) The Concertgebouw Telefunken Recordings Vol 1 rec. 1937/38 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC624 [76:55 + 76:52] [PSt] These are fascinating performances whose originality will make even the most jaded mind think about the music afresh.

Ivan Moravec (piano) Works by Mozart, Chopin, Jan?ček & Haydn - Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Neville Marriner rec. 1995-2002 HトNSSLER HC20084 [4 CDs: 256 mins] [JW] A masterful pianist heard in representative form.

Music for the King of Scots Inside the Pleasure Palace of James IV - The Binchois Consort/Andrew Kirkman rec. 2019 HYPERION CDA68333 [55:17] [MS] A compelling collection of late Mediaeval polyphonic choral music skilfully presented as if in the acoustic in which it was first heard.

Nordic Rhapsody Works by Grieg, Sibelius, Stenhammar, Sinding & others - Johan Dalene (violin) Christian Ihle Hadland (piano) rec. 2020 BIS BIS-2560 SACD [68.24] [MW] Superb playing of delightful works.

The Organ of Joachim Wagner in Siedlce IV, 1744-1745 Ewa Rzetecka-Niewadomska (organ) rec. 2019 DUX 1608 [76:56] [JV] The selected pieces are perfectly suited to demonstrate the qualities of this historically important organ.

Eugene Ormandy (conductor) The Columbia Legacy - Philadelphia Orchestra rec. 1944-58 SONY CLASSICAL 19439757482 [120 CDs] [RCo] An astonishing achievement, and an object lesson in how big boxes should be planned, produced, processed and presented.

Passeggiata Musicale: Leonardo Da Vinci - ALTA Early Music Ensemble rec. 2020 AYROS AYCD07 [48:18] [GH] Well worth investigating despite the short playing time.

Phoenix Music for Oboe and Piano - Nicola Hands (oboe/cor anglais) Jonathan Pease (piano) rec. 2019 EM RECORDS EMRCD066 [77:18] [JF] An imaginative and varied recital.

Andr? Previn The Warner Edition - Complete HMV & Teldec Recordings rec. 1971-87 WARNER 9029506573 [96 CDs] [JW] Previn’s often inspired HMV and Teldec legacy in a 96-CD box.

Linda Richardson (soprano) Italian Opera Arias Works by Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti & Bellini - Sinfonia of London/John Wilson rec. 2019 CHANDOS CHAN20155 [70:13] [GF] A lot of insightful singing that might have been even better had it been recorded a few years earlier.

Russian Spectacular Works by Mussorgsky, Balakirev and Borodin - Singapore SO, Chorus and Youth Choir/Lan Shui rec. 2019 BIS BIS-2412 SACD [67:38] [DM] Only one performance is below par, the rest are excellent; good sound throughout.

Serenissima A Musical Portrait of Venice around 1726 Works by Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Porpora & Sammartini - Perrine Devillers (soprano) The 1750 Project/Beno?t Laurent rec. 2019 RAMノE RAM1902 [76:13] [JV] A delightful and highly entertaining disc.

Ksenija Sidorova (accordion) Piazzolla Reflections - NDR Elbphilharmonie O/Thomas Hengelbrock rec. 2012-2018 ALPHA 664 [80:52] [ST] Defies you not to be entertained.

Songs of Comfort & Hope Yo-Yo Ma (cello) Kathryn Stott (piano) rec. 2020 SONY 19439822372 [79:01] [GF] Enjoyable music in good readings but sloppy presentation.

Isaac Stern (violin) Live Vol. 5 rec. 1951-1980 DOREMI DHR-8135-36 [74:32 + 76:18] [JW] Live performances of familiar repertoire in sometimes imperfect sound.

Joan Sutherland (soprano) My Favourites rec. 1962-1975 ELOQUENCE 4826448 [80:47] [MP] Delightful mementos of a truly gifted singer.

Joseph Szigeti (violin) The Late Recitals in France rec. 1956-58 MELOCLASSIC MC2040 [75:35 + 73:34] [SG] A release that rakes over the dying embers of Szigeti’s artistry.

Tempesta di passaggi Solo music for cornetto - I Cavalieri del Cornetto Andrea Inghisciano (cornetto) Mar?a Gonz疝ez (organ and harpsichord) rec. 2016/18 ARCANA A120 [67:41] [JV] A stimulating example of what performers can learn from treatises.

Julian Lloyd Webber (cello) The Singing Strad rec. 1984-99 DECCA 4851567 [3 CDs: 211:11] [DD] A delightful birthday tribute to one of the UK’s finest cellists.

Gillian Weir - A Celebration - Dame Gillian Weir (organ) rec. 1964 to 1998 ELOQUENCE 4841435 [22 CDs] Words are inadequate to praise this collection; just go for it.

Articles and Notices

Forgotten Artists: Herbert Albert by Christopher Howell

Vocal Retrospective: 3. Caball? in Recital by Ralph Moore & Mike Parr

Cello Concerto Project: 1991-2000 - a new timeline by Patrick Waller

Cello Concerto Project: 21st Century - a new timeline by Patrick Waller

Schoenberg’s Verkl舐te Nacht - A survey by Ralph Moore

Robert Massard (baritone) - a discography survey by Ralph Moore