RECORDINGS OF THE MONTH Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Ascension Oratorio, Cantatas 34 & 37 - Gutenberg-Kammerchor, Neumeyer Consort/Felix Koch rec. 2016 RONDEAU ROP6154 [61:11] [SG] I have nothing but praise for this wonderful production. Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 4 - Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Lohengrin Prelude - Gewandhaus O Leipzig/Andris Nelsons rec. 2017 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4797577 [79:37] [RMo] One of the best accounts of this symphony ever recorded and certainly the finest of recent years. Pavel CHESNOKOV (1877-1944) Teach Me Thy Statutes - PaTRAM Institute Male Ch/Vladimir Gorbik rec. 2017 REFERENCE RECORDINGS FR-727 SACD [67:14] [JQ] This disc is a stunner. Louis COUPERIN (c1626-1661) Dances from the Bauyn Manuscript - Pavel Kolesnikov (piano) rec. 2017 HYPERION CDA68224 [79:11] [SG] Music of excellence, well performed and fortified by carefully considered programming. George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Sonatas for violin & basso continuo - Brook Street Band rec. 2018 AVIE AV2387 [80.00] [MC] Handel’s violin sonatas could hardly receive finer advocacy than these exceptional performances. George Frederic HANDEL (1685-1759) Acis and Galatea - Lucy Crowe (soprano), Allan Clayton (tenor), Early Opera Company/Christian Curnyn rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHACONNE CHSA0404 SACD [37:38 + 49:10] [DBi] A magnificent performance and recording of one of Handel's most delightful creations. Gustav HOLST (1874-1934) The Planets Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Also sprach Zarathustra - New England Conservatory Ch, Boston SO/William Steinberg, rec. 1970/71 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 4798669 CD/BD-A [75:56] [JQ] Two tremendous performances, now in superb BD-A sound which wears its four decades and more lightly. Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Complete Symphonies - ORF Vienna RSO/Cornelius Meister rec. 2011-17 CAPRICCIO C5320 [3 CDs: 182.04] [MC] I can’t praise this set highly enough. Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Prokofiev for Two - Martha Argerich, Sergei Babayan (pianos) rec. 2017 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 9854 [55.71] [RBe] An outstanding disc, which features world-class playing, exciting and delicate by turns. Joseph RHEINBERGER (1839-1901) Complete Organ Sonatas - Roger Sayer (organ) rec. 2015/16 PRIORY RECORDS PRCD1165 [6 CDs: 437:55] [SSi] This is a wonderful set, one that has already given me great listening pleasure. Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1928) A Soprano’s Schubertiade - Carolyn Sampson (soprano) Joseph Middleton (piano) rec. 2017 BIS BIS-2343 SACD [77.32] [MW] One of the great recitals: sheer bliss. Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828) Piano Sonata No. 21, Impromptus - Marc-André Hamelin (piano) rec. 2017 HYPERION CDA68213 [81.51] [RBe] An exceptional recording, which deserves a place in the pantheon of great Schubert recordings. Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Piano Trio No. 2 Lera AUERBACH (b. 1973) Piano Trios 1 & 2 - Delta Piano Trio rec. 2017 ODRADEK ODRCD350 [63:30] [RHa] The recording career of a brilliant Dutch trio starts here. Georg Philipp TELEMANN (1681-1767) Seliges Erwägen des bittern Leydens und Sterbens Jesu Christi - Freiburg Baroque O/Gottfried von der Goltz rec. 2017 APARTÉ AP175 [59:15 + 53:15] [DBi] Telemann continues to amaze and to belie his current lack of status: a must-hear recording. Das ewige Rätsel Johannes Martin Kränzle (baritone), Hilko Dumno (piano) rec. 2017 OEHMS CLASSICS OC1887 [69:04] [GF] An utterly satisfying recital, which includes my find of the year. Fanfares Onyx Brass/John Wilson rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5221 SACD [59:03] [NB] A superb disc, a collection distinguished by the brilliance of the music it contains and the exceptional manner in which it is played. French Moments Piano trios by Debussy, Fauré & Roussel - Neave Trio rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHAN10996 [70:08] [GPJ] Performances to cherish, especially the Fauré. Liepāja Concerti - Vol. I Works by Dubra, Smidbergs, Esenvalds, Karlsons and Lacis - Liepāja SO/Atvars Lakstīgala rec 2013-2016 ODRADEK RECORDS ODRCD362 [63:06 + 75:27] [RHa] An often thrilling survey of new Latvian concertos brilliantly performed and vividly recorded. Pour la Duchesse du Maine Works by Bernier, Bourgeois & Mouret - Ens La Française rec. 2017 POLYMNIE POL503134 [55:01] [JV] By far the best disc with French cantatas that I have heard in recent years. Rawsthorne & Other Rarities Clare Wilkinson (mezzo) Harvey Davies (harpsichord) John Turner (recorder, bamboo pipe) Peter Lawson (piano) Stephanie Tress (cello) Solem Qt rec. 2017 DIVINE ART DDA25169 [78:30] [JF] An extraordinary disc.

John ADAMS (b. 1947) Absolute Jest, Naive and Sentimental Music - Sean Shibe (steel-string guitar), Doric String Qt, Royal Scottish Ntl O/Peter Oundjian rec. 2017 CHANDOS SACD CHSA5199 [71:25] [LW] A worthy addition to the growing John Adams discography.

Samuel ADLER (b. 1928) One Lives but Once: A 90th Birthday Celebration rec. 2016/17 LINN CKD590 [3 CDs: 209:59] [SG] Well-crafted music with immense appeal.

Vyacheslav ARTYOMOV (b. 1940) The Way to Olympus, Gurian Hymn, Preludes to Sonnets, Concert of the 13 - USSR State Academic SO/Gennady Rozhdestvensky rec. 1977-1990 DIVINE ART DDA25171 [70:36] [JF] An interesting musical exploration that is both compelling and satisfying.

Tor AULIN (1866-1914) Violin Concertos Nos 1-3 - Ulf Wallin (violin) Helsingborg SO/Andrew Manze rec. 2012 CPO 777 826-2 [76:19] [JW] Heartfelt lyrical music.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Partitas - Menno van Delft (clavichord) rec. 2016 RESONUS CLASSICS RES10212 [59:21 + 73:49] [RHa] I strongly suspect this is something of an uncharacteristic misfire from Resonus.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) French & English Suites - Alexander Borovsky (piano) rec. 1952/3 PRISTINE AUDIO PAKM074 [3 CDs: 166:33] [JW] I hope this will lead to more investigation of Borovsky’s legacy.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Mass in B Minor - Katherine Watson (soprano) Tim Mead (counter-tenor) Reinoud Van Mechelen (tenor) André Morsch (bass) Les Arts Florissants/William Christie rec. 2016 HARMONIA MUNDI HAF8905293.94 [52:16 + 52:47] [DHu] Not the first version I would reach for.

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Homage Cantatas - Katja Stuber (soprano) Franz Vitzthum (alto) Daniel Johannsen (tenor) Deutsche Hofmusik/Alexander Grychtolik rec. 2016 DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 88985410522 [52:49] [JV] This is a disc no Bach lover should miss.

