A geographically diverse selection of Editor's Choices this month - Nordic works for cello and piano from Andreas Brantelid and Christian Ihle Hadland; La Compagnia del Madrigale's latest release of Marenzio madrigals; and Carolyn Sampson's French-inspired song recital album Fleurs. From the world of opera Andris Nelsons brings us a stirring Dutchman, while Simon McBurney's take on Mozart's Magic Flute bursts with comedic energy.
Recording of the Month
Smetana: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2
Pavel Haas Quartet
'When an ensemble receives Editor’s Choices (not to mention Gramophone Awards) disc after disc, you know you’re in the presence of a very fine group of musicians: gripping, searing playing defines this exceptional release'
Available Formats: CD, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Editor's Choices
CPE Bach: Symphonies
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Rebecca Miller
'Last year’s anniversary led many to explore CPE Bach’s music more widely – and this hugely enjoyable release is a highly recommended way to continue such a journey!'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
MacMillan, Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concertos
Nicholas Daniel, Britten Sinfonia
'Nicholas Daniel won the BBC Young Musician Award with the RVW work 35 years ago: it clearly resonates with him still.'
Available Formats: Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Walton: Symphony No 2, Cello Concerto
Paul Watkins, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner
'Edward Gardner follows his Recording of the Month-winning Walton First Symphony with a superb Second.'
Available Formats: SACD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Grieg, Grainger, Nielsen: Works for Cello and Piano
Andreas Brantelid & Christian Ihle Hadland
'Wonderfully-played Nordic, or Nordic-inspired, music from a Swedish-Danish cellist and Norwegian pianist. Recorded in Suffolk.'
Available Format: SACD
Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 18
David Fray
'Expertly controlled and thoughtfully interpreted Schubert from this ever-impressive young French pianist.'
Available Formats: Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Marenzio: Quinto libro de madrigali a sei voci
La Compagnia del Madrigale
'Last year’s Early Music Award-winners return with more Marenzio madrigals – this new volume demonstrates precision, liveliness and remarkable rapport.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Fleurs
Carolyn Sampson & Joseph Middleton
'It’s quite remarkable to realise that this is Carolyn Sampson’s first recital disc with piano, such a firm fixture she is in these pages: well chosen repertoire, sung delightfully, as you’d expect.'
Available Format: SACD
In the Midst of Life
Contrapunctus, Owen Rees
'Their debut was shortlisted in last year’s Awards – their second release is just as accomplished; each of these powerfully contemplative works beautifully shaped and sung.'
Available Formats: CD, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer
Terje Stensvold, Anja Kampe, Kwangchul Youn, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Andris Nelsons
'Andris Nelsons is really one of his generation’s standout stars – his interpretation here every bit as considered as that of his fine singers.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Mozart: Die Zauberflöte
Maximilian Schmitt, Christina Landshamer, Thomas Oliemans, Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Marc Albrecht
'A ‘people’s Magic Flute’ is how critic Mike Ashman describes this finely performed take on Mozart’s opera.'
Available Format: DVD Video
Mozart: Die Zauberflöte
Maximilian Schmitt, Christina Landshamer, Thomas Oliemans, Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Marc Albrecht
Also available on blu-ray.
Available Format: Blu-ray
Reissue of the Month
Horowitz plays Scriabin
Vladimir Horowitz
'In Scriabin year, an excellent exploration of the eccentric composer by a master pianist of the past.'
Available Formats: FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
