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Latest Classical Reviews
- Dmitri Shostakovich - Symphony No. 15 (conductor: Bernard Haitink; Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra)
The focus is on its genuinely symphonic breadth, the deep shadows and pregnant pauses.
- Hector Berlioz - Les nuits d'été / Harold en Italie (viola: Antoine Tamestit; mezzo-soprano: Anne Sofie von Otter; Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble; Marc Minkowski)
An account of Berlioz?s Harold in Italy that?s sure to exceed expectations.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Haydn - Duo Sonatas (violin: Rachel Podgerl viola: Jane Rogers)
A warm ambience pervades this highly recommended album.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Duo Sonatas Volume 5 (Duo Amadè; violin: Catherine Mackintosh; fortepiano: Geoffrey Govier)
The duo?s individualistic, historically informed approach can be extremely illuminating.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Flute and Harp Concerto / Sinfonia Concertante for Winds (Orchestra Mozart; conductor: Claudio Abbado)
Some of the most satisfying and energising performances you will ever hear.
- Gustav Mahler - Symphonies 2, 4, 7, 9; Lieder (conductor: Otto Klemperer; Philharmonia Orchestra)
An indispensable set for anyone looking to get closer to Mahler.
- Christoph Willibald Gluck - Ezio (Il Complesso Barocco / Alan Curtis)
Showcases its singers? virtuosic displays ? and what a cast this is.
- Antonio Vivaldi - Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione - 12 concerti, Op. 8 (The Avison Ensemble; violin: Pavlo Beznosuik)
A delightful new set which showcases The Four Seasons? startling originality.
- Libera - The Christmas Album
What?s a wide-ranging programme on paper is delivered with single-flavour monotony.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphonies Nos. 39 and 40 (Orchestra Mozart; Claudio Abbado)
An album that absolutely demands to be heard.
- Ludwig Van Beethoven - The Symphonies (conductor: Riccardo Chailly; Gewandhausorchester Leipzig)
Readings focused entirely on the composer, not on debating how things ?should? sound.
- Nils Frahm - Felt
A wonderful, intimate and transportative new album from the German composer.
- Gabriel Fauré - Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine (conductor: Paavo Järvi; Choeur de l'Orchestre de Paris; Orchestre de Paris)
A beautifully warm, full sound which colours both timbre and interpretation.
- Tarik O'Regan - Acallam na Senórach / An Irish Colloquy (National Chamber Choir of Ireland; guitar: Stewart French; Paul Hillier)
Demonstrates O'Regan's natural feel for the voice, and his strong rhythms.
- George Frideric Handel - Agrippina (conductor: René Jacobs; Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin)
This Agrippina is a triumph, unhesitatingly recommended.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Dissonances ? String Quartetes KV 421 & 465; Divertimento KV 138 (Quator Ebene)
Inspired and personal readings of Mozart?s quartets from the Gramophone award-winners.
- Johann Sebastian Bach - Keyboard Concertos (piano: Alexandre Tharaud)
Very much a pianist?s take on these wonderfully life-affirming concertos.
- Paul McCartney - Ocean's Kingdom (conductor: John Wilson; The London Classical Orchestra)
McCartney is out of his depth on this four-movement piece for the New York City Ballet.
- Choir of Merton College, Oxford - In the Beginning
A stunning recording debut, and a choir to keep an eye and ear on.
- Joseph Haydn - Piano Sonatas Vol.3 (piano: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet)
Insightful recordings which considerably further the cause of greater Haydn appreciation.
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