Granville BANTOCK (1868-1946) Bantock Rediscovered - Maria Marchant (piano) rec. 2017 SOMM RECORDINGS SOMMCD0183 [73:43] [NB] Fine playing and recording of appealing music.

Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) Divertimento Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) String Quintet No. 2 - Amsterdam Sinfonietta/Candida Thompson rec. 2016 CHANNEL CLASSICS CCS37518 [55:26] [DC] Specialist string orchestra playing – very fine indeed.

Béla BARTÓK (1881-1945) & Zoltan KODÁLY (1882-1967) Concertos for Orchestra - Berlin RSO/Jakub Hrůša rec. 2017 PENTATONE PTC5186626 SACD [55.30] [DBi] Two fine works, extremely well performed and recorded.

Waldemar von BAUSZNERN (1866-1931) Quintet, Acht Kammergesänge, String Trio - Maria Bentsson (soprano) Berolina Ens rec. 2017 MDG 94820716 SACD [78:16] [SSi] Not an attention-grabber initially, but there is enough here to satisfy those who enjoy the less-travelled musical paths.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonatas Nos. 5 & 9 - Susanne Lautenbacher (violin) Reinhold Lampart (piano) rec. 1950s FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR1459 [56:28] [SG] The remasterings are exemplary, but I have some reservations about the performances.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) & Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphonies No. 5 - Dresdner Philharmonie/Michael Sanderling rec. 2016/17 SONY CLASSICAL 19075820802 [81.52] [MC] I’m looking forward keenly to the next release in this series.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Symphonies 1-9 - NDR SO/Günter Wand rec. 1982-1988 RCA RED SEAL 19075818872 [5 CDs: 356:35] [DC] A superb cycle – certainly in the top tier for all-round reliably high quality.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Violin Sonatas No. 5 & 6 - Nap de Klijn (violin), Alice Heksch (piano) rec. 1954 FORGOTTEN RECORDS FR1447 [48:27] [SG] Delightful performances by a duo that will not be on the radar of many.

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827) Missa Solemnis - Bach Collegium Japan/Masaaki Suzuki rec. 2017 BIS BIS-2321 SACD [74:07] [JQ] A considerable performance of Beethoven’s mighty Mass.

Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Dances from West Side Story, Fancy Free and On the Town; On the Waterfront Suite - Royal Liverpool PO/Christian Lindberg rec. 2016 BIS BIS-2278 SACD [62:30] [JQ] Lindberg and the RLPO have set the bar pretty high for any other recordings of Bernstein’s music that may come out in 2018.

Heinrich BIBER (1644-1704) The Mystery Sonatas, Passacaglia - Christina Day Martinson (violin) Boston Baroque rec. 2017 LINN CKD501 [72:41 + 47:40] [RHa] Fine performances of Biber’s instrumental magnum opus, but lacking something for this listener.

Sir Arthur BLISS (1891-1975) The Beatitudes, Introduction & Allegro - Emily Birsan (soprano) Ben Johnson (tenor) BBC SO & Ch/Sir Andrew Davis rec. May 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5191 SACD [66:31] [JQ] An important and highly significant addition to the Bliss discography.

Philippe BOESMANS (b. 1936) Pinocchio - Stéphane Degout (baritone) Vincent Le Texier (baritone) O de la Monnaie/Patrick Davin CYPRES CYP4647 [2 CDs: 123:37 + DVD: 77:16] [RHa] Boesmans has fashioned a colourful, absorbing and memorable operatic treatment of the Pinocchio story, albeit one with darker undercurrents than one might expect.

William BOLCOM (b. 1938) Piano Music - Constantine Finehouse, Estela Olevsky, Ursula Oppens, Christopher Taylor (pianos) rec. 2014/15 NAXOS 8.559832-34 [3 CDs: 172:19] [SG] On my first encounter with Bolcom’s music, I would offer a warm recommendation for this most enjoyable release.

Ernest BLOCH (1880-1959) Concerto Symphonique, Concerto Grosso No. 1, Scherzo fantasque - Jenny Lin (piano), SWR Radio O Kaiserslautern/Jiřī Stárek rec. 2006 SWR MUSIC SWR19420CD [77:06] [EJW] An excellent CD, strongly recommended to anyone interested in the music of a still under-appreciated composer.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Complete symphonies - Scottish CO/Robin Ticciati rec. 2017 LINN CKD601 [78:09 + 74:07] [ST] I commend the playing and the vision of this set, but I can give it only a guarded welcome.

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897) Clarinet Sonatas Nos 1 & 2, Clarinet Trio - Robert Oberaigner (clarinet) Michael Schöch (piano) Norbert Anger (cello) rec. 2017 MDG SACD 903 2049-6 [66:13] [SB] Fine and idiomatic performances.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 7 Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Siegfried's Funeral March - Gewandhaus O Leipzig/Andris Nelsons rec. 2018 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 8494 [76:47] [MB] How can the orchestra play this beautifully when the performance is so dull?

Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1975) War Requiem - Sabina Cvilak (soprano), Ian Bostridge (tenor), Simon Keenlyside (baritone), London SO & Ch/Gianandrea Noseda rec. 2011 ALTO ALC2029 [46:33 + 37:11] [GPJ] A stunning and profoundly moving account of Britten’s great masterpiece.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Complete Symphonies - Hamburg PO/Simone Young rec. 2006 - 2015 OEHMS CLASSICS OC026 [12 CDs: 687:03] [RMo] One of the best modern sets of Bruckner symphonies at a budget price – but you must want to hear the less familiar, original versions.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824–1896) Symphony No.3 - Munich PO/Valery Gergiev rec. 2017 MÜNCHNER PHILHARMONIKER MPHL0009 [55:28] [BW]  Not my first choice, even among recordings of the final 1889 version, but well worth considering.

Anton BRUCKNER (1824-1896) Symphony No. 7 - Stuttgart SWR SO/Paul Hindemith rec. 1958 SWR CLASSIC SWR19417CD [59:16] Kőlner RSO/Hans Knappertsbusch rec. 1963 ORFEO C915181B [65:40] [RMo] Performances that are different and disparate despite their superficial links and neither represents the ideal.

William BYRD (1539/40-1623) Motets - King’s College Cambridge Ch/Stephen Cleobury rec. 2017 KING’S COLLEGE KGS0024 [56:12] [MG] Cleobury’s spirited, dramatic approach to Byrd’s motets proves both stimulating and frustrating.

Britta BYSTRÖM (b 1977) Games for Souls Heinrich von BIBER (1644-1704) Battalia Benjamin BRITTEN (1913-1976) Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge - Musica Vitae/Malin Broman (violin) rec. 2016 DAPHNE 1063 [63:57] [RHa] An unusual programme with an appeal that is considerably enhanced by Byström’s sparkling new violin concerto.

