This year's ceremony will take place at the De Vere Connaught Rooms in London on the evening of Wednesday 15th October, when details of special prizes including Artist, Orchestra and Recording of the Year will also be unveiled...
You can read full reviews of all the shortlisted recordings via a special digimag.
Chamber
Brahms: Piano Quartets Nos. 2 & 3
Krystian Zimerman (piano), Maria Nowak (violin), Katarzyna Budnik (viola), Yuya Okamoto (cello)
'In short, this is chamber music-making of the highest order.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Brahms: Piano Quartets Nos. 2 & 3
Lars Vogt (piano), Christian Tetzlaff (violin), Barbara Buntrock (viola), Tanja Tetzlaff (cello)
'Passion and fragility combine to form the essence of Vogt’s art, especially in the context of this wonderful music.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Forgotten Sounds: The World Premiere Recording of Loeffler's Rediscovered Octet
Graeme Steele Johnson (clarinet) et al
'The performance is superb and richly recorded, and I've been listening to it obsessively.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'The three players have different temperaments – and it’s clear, as you listen, that they’ve not erased their personalities.'
Available Formats: Presto CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'If you don't know [D887] and fancy a new recording of the work, then the Takács as recorded last year rival the best. Thoroughly recommended.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Amid limited but tough competition...it will more likely than not be Ibragimova and Tiberghien’s set for which I will reach first from henceforth.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Choral
J. S. Bach: Mass in B Minor, Bwv 232
Julie Roset (soprano), Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano). Lucile Richardot (alto), Emiliano Gonzalez Toro (tenor), Christian Immler (bass); Pygmalion, Raphaël Pichon
'As the starting point, the music is taken entirely on its own terms – essentially Pichon’s personal vision...This B minor Mass is really up there with the very best.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
André Campra: Messe de Requiem & Les Maîtres de Notre-Dame de Paris
Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé
'This is a superb recording from one of today’s best ensembles to specialise in French Baroque music.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
John Findon (Gerontius), Christine Rice (Angel), Roderick Williams (Priest/Angel of the Agony); Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, various choirs, Nicholas Collon
'This is a captivating recording of a complex score in which the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra justify their reputation.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Haydn: Die Schöpfung
Lucy Crowe (soprano), Benjamin Bruns (tenor), Christian Gerhaher (baritone), Symphonie-Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Sir Simon Rattle
'Rattle and his superb Bavarian forces catch all of the oratorio’s teeming pictorial detail...In sheer exhilaration, then, this Creation is a match for any.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Mozart: Requiem
Chadi Lazreq (treble), Ying Fang (soprano), Beth Taylor (mezzo), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Alex Rosen (bass); Pygmalion, Raphaël Pichon
'This is a Requiem to reckon with, and a delicious opportunity to hear some real Mozart rarities.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Zelenka: Missa Gratias agimus tibi
Hannah Morrison (soprano), David Allsopp (alto), Franziska Bobe (soprano), Thomas Hobbs (tenor), Philipp Cieslewicz (alto), Jonathan Sells (bass); Kammerchor Stuttgart, Barockorchester Stuttgart, Frieder Bernius
'Graceful solo turns, polished interjections from the disciplined Stuttgart Chamber Choir, refined natural trumpets, tightly controlled timpani and precise strings.'
Available Formats: Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Concerto
'Thrilling stuff, which will leave you breathless with admiration.'
Available Format: SACD
'Her understanding of Elgar's kaleidoscopic writing is instinctive at all levels...Every lover of Elgar’s masterpiece should try to hear this magnificent addition to the library.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Capuçon and Pappano may be collaborating here for the first time but it’s a meeting of musical minds and sensibilities for sure.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Sibelius & Prokofiev: Violin Concertos
Janine Jansen (violin), Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Klaus Mäkelä
'So impressive. Janine Jansen essentially strips these pieces of all the years of what one might call ‘performance adornment’ and takes them back to their elemental roots.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Tippett: Piano Concerto & Symphony No. 2
Steven Osborne (piano) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Edward Gardner
'This completely symbiotic live account with Edward Gardner’s LPO has both repose and electricity to surpass all others...More, much more please – an indispensable disc!'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Walton: Violin Concerto, Symphonic Suite from 'Troilus and Cressida', Portsmouth Point
Charlie Lovell-Jones (violin), Sinfonia of London, John Wilson
'Wilson was made for Walton and the orchestral writing has rarely been captured with such razor-sharp edge cheek-by-jowl with transparent radiance.'
