Rimsky-Korsakov

Rimsky-Korsakov and opera I: Sadko

The score is a masterpiece; this production and performance remind us, in their imaginative scope, of the sheer fertility of Rimsky’s operas

Robert Schumann

Schumann chamber music from the Kungsbacka Piano Trio

Schumann's Third Trio is a masterpiece; and then there are those fascinating Canonic Studies ...

Vocal

Because: counter-tenor Reginald Mobley sings Spirituals

A truly impressive recital.

Solo Piano

Benjamin Grosvenor stuns at the Proms

A truly lovely, and impressive, Proms recital from Benjamin Grosvenor

Gershwin

(Leonard) Slatkin excels in Gershwin

A fine collection fo Gershwiniana ... Slatkin and his St Louis players are on fire!.

Schnittke

Schnittke: Psalms of Repentance

Schnittke’s Psalms of Repentance speaks straight from the heart

Film

Springtime in Amsterdam: Annette Dasch and Thomas Oliemans star

This is a gloriously escapist film - and everyone involved gives their all

Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff Back through Time: Beecham and Wood

Once again, music lovers are in Biddulph’s debt - these are vitally important performances

Contemporary

More Enno Poppe: Prozession

This disc acts as a vital reminder of the importance of Enno Poppe’s music

Baroque

D'Alay: The Dresden Concertos

This disc is a triumph on so many levels. Try D’Alay’s music - you won’t regret it

Telemann

Telemann's Johannis-Oratorium: sheer beauty from the Kölner Akademie

A simply gorgeous release ,Telemann at his very best throughout

Puccini

A Tale of Two Toscas: Amsterdam & La Scala

The draw on paper here might be Netrebko, but it is the performance at Dutch National Opera, that is the winner

French Baroque

Surprising Royer: Christophe Rousset & Les Talens Lyriques excel

A wonderful disc, and Rousset's keyboard discs act as a perfect complement

Piano

Après une rêve: Emmanuel Despax's new disc (and Wigmore concert)

This is a treasurable disc born of a musician of the highest possible musicality

Thaxted Festival: Tippett Quartet and Emma Abbate

We have met the Tippett String Quartet once before on Classical Explorer, in music by Penderecki on Naxos (link). They are just as impressve live, it turns out: their concert as part of the 2023 Thaxted Festival revealed a group of musicians of profound interpretative depth, and capable of traversing

Carl Nielsen: The Inextinguishable and his Violin Concerto

I last heard James Ehnes in Montréal, in a phenomenal account of the Korngold Violin Concerto with the OSM (Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) under Rafael Payare. Here on Classical Explorer, we also previously looked at his performances of Beethoven Violin Sonatas with pianist Andrew Armstrong on the Onyx label. Here

French Baroque

La Gracieuse: The Exquisite Music of Marin Marais

This is a significant release, one that enables us to properly appreciate the genius of Marin Marais

Chopin from Warsaw: meeting Leonora Armellini

Pianist Leonora Armellini was born in Padua, Italy, beginning lessons aged four with Laura Palmieri (a Michelangeli pupil); later, she moved to the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, graduating aged 17. Lilya Silberstein at Hamburg was another prime influence. Prior to this Chopin Competition, Armellini was a finalist in the

Extraordinary Stravinsky from Isabelle Faust

Anyone who wishes to extend their experience of Stravinsky’s music should acquire this disc

Dresdner Festspiele, SchwarzWeiss: Michael Wollny Trio in Dresden

Dresden Festival 2023 : Michael Wollny Trio Michael Wollny (piano); Tim Lefebvre (double-bass/guitar/synth); Eric Schaefer (drums). Kulturpalast, Dresden, 12.06.2023 Gershwin/Wollny I loves you, Porgy Wollny      Nacht. Lasse! (arr. Schaefer) Hindemith/Wollny Rufe in der horchenden Nacht (No. 4 from Hindemith’s In           einer Nacht, Op. 15)

Circé Reawakened: Desmaret’s opéra, with Véronique Gens

A “Tragédie mise en musique,” Henry Desmarest's Circe here finds Véronique Gens in the title role, against Mathias Vidal’s Ulysses. Here's a taster: Released in typical Château de Versailles Spéctacles fashion (lavish, with detailed booklet notes and full libretto with translation), this is a major

Classical

Introducing Franz Krommer ...

An eminently enjoyable disc of the music of Franz Krommer, heard in the freshest performances imaginable

20th Century

Ivanovs, Symphonies 17 & 18

Glowering textures, luminosity, drama, tenderness. It's all there

Mahler

Semyon Bychkov conducts Mahler's Fourth Symphony

Prior to hearing this, my two top Mahler Fourths were Abbado and Bernstein. Now Bychkov and his Czech players join this exalted company

Langgaard

Rued Langgaard: Symphony 1 & Piano Music

Two fabulous discs, both stunningly recorded and played. Together, they make a great introduction to the music of Rued Langgaard