Nicolas CAPRON (c1740-1784) Sonatas - Ann Roux (violin) Marieanne Lee (cello) Lionel Desmeules (harpsichord) rec. 2016 CLAVES 50-1809 [67:26] [JV] Ann Roux delivers immaculate performances and deals impressively with the challenges these sonatas represent.

Aaron COPLAND (1900-1990) El Salón México, Clarinet Concerto, The Tender Land suite - Benny Goodman (clarinet), Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Phil/Aaron Copland rec. 1974 NAXOS Blu-ray NBD0068V [59 mins] [JQ] An opportunity to see Aaron Copland as a very effective conductor of his own music.

Bernhard Henrik CRUSELL (1775-1838) Clarinet Concertos, Introduction et air suédois - Swedish CO/Michael Collins (clarinet) rec. 2017 CHANDOS SACD CHSA5187 [74:22] [RHa] This may be the best Crusell collection out there.

Grant CUTLER Dust Jesse WHITNEY Aegis Modify Transformational Variances rec. 2016/17 ÆTHER TAPES ÆT001-3 [38 & 59 & 41 mins] Cassette/Download [DC] A new ambient label - on cassette.

Johann Nepomuk DAVID (1895-1977) Symphonies Nos. 2 & 4 - ORF Radio-SO Wien/Johannes Wildner rec. 2008 CPO 777 577-2 [72:29] [RHa] Imaginative and compelling.

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) & Sergey PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Violin Sonatas Witold LUTOSŁAWSKI (1913-1994) Partita - Karolina Piątkowska-Nowicka (violin) Piotr Nowicki (piano) rec. 2017 DUX 1358 [60:09] [WH] Three major works in very fine performances.

Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918) Rêveries de Bilitis - Duo Bilitis rec. 2017 BRILLIANT CLASSSICS 95657 [59:07] [EJW] An intriguing recording.

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857–1934) Symphony No. 2, Serenade for Strings - BBC SO/Edward Gardner rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5197 SACD [66:43] [RMo] A fine, but not exceptional, reading which does not displace favourite recordings.

Sir Edward ELGAR (1857-1934) Falstaff, Grania & Diarmid, Songs - Roderick Williams (baritone) BBC Philharmonic/Sir Andrew Davis rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5188 SACD [74.25] [RWM] A fine performance of Falstaff in refined but not ideally immediate sound is complemented by a distinguished recital of Elgar’s songs.

Louise FARRENC (1804-1875) Variations for piano - Biliana Tzinlikova (piano) rec. 2017 PALADINO MUSIC PMR0088 [52:29] [SSi] Full of character and colour and wonderfully performed.

Morton FELDMAN (1926-1987) Complete Violin/Viola & Piano Works - Christina Fong (violin, viola) Paul Hersey (piano) rec. 2003 OGREOGRESS PRODUCTIONS [58:36 + 70:00] [DC] Morton Feldman’s complete violin/viola and piano music – get it while you can!

Gerhard FROMMEL (1906-1984) Symphony No.1, Symphonic Prelude - Jena PO/Jürgen Bruns rec. 2017 CAPRICCIO C5338 [57:21] [NB] Others may find more to enjoy than I.

Jerzy GABLENZ (1888-1937) Songs Vol. 1 - Barbara Lewicka (soprano) Beata Kosk (mezzo) Donata Zuliani (alto) Fr Robert Kaczorowski (baritone) Anna Mikolon (piano) rec. 2017/18 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0419 [78:10] [SSi] Acte Préalable once again shows that they are not shy of producing discs of forgotten and neglected composers.

Aleksandra GARBAL (b. 1970) Mysterious Garden of 20^th and 21^st Century Miniatures rec. 1997-2017 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0416 [78:15] [SSi] This is a welcome addition to the catalogue.

Henryk GÓRECKI (1933-2010) String Quartet No.3 - Dafô String Qt rec. 2016 DUX 1302 [48:35] [BW]  A fine recording of an important late-twentieth-century work but short value.

Giacomo GORZANIS (c.1525-c.1575) La Barca del mio Amore - La Lyra/Bor Zuljan (lute) rec. 2017 ARCANA A450 [56:48] [BW] La Lyra make a strong and enjoyable case for the vocal and instrumental music of this little-known composer.

Larry GOVES (b.1980) The Rules - National Youth O of Great Britain/Paul Daniel rec. 2014 PRIMA FACIE PFNSCD008 [22:24] [RHa] Despite truly extraordinary playing from 160 teenagers, the work needs a little refinement.

Enrique GRANADOS (1867-1916) Goyescas - Alexander Boyd (piano) rec. 2017 CLAUDIO BD-A CR6039-6 [53:35] [DBi] A fine recording and performance of a Spanish masterwork.

Christoph Willibald GLUCK (1714-1787) Orfeo ed Euridice - Philippe Jaroussky; Coro della Radiotelevisione svizzera; I Barocchisti/Diego Fasolis rec. 2016 and 2017 ERATO 9029570794 [77:38] [BW] Philippe Jaroussky shines in this male-soprano 1774 Naples version and is very well supported all round.

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Arias - Franco Fagioli (countertenor), Il Pomo d'Oro, rec. 2017 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 7541 [79:43] [MC] The disc deserves to be included in any collection of Baroque music.

Georg Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Arminio - Max Emanuel Cencic, Gaia Petrone, Armonia Atenea/George Petrou rec. 2017 C MAJOR 744504 Blu-ray [168 mins] [RWe] It is hard to imagine that a better-filmed Arminio production than this one will come along any time soon.

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah - Le Concert Spirituel Ch & O/Hervé Niquet rec. 2016 ALPHA 362 [46:29 + 68:49] [MG] Niquet’s Messiah is a chameleon: sometimes beguilingly smooth, sometimes vividly raucous.

John HARBISON (b. 1938) Symphony No. 4 Carl RUGGLES (1876-1971) Sun-Treader Steven STUCKY (1949-2016) Concerto for Orchestra No. 2 - National Orchestra Institute Phil/David Alan Miller rec. 2017 NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS 8.559836 [65:00] [DM] Thoroughly modern Miller; plenty more, please.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Masses rec. 1992-2008 HÄNSSLER CLASSIC HC15017 [4 CDs: 304:33] [SSi] Musically this set is a bargain, with all the performances being at least good, but be prepared for no notes or texts.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Sonatas Nos 32, 40, 49 & 50 - Paul Lewis (piano) rec. 2017 HARMONIA MUNDI HMM902371 [69:27] [MG] A splendid disc from Lewis, not effacing Brendel in masterly presentation of overall structure, but knocking some spots off him in sparkling articulation and spontaneity.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) String Quartets, Op.64 - Doric String Qt rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHAN10971(2) [74:52 + 66:48] [TB] Excellent performances, which demonstrate why the Doric Quartet is regarded as one of the leading ensembles of our time.

Joseph HAYDN (1732-1809) Piano Trios Nos 27, 32, 35, 40 & 41 - Trio Wanderer rec. 2017 HARMONIA MUNDI HMM902321 [68:42] [DJB] Refined but rather unsmiling performances.

Heinz HOLLIGER (b. 1939) Choral Utopia - SWR Vokalensemble/Marcus Creed rec. 2006-2015 WERGO WER73332 [75:26] [DC] Hard work, but subtle rewards are there to be uncovered if you persist.

Michael HURD (1928-2006) Choral Music Vol. 2 & Complete Solo Songs -Sarah Mapplebeck (mezzo) Marcus Farnsworth (baritone) Benjamin Hulett (tenor) Simon Lepper (piano) Hertfordshire Ch, London O da Camera/David Temple rec. 2017 LYRITA SRCD366 [72:07 + 39:45] [JQ] Highly persuasive performances.

Salomon JADASSOHN (1831-1902) Symphony No. 1, Serenade for Flute and Strings, Serenades No. 1-3, Piano Concerto No. 1 - Valentina Seferinova (piano), Rebecca Hall (flute), Belarussian State SO, Malta PO, Karelia State SO rec. 2008-11 CAMEO CLASSICS CC9101 [77:36 + 68:14] [PRB] An underrated composer in serviceable performances.

Leoš JANÁČEK (1854-1928) On an Overgrown Path, In the Mists - Czech Philharmonic Qt rec. 2017 ARCO DIVA UP0199-2131 [61:19] [NB] This disc leaves me in no doubt as to the value and quality of these arrangements.

Wojciech KILAR (1932-2013) Missa pro pace - Podlasie PO & Opera Ch/Miroslaw Jacek Blaszczyk rec. 2017 DUX 1413 [67:33] [GF] Kilar is definitely worth getting to know.

Jaroslav KRČEK (b. 1939) Instrumental Music - Musica Bohemica Prague/Jaroslav Krček, Slovak CO/Bohdan Warchal rec. 1986-2017 ARCO DIVA UP0201-2131 [55:00] [JW] A fine retrospective and a salutary reminder of Krček’s warmth and human sympathies in his music-making.

Jaroslav KRČEK (b. 1939) Vocal Music - Czech Girls's Ch Jitro, Gentlemen Singers, Iuventus pedagogica, Musica Bohemica Prague/Jaroslav Krček, Slovak CO/Bohdan Warchal rec. 1986-2017 ARCO DIVA UP0202-2131 [59:00] [JW] Affords great pleasure and warm-hearted, communicative music-making.

Arnold KRUG (1849-1904) String Sextet, Piano Quartet - Linos Ens rec. 2014 CPO 555 030-2 [66:57] [PRB] A ‘forgotten’ composer whose work, on this evidence, definitely deserves some renewed attention.

Michel-Richard de LALANDE (1657-1726) Grands Motets for the Sun King - Ensemble Aedes/Mathieu Romano; Le Poème Harmonique/Vincent Dumestre rec. 2017 ALPHA 968 [74:32] [MS] An enticing and thoughtful set of performances of music which ought to push this under-appreciated composer out of the shadows.

Christian LINDBERG (b. 1958) Steppenwolf, Tales of Galamanta, Peking Twilight - Rafael Altino (viola) Odense SO/Christian Lindberg rec. 2017 BIS BIS-2308 SACD [58:23] [DC] Accessible and superbly crafted works.

Franz LISZT (1811-1886) Années de pèlerinage: Suisse - Francesco Piemontesi (piano) rec. 2017 ORFEO C944182I [55:00] [RWe] A supremely accomplished version of a seminal work, beautifully played and recorded.

Carlo Ambrogio LONATI (c.1645-c.1712) Sonate da chiesa I-VI - Ars Antiqua Austria rec. 2017 PAN CLASSICS PC10387 [57:27] [DC] Admirable Baroque chamber music.

Guillaume de MACHAUT (1300-1377) Fortune’s Child - Orlando Consort rec. 2016 HYPERION CDA68195 [60.40] [GH] While I have a few reservations, this disc can still be recommended as a good investment.

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 1 - Düsseldorfer SO/Ádám Fischer rec. 2017 CAVI-MUSIC 8553390 [53.01] [MC] A performance that feels fresh and distinctive with a deeply intense atmosphere that is entirely compelling.

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphonies Nos 1, 5 & 9 - Moscow PO/Kirill Kondrashin, Tatarstan Ntl SO/Alexander Sladkovsky rec. 1967-2016 MELODIYA MELCD1002475 [7 CDs: 395:51] [GT] Performances that showcase two quite different interpretations.

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 5 - Düsseldorf SO/Ádám Fischer rec. 2017 CAVI-MUSIC 8553395 [69.54] [MC] This perceptive new account gives the finest recordings I know a run for their money and I am certain to play it often.

George MARTIN (1926-2016) The Film Scores & Original Orchestral Music - Berlin Music Ens & Ch/Craig Leon rec. 2017 ATLAS RÉALISATIONS ARCD008 [63:00] [JW] An enterprising and consistently enjoyable album.

Rolf MARTINSSON (b. 1956) Presentiment - Lisa Larsson (soprano) Royal Stockholm PO/Andrew Manze, Sakari Oramo rec. 2015/17 BIS BIS-2133 SACD [73:17] [DC] A real treat.

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Songs Vol. 5 - Jana Hrochovà (mezzo) Giorgio Koukl (piano) rec. 2017 NAXOS 8.573823 [55:44] [SA] Recommended to all those who regard Martinů’s works as a major contribution to 20th century music.

Bohuslav MARTINŮ (1890-1959) Concerto for two violins, Rhapsody–Concerto, Concerto for two pianos - Sarah and Deborah Nemtanu (violins), Magali Demess (viola), Maria and Momo Kodama (pianos), Marseille PO/Lawrence Foster, rec. 2017 PENTATONE PTC5186658 SACD [62.52] [JW] More than acceptable performances, but better ones are out there.

Pietro MASCAGNI (1863 – 1945) Cavalleria rusticana Ruggero LEONCAVALLO (1857 – 1919) Pagliacci - José Carreras (tenor) Montserrat Caballé, Renata Scotto (soprano) Ambrosian Opera Ch, Philharmonia O/Riccardo Muti rec. 1979 WARNER CLASSICS 7636502 [74:09 + 75:53] [RMo] Carreras in peak form.

Toshiro MAYUZUMI (1929–1997) Phonologie Symphonique; Bacchanale; Samsara - Hong Kong PO/Yoshikazu Fukumura rec. 1984 NAXOS 8.573916 [43:06] Nirvana Symphony - Tokyo Choraliers; NHK SO/Hiroyuki Iwaki rec. c.2014 NAXOS NYNN-0055 [37:39] Ecstatic Drumbeats - Evelyn Glennie (percussion); Taipei Chinese O/En Shao, Yiu-Kwong Chung rec. 2010 BIS-1599-SACD [75:10] [BW] The BIS recording offers the best introduction to Mayuzumi and does so as part of an attractive programme.

Joachim MENDELSON (1892-1943) Symphony No. 2, Quintet, Violin sonata, Chamber Symphony - Polish RSO/Jürgen Bruns, Tatiana Blome (piano), Ulrike Petersen (violin) rec. 2010/11 EDA 040 [67:16] [SFV] I rather enjoyed this; you might, too.

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) String Symphonies Nos 9-12, Octet - I Musici rec. 1961-70 ELOQUENCE 4825111 [76:52 + 58:20] [SG] I Musici bring freshness and vitality to these youthful scores.

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847) Concerto for Violin & Piano, Violin Concerto - Lena Neudauer (violin), Matthias Kirschnereit (piano), Südwestdeutsches CO Pforzheim/Timo Handschuh rec. 2017 CPO 555 197-2 [56:51] [SSi] A very pleasing performance of these two early concertos.

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847), Édouard LALO (1823-1892) & Max BRUCH (1838-1920) Piano Trios - Petrof Piano Trio rec. 2012 NIMBUS ALLIANCE NI6219 [70:43] [SV] I can make no more than a qualified recommendation.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Symphony No. 31 Wayne PETERSON (b. 1927) Free Variations George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Porgy and Bess, A Symphonic Picture - Minneapolis SO/Antal Doráti rec. 1950-59 DORÁTI EDITION ADE012 [58:55] [WH] An interesting and satisfying disc.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Don Giovanni - Simone Alberghini (baritone) Dmitry Korchak (tenor) Irina Lungu (soprano) Prague Ntl Theatre Ch & O/Plácido Domingo rec. 2017 C MAJOR Blu-ray 745304 [182 mins] [RJF] Unless you were there, or are a Domingo disciple, there are many more dramatic, well staged and sung alternative recordings of this wonderful opera to tempt you.

Geraldine MUCHA (1917-2012) Macbeth Suite, Piano Concerto, Variations on an Old Scottish Song - Ivana Troupová (soprano) Patricia Goodson (piano) Hradec Králové PO/Andreas Sebastian-Weiser rec. 2013-15 ARCO DIVA UP0192 2231 [62:57] [NB] Individual and impressive music, passionately performed and well presented.

Thea MUSGRAVE (b. 1928) Mary, Queen of Scots - Ashley Putnam (soprano) Jake Gardner (baritone) Virginia Opera O & Ch/Peter Mark rec. 1979 LYRITA SRCD2369 [53:28 + 79:11] [JF] A lyrical, approachable and satisfying performance.

Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Pictures from an Exhibition Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) La Valse; Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Rossiniana - Suisse Romande O/Ernest Ansermet rec. 1958/67 ELOQUENCE 4824983 [66:50] [BW] Not my first choice for Pictures but comparable with Ansermet’s 1959 recording.

Josef MYSLIVECEK (1737-1781) Violin Concertos, Sinfonia, Ouverture - Leila Schayegh (violin) Collegium 1704/Václav Luks rec. 2017 ACCENT ACC24336 [73:35] Excellent, sprightly, incisive and youthful performances balancing lyricism with excitement.

Feliks NOWOWIEJSKI (1877-1946) Symphonies Nos 2 & 3 - Poznań PO/Łukasz Borowicz rec. 2017 DUX 1446 [73:19] [NB] These symphonies well deserve to be better known.

John OGDON (1937-1989) Sonata, Ballade, Kaleidoscope No.1, Variations & Fugue - Tyler Hay (piano) rec. 2017 PIANO CLASSICS PCL10132 [66:18] [RB] Granitic, freely dissonant, varied, serious, darkly-coloured, phantasmal and not short on grandeur.

Arvo PÄRT (b. 1935) Symphonies Nos 1-4 - NFM Wrocław Philharmonic/Tõnu Kaljuste rec. 2015/16 ECM NEW SERIES 2600 [79:26] [DC] The obvious choice for anyone wanting all four of Pärt’s symphonies.

Louis PELOSI (b. 1947) A Triptych Memorial to My Rosemarie - Parts I-III rec. 2006-2011 KASP RECORDS 57701/02/21 [3 CDs: 234:23] [SG] As a newcomer to this music, I have found it an enriching and fascinating discovery.

George PERLE (1915-2009) Orchestral Music (1965-1987) - Jay Campbell (cello), Seattle Symphony, Ludovic Morlot rec. 2016-2017 BRIDGE 9499 [69:47] [MS] An appealing collection of varied instrumental works.

John PICKARD (b. 1963) Binyon Songs, The Phoenix, The borders of sleep - Roderick Williams (baritone) Eve Daniell (soprano) Simon Lepper (piano) rec. 2017 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0413 [61.01] [PCG] This should be snapped up by all those who have an interest in the evolution of English song in the post-Britten era.

Almeida PRADO (1943-2010) Complete Cartas Celestes Vol. 4 - Aleyson Scopel (piano) rec. 2017 GRAND PIANO GP747 [62:10] [RH] A fine Brazilian pianist provides evangelical advocacy for the music of a little-known compatriot. To these ears, though, it owes too much to its obvious models.

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Romeo & Juliet - Ballet & O Teatro alla Scala/Patrick Fournillier rec. 2017 C MAJOR Blu-ray 743604 [151 mins] [RMay] Right up there with the very best filmed versions.

Sergei PROKOFIEV (1891-1953) Piano Concerto No. 3 Miloslav KABELÁČ (1908-1979) Reflections Maurice RAVEL (1875-1937) Rapsodie Espagnole - Peter Katin (piano) Prague SO/Zdenék Košler, Václav Smetáček rec. 1967-1968 ORCHESTRAL CONCERT CDs CD2/2008 [71:12] [PSe] A few technical flaws, but very good performances and that uniquely realistic sound.

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Symphony No. 3 Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881) Khovanshchina Prelude - Stuttgart RSO/Kurt Sanderling rec. 1995 SWR CLASSIC SWR19050CD [49:21] [JQ] Despite the short playing time these Sanderling performances are welcome additions to the catalogue.

Jean-Philippe RAMEAU (1683-1764) Complete Solo Keyboard Works - Steven Devine (harpsichord) rec. 2013-17 RESONUS RES10214 [3 CDs: 219:39] [SSi] Steven Divine’s playing may be at a slower tempo than most, but this serves to accentuate the differing aspects of Rameau’s wonderfully colourful music.

Maurice RAVEL (1875–1937) & George GERSHWIN (1898–1937) Piano Concertos - Denis Kozhukhin (piano) Suisse Romande O/Kazuki Yamada rec. 2017 PENTATONE PTC5186620 SACD [74.55] [RBe] Some exceptionally fine playing here.

Igor RAYKHELSON (b. 1961) Piano & Chamber Music Vol. 1 - Ekaterina Astashova (violin) Alexander Kniazev (cello) Konstantin Lifschitz (piano) Borodin Qt - rec. 2011/17 TOCCATA CLASSICS TOCC0315 [78:18] [SG] Neoclassicism, late-Romanticism, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov and jazz all coalesce in these attractive and colourful scores.

Josef RHEINBERGER (1839-1901) Violin Sonatas - Thomas Schrott (violin), Piero Barbareschi (piano), rec. 2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95635 [45:21] [SS] A very welcome release.

Franz Xaver RICHTER (1709-1789) Sinfonia No. 52, Te Deum, Oboe Concerto - Luise Haugk (Baroque oboe) Czech Ens Baroque O & Ch/Roman Válek rec. 2017 SUPRAPHON SU42402 [49:29] [DJB] Splendid performances of enjoyable music, but the short run time is a distinct negative.

Michael RICKELTON Songs - James Reese (tenor), Matt Sullivan (baritone), Molly Young (soprano) Hasiao-Ying Lin, Ta Wei Tsai (piano) rec. 2015/16 ALBANY TROY1683 [64:13] [JW] If you enjoy the songs of Barber, Copland, Britten or Bolcom, you may find some echoes here in Rickelton’s thoughtful settings.

Nikolay RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908) Le Coq d'Or - Sheva Tehoval (soprano) Alexey Dolgov (tenor) Pavlo Hunka (bass) SO & Ch de la Monnaie/Alain Altinoglu rec. 2016 BEL AIR CLASSIQUES Blu-ray BAC447 [118 mins] [RWe] This recent production is a clear success musically and as a valid interpretation.

Edmund RUBBRA (1901-1986) The Sacred Muse - James E. Jordan Jr. (organ) Gloria Dei Cantores/Elizabeth C. Patterson PARACLETE RECORDS GDCD130 [58:28] [WK] The choir has an enviable clarity to their singing, a truly reverential sense, and great beauty of sound.

Pierre de la RUE (c.1450-1518) Masses - Beauty Farm rec. 2016 FRA BERNARDO FB1800751 [2 CDs: 129.07] [GH] A revelatory recording in some respects.

Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921) Piano Trios Nos 1 & 2, La Muse et le Poète - Gould Piano Trio rec. 2016 CHAMPS HILL RECORDS CHRCD140 [79.51] [DBi] A CD worth anyone's money.

Heinrich SCHEIDEMANN (c1595 - 1665) Keyboard Music - Joseph Rassam (organ, harpsichord, virginals) rec. 2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95427 [2 CDs: 130:39] [JV] A most enjoyable release and an ideal introduction to the art of Heinrich Scheideman.

Robert SCHUMANN (1810-1856) Adventlied; Ballade vom Pagen und der Königstochter, Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750) Cantata - Carolyn Sampson (soprano) Estonian Phil Chamber Ch, Helsinki Baroque O/Aapo Häkkinen rec. 2017 ONDINE ODE1312-2 [70:56] [SSi] An excellent disc of rare Schumann, with wonderful performances by all those involved.

Cyril SCOTT (1879-1970) Songs - Charlotte de Rothschild (soprano) Adrian Farmer (piano) rec. 2017 LYRITA SRCD.365 [64:41] [JW] A journey into a decidedly under-explored area of Scott’s repertoire.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Symphony No. 7 - NBC SO/Leopold Stokowski rec. 1942 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC527 [79:34] [JQ] This deeply committed performance, excellently transferred, is an important element in the recorded history of the ‘Leningrad’ symphony.

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Cello Concerto No. 1 Mats LIDSTRÖM (b. 1959) Rigoletto Fantasy - Mats Lidström (cello) Oxford PO/Vladimir Ashkenazy rec. 2016 BIS BIS-2289 SACD [60:02] [DC] Fun Verdi, so-so Shostakovich.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Orchestral Works - BBC Ntl O Wales/Thomas Søndergård rec. 2017/18 LINN RECORDS CKD566 [75:06] [RB] Recordings and readings that equate integrity with restraint.

Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) & Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA (1928-2016) Violin Concertos - Tobias Feldmann (violin) PO Royal de Liège/Jean-Jacques Kantorow rec. 2017 ALPHA CLASSICS 357 [58:28] [NB] The programming is logical and well balanced, and the result is very enjoyable.

Leone SINIGAGLIA (1868-1944) Violin Concerto, Romanza and Humoresque - Laura Marzadori (violin), Fernado Caida Greco (cello) O Città di Ferrara/Marco Zuccarini rec. 2013 TACTUS TC861901 [55:06] [JW] The performances are polished and careful, but lacking a little adrenalin and passion.

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Eine Alpensinfonie; Dance of the Seven Veils; Die Frau ohne Schatten suite - London PO/Vladimir Jurowski rec. 2012-16 LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LPO0106 [44:48 + 56:45] [DM] Full-fat Strauss, played, directed and recorded with aplomb; simply glorious.

Richard STRAUSS (1864-1949) Aus Italien Ermanno WOLF-FERRARI (1876-1948) Suite Veneziana - Berlin RSO/Ariane Matiakh rec. 2017 CAPRICCIO C5344 [61:50] [JF] Interesting and enjoyable.

Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949) Macbeth, Don Juan, Tod und Verklärung, Festmarsch - Staatskapelle Weimar/Kirill Karabits rec. 2017 AUDITE 97.755 [70:35] [NB] Superb playing and engineering ensure this is never less than a pleasure to listen to.

Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Complete Music for Solo Piano - Oxana Shevchenko (piano) rec. 2017 DELPHIAN DCD34203 [55:52 + 60:03] [SB] Stravinsky’s piano works are a motley collection but contain some masterpieces, well played here.

Josef SUK (1874-1935) Asrael Symphony - Brno PO/Jiří Waldhans rec. 1968 ORCHESTRAL CONCERT CDs CD7/2009 [60:37] [DB] A lovely performance of Suk’s Asrael and a recording to match.

Alexandre TANSMAN (1897-1986) Le Train de nuit, Sonate, Fantaisie, La Grande Ville - Duo d’Accord rec. 2017 SWR MUSIC SWR19053CD [55:00] [DC] Tremendous fun and searing, elusive expressiveness in one superb programme.

Piotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-93) String Quartet No. 2 Robert SCHUMANN (1810-56) String Quartet No. 1 - Manfred Qt rec. 2016 PARATY 117152 [65:45] [PBW] I was very impressed by these fine players and shall look out for their future recordings.

Dmitri TYMOCZKO (b. 1969) Rube Goldberg Variations - Flexible Music, Atlantic Brass Qnt, Amernet String Qt, Matthew Bengtson, John Blacklow (piano) rec. 2017 BRIDGE 9492 [51:15] [DC] A whole barrow-load of new-music seedlings on offer to anyone with a fertile imagination.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Songs of Travel, Six Studies in English Folk Song, Romance, Four Hymns - James Gilchrist (tenor), Anna Tilbrook (piano), Philip Dukes (viola) rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHAN10969 [71:31] [IL] Confidently recommended to RVW and English song enthusiasts.

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958) Serenade to Music, Oboe Concerto, Flos Campi, Piano Concerto - Louis Lortie (piano), Teng Li (viola), Sarah Jeffrey (oboe), Elmer Iseler Singers, Toronto SO/Peter Oundjian rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5201 SACD [82:21] [SSi] Engaging and enjoyable performances of these masterpieces.

Giuseppe VERDI (1813 – 1901) Aïda - Zinka Milanov (soprano) Mario Del Monaco (tenor) Metropolitan Opera O & Ch/Fausto Cleva rec. 1953 PRISTINE PACO147 [2 CDs: 144:33] [GF] So much good singing and such electricity in the conducting.

Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901) La forza del destino – Alastair Miles (bass) Nina Stemme (soprano) Ch & O Wiener Staatsoper/Zubin Mehta rec. 2008 C MAJOR Blu-Ray 751104 [161 mins] [MC] This is a creative and very dramatic version of this problematic opera.

Paul VIARDOT (1857-1941) & Pauline VIARDOT-GARCIA (1821-1910) Works for Violin & Piano Vol. 2 - Reto Kuppel (violin) Wolfgang Manz (piano) rec. 2017 NAXOS 8.573749 [84:37] [SSi] A wonderful disc of violin miniatures by mother and son.

Henri VIEUXTEMPS (1820-1881) Viola sonatas - Christian Euler (viola), Paul Rivinius (piano) rec. 2017 MDG SACD 903 2063-6 [66:11] [RHa] Fine performances and truthful recordings of undemanding, at times rather undistinguished viola and piano repertoire.

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Gloria, Nisi Dominus, Nulla in mundo pax sincera - Julia Lezhneva (soprano) Franco Fagioli (counter tenor) Ch Radiotelevisione svizzera, I Barocchisti/Diego Fasolis rec. 2016 DECCA 483 3874 [59:16] [JW] A strong entrant in a very crowded field.

Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741) Gloria, Stabat Mater, Lauda Jerusalem - Hanna Herfurtner (soprano) Joowon Chung (soprano) Andreas Scholl (alto) Salzburger Bach Ch, Bach Consort Wien/Rubén Dubrovsky rec. 2017 GRAMOLA 99165 [70:47] [DBi] A highly recommendable concert performance of some superb vocal and instrumental Vivaldi.

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883) Concert & opera overtures - MDR Leipzig RSO/Jun Märkl rec. 2011/12 NAXOS 8.573414 [71.52] [RWM] A fine presentation of some of the composer’s earliest work and a respectably performed mature classic.

William WALTON (1902-1983) Viola Concerto, String Sonata, Partita - James Ehnes (viola), BBC SO/Edward Gardner rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5210 SACD [65:50] [WK] This disc is a strong contender for library status.

Mieczyslaw WEINBERG (1919-1996) Piano Sonatas - Elisaveta Blumina (piano) rec. 2016 CPO 555 104-2 [65:32] [RK] Three outstanding piano sonatas by Weinberg, in compelling performances.

Bill WHELAN (b.1950) Riverdance, Linen & Lace, Inishlacken - Helena Wood (violin) Zoe Conway (fiddle) James Galway (flute) RTÉ Ntl SO/David Brophy rec. 2016/17 RTÉ LYRIC FM CD155 [78.31] [MW] Highly enjoyable, substantial and accessible music.

Jörg WIDMANN (b 1973) Viola Concerto, 24 Duos, String Quartet No. 3 - Antoine Tamestit (viola) Marc Bouchkov (violin) Bruno Philippe (cello) Signum Qt, Bavarian RSO/Daniel Harding rec 2016/17 HARMONIA MUNDI HMM902268 [49:02] [RHa] Yet more evidence that as a composer Widmann is a real force to be reckoned with.

Józef WIENIAWSKI (1837-1912) Complete Vocal Works - Katarzyna Dondalska (soprano), Ewa Filipowicz-Kosińska (mezzo-soprano), Tomasz Krzysica (tenor), Damian Chiliński (baritone), Michał Landowski (piano) rec. 2017/18 ACTE PRÉALABLE AP0410 [72:37] [SSi] Often you hear of an “unjustly neglected” composer, but on the evidence of this disc, this epithet really does fit Józef Wieniawski.

Grace WILLIAMS (1906-1977) My Last Duchess - Jeremy Huw Williams (baritone) Rachel Kay Green (harp) Paula Fan (piano/harpsichord) rec. 2017 LORELT LNT140 [76.43] [PCG] Admirers of the composer will welcome the opportunity to investigate a field of her art which has been unfairly neglected.

John WILLIAMS (b. 1932) John Williams at the Movies - Christopher Martin (trumpet); Dallas Winds/Jerry Junkin rec. 2016 REFERENCE RECORDINGS FR-142 SACD [75:43] [DM] Quietly sensational; a must for movie fans and audiophiles alike.

Dag WIRÉN (1905-1986) Symphony No. 3, Serenade, Divertimento, Sinfonietta - Iceland SO/Rumon Gamba rec. 2017 CHANDOS CHSA5194 SACD [70.18] [PCG] A valuable introduction for many listeners into the world of a composer who surely deserves to be better known.

American Symphonies Works by Albert, Jones & Piston - London SO/Lance Friedel rec. 2017 BIS BIS-2118 SACD [78:08] [DM] A terrific trio, the LSO let off the leash at last; huzzahs all round!

Arias for Silvio Garghetti The Habsburg Star Tenor - Neue Wiener Hofkapelle/Markus Miesenberger (tenor) rec. 2017 PAN CLASSICS PC10372 [62:32] [CSe] A rather spurious concept, but competent performances of little-known repertory which deserves fuller investigation.

Eduard van Beinum (conductor) Works by Bartok, Stravinsky & Kodaly - Concertgebouw O rec. 1946-56 ELOQUENCE 482 5563 [82:45 + 75:10] [GPJ] Very much a mixed bag; some splendid recordings from the mid-1950s, but some very poor quality sound from those from the previous decade.

Berliner Philharmoniker The Asia Tour rec. 2017 BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER BPHR180221 SACD & Blu-ray [210:31] [JQ] A very desirable package preserving the Berlin Philharmonic’s last tour to the Far East with Sir Simon Rattle.

Les Boys Works by Brubeck, Poulenc & Trotignon - Duo Jatekok rec. 2017 ALPHA 388 [65:22] [LW] A curious programme recommended for those following these performers.

British Orchestral Premieres rec. 2008-2011 LYRITA REAM2139 [4 CDs: 245:08] [GH] The quality of the recordings varies a little, but that is a small price to pay for a fascinating collection of works.

Calefax Wind Quintet Hidden Gems rec. 2017 PENTATONE PTC5186696 SACD [70:08] [RK] Brilliant wind playing and intelligent musicianship.

Cantelli in New York - Vol. 3 Martha Lipton (alto) Rudolf Firkušný (piano) Westminster Ch, NY PSO/Guido Cantelli PRISTINE AUDIO PASC523 [65:43 + 69:57] [JQ] Another very welcome reminder of Guido Cantelli’s tremendous gifts.

Deep Light Works by Weber, Finzi, Vaughan Williams, Schumann & Francaix - Cristo Barrios (clarinet) Andrew West (piano) rec. 2011 IBS CLASSICAL IBS42018 [62:23] [JF] An exciting, varied and enjoyable programme.

XXIV Fantasie per il flauto Tabea Debus (recorder) rec. 2017 TYXART TXA18105 [79:51] [JW] Never less than fluent and engaging.

Michael Gielen Edition Vol. 7 SWR SO, Stuttgart RSO, Saarbrücken RSO rec. 1961-2006 SWR MUSIC SWR19061CD [8 CDs: 585 mins] [DM] There are some very desirable things here; alas, just not enough of them.

Hommage aux Demoiselles Eissler Jenny Broome (harp) Frances Mason (violin) rec. 2016 MUSIC & MEDIA MMC123 [75:17] [JF] A delightful and charming disc.

Stephen Hough (piano) Stephen Hough’s Dream Album rec. 2016 HYPERION CDA68176 [79:52] [EJW] A very well filled CD that is a pleasure to relax to.

The House of the Mind Ch Queen’s College Oxford/Owen Reese rec. 2017 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD491 [66:01] [GH] A very enjoyable and well planned collection of British sacred music.

Kalev Kuljus (oboe d’amore) Works by Bach, Marcello, Telemann & Vivaldi - Lithuanian CO rec. 2015/16 ALBA ABCD411 [55:02] [SB] Mainly for oboe-fanciers.

Learning About Gregorian Chant Solesmes Abbey of St. Pierre Ch/Dom Jean Claire rec. 1995-2001 SOLESMES S.843 [61:07] [MS] A passable compilation of earlier recordings.

Yo-Yo Ma (cello) Yo-Yo Ma Plays Bach and Boccherini rec. 1981-1998 SONY 19075816322 [6 CDs: 347:37] [SSi] A very enjoyable set that brings together many fine recordings, both in original form and in transcription.

Parts To Play Moonkyung Lee (violin) Martha Locker (piano) rec. 2017 NAVONA NV6165 [54:53] [JW] An enjoyable recital of largely contemporary music of great approachability and character.

Passion & Polyphony Works by Martin & MacMillan - Sonoro/Neil Ferris rec. 2017 RESONUS CLASSICS RES10208 [66:31] [JQ] Sonoro’s debut release is a fine achievement.

Prague Symphony Orchestra Works by Dvořák, Kabeláč, Prokofiev, Ravel, Strauss & Walton - Peter Katin (piano) Zdeněk Košler, Václav Smetáček (conductors) rec. 1967/68 ORCHESTRAL CONCERT CDs CD2/2008 & CD10/2010 [71.12 & 63.19]  [DBi] Two CDs of parts of three exciting Prague Symphony Orchestra concerts recorded in the late 1960s.

Menahem Pressler (piano) Works by Debussy, Fauré & Ravel rec. 2017 DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 479 8756 [66:51] [DC] Legendary artist at work: roll up and hear the magic.

Revolutionary Rhythms Works by Falla, Prokofiev & Stravinsky - Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern/Karel Mark Chichon rec. 2013-16 OEHMS CLASSICS OC464 [72:43] [RK] You can find more exciting, better played and better recorded versions of each.

A Rose Magnificat Tudor and post-1915 music in honour of Mary - Gabrieli Consort/Paul McCreesh rec. 2017 SIGNUM SIGCD536 [77:52] [BW] Those who know the Gabrieli Consort’s excellent earlier recordings will not be disappointed.

A Rose Magnificat Gabrieli Consort/Paul McCreesh rec. 2017 SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD536 [77:52] [JQ] An absorbing addition to the Gabrieli’s discography.

Russian Piano Concertos rec. 1964-2016 BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95520 [15 CDs: 945:21] [SG] A fascinating survey. I’ve made many new discoveries along the way.

Sacrifice The Flowers of War rec. 2016 HORTUS 725 [72:13] [JW] Something of a niche prospect, but certainly well done.

Slava! Works by Stravinsky, Bartok, Kodaly, Bardos, Penderecki & Lukaszewski - Maîtrise de Toulouse/Mark Opstad, Jeremiah Stephenson (organ) rec. 2017 REGENT REGCD513 [69:53] [WH] A children’s choir to rival the finest in a splendid programme.

Songs and Poems Trio Accanto rec. 2017 WERGO WER73642 [73:21] [SG] Potent sonorities from an intriguing instrumental line-up.

Nikolai Sokoloff (conductor) Cleveland Orchestra - Complete Recordings rec. 1924-1928 PRISTINE AUDIO PASC524 [3 CDs: 180:25] [JW] A valuable release.

20th Century Masterpieces for 2 Pianos & Orchestra - Vol. 1 Joshua Pierce and Dorothy Jonas (piano duo) Slovak State PO, National SO of Polish RTV/David Amos, Czech RSO/Carlos Piantini rec. 1992-97 MSR CLASSICS MS1651 [62:53 + 63:37] [NB] A pair of discs that retain their value and quality nearly 25 years after their original release.

20^th Century Polish String Quartets Works by Bacewicz, Panufnik & Szymanowski - Diverso String Qt rec. 2017 RECART 0024 [47.59] [GH] Rather short measure, though the programme is well-balanced and pleasing, and the performances are good.

The Passions of Vaughan Williams A film by John Bridcut rec. 2007/8 CRUX PRODUCTIONS CRUXGZ001DVD [90 mins] [IL] This film is a wonderful, practically perfect tribute to one of England’s greatest composers.

Finn Viderø (organ) The Legendary Danish Organist - Vol. 1 Works by JS Bach rec. 1950-58 DANACORD DACOCD791/2 [72:03 + 73:33] [JF] Some definitive playing here, in surprisingly good sound.

Viola and Organ Works by Skold, Bowen, Leitner & Martin - Bénédicte Royer (viola, viola d’amore), Bettina Leitner (organ), Katharina Teufel-Lieli (harp) rec. 2016 GRAMOLA 99168 [61:35] [JW] Several reasons to sit up and lend an ear.

Vivaldi Undercover Works by Bach, Chédeville & Vivaldi - Passacaglia rec. 2014/16 BARN COTTAGE RECORDS BCR017 [70:07] [JV] A highly entertaining recital.

Carlo Zecchi (piano) The Complete Cetra Recordings 1937-1942 APR 6024 [73:38 + 78:55] [JW] Zecchi was a superb technician and an interpreter of high distinction.

Other Reviews

Destiny: The Extraordinary Career of Pianist Eileen Joyce by David Tunley, Victoria Rogers and Cyrus Meher-Homji publ. 2017 Lyrebird Press [SG] Of particular interest to pianophiles, and as a handy supplement to Joyce’s recently released Complete Studio Recordings.

Articles and Notices

Johann David Heinichen: Hidden Genius of the Baroque by Andrew Hartman

The Verdi Requiem - Part II: A Partial Survey of the Mono Discography by Ralph Moore

Bax and the Veil of Enchantment by Ian Lace

Verdi's Don Carlo: A partial survey of the discography by Ralph Moore

Stanfordian Thoughts: 2. Chamber Music with Strings by Christopher Howell

Bartók's Duke Bluebeard: A partial survey of the discography by Ralph Moore

Second Thoughts and Short Reviews: Summer 2018 Pt 1 by Brian Wilson and Dan Morgan

 Piano Trio Discography: "L" Composers by David Barker