Available Formats: SACD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Contemporary
George Benjamin: Picture a Day Like This
Marianne Crebassa (mezzo-soprano), Beate Mordal (soprano), Cameron Shahbazi (countertenor), John Brancy (baritone), Anna Prohaska (soprano); Mahler Chamber Orchestra, George Benjamin
'There’s the sense that every phrase has been chiselled, exquisitely crafted and polished... there’s no mistaking the quality of the performances.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Tom Coult: Pieces That Disappear
Tom Coult, Anna Dennis (soprano), Daniel Pioro (violin), Elena Schwarz, BBC Philharmonic, Martyn Brabbins, Andrew Gourlay
'Coult’s compositions often engage with presence and absence – especially how music shapes time by playing with memory in strange and unpredictable ways.'
Available Formats: CD, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'The fluctuating dramas in both scores come vividly across, without any of the ponderousness that can seep into less sympathetic, more routine interpretations.'
Available Formats: CD, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
John Pickard: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6; Verlaine Songs
Emma Tring (soprano), BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
'These performances...under Martyn Brabbins's cogent guidance excite admiration for their unstinting dedication and breathtaking accomplishment.'
Available Format: SACD
'These are exciting times for the BBC Symphony Orchestra, whose polished and committed performances do much to support Stasevska’s creative vision.'
Available Formats: FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Early Music
'As an album it radiates an inventive glee similar to Uri Caine’s Goldberg Variations...Consider the Ikea-esque build-your-own-motet approach of Super flumina Babylonis.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'It remains only to say that the solo male voices of The Binchois Consort are at the top of their form and that the presentation...meets Hyperion’s top standards.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'To say that Ockeghem composed some of the loveliest songs of the 15th century seems almost a cliché. But Scott Metcalfe and his musicians confirm that in spades.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'The singers Carine Tinney, Andrew Hallock and Jonatan Alvarado serve excellently, but never more than in their truly marvellous performance of Walter Frye's Tout a par Toy.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Mostly known only to specialists of Central European music, Nicholas of Radom gets a proper outing here, his unfussy, stylish music beautifully showcased.'
Available Formats: 3 CDs, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'This is a superb programme mining a rich vein of post-Reformation music from German-speaking countries, all sung with the characteristic silvery tone of The Brabant Ensemble.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Instrumental
'He invites us to listen again and again, deepening the game each time. Beghin’s playing is tensile, rubato and pacing beautifully controlled, like the string of a kite.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'There is the most satisfying sense that Queyras knows the place and function of every single note in each musical sentence but isn’t precious about it: it’s magisterial yet somehow casual in its state of play.'
Available Formats: Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Helmchen is drawn to the hybrid capabilities of his instrument, which stimulate fresh insights into how Bach’s Partitas can be played and experienced.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'His contribution to the argument of what these pieces constitute is unquestionable and some will find his objective authority just the ticket.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'This is yet another terrific release from Ridout, who again plays a 16th-century Peregrino di Zanetto with all the soul and panache of an Old Master.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Paganini: 24 Caprices
María Dueñas (violin), Itamar Golan (piano), Boris Kuschnir (violin), Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Mihhail Gerts
'I’d be hard-pushed to name another modern recording offering anything close to the multicoloured lyrical imagination produced by this 22-year-old.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Piano
'Kantorow’s playing can be torrential but it’s never reckless...and because of his uncanny ability to balance inner lines, he manages to untangle Brahms’s thickest passages.'
Available Format: SACD (ECOPAK)
'In all these works, Giorgini's ability to choose the inevitably apt tempo is uncanny... From a pianist who is not yet 40, one can only imagine the musical joys that lie ahead.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Gugnin ripples his way through the Holberg Suite in its original piano solo guise, radiating poise, affection and respect for its Golden Age retrospection.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Liszt: Via Crucis & Solo Piano Works
Leif Ove Andsnes (piano), The Norwegian Soloists' Choir, Grete Pedersen
'No other pianist (or organist) has taken on this repertoire with such depth and understanding... All in all, a new benchmark for Via Crucis.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Bavouzet’s seasoned mastery, stylish perception and caring commitment to this repertoire is never in doubt. Highly recommended.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Kolesnikov and Tsoy share a unity of musical intent, perfectly matched finesse and nuance, and beautifully coordinated pianistic resources that make their hand-in-glove ensemble a joy to experience.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Opera
Bizet: Djamileh and other works
Isabelle Druet (Djamileh), Sahy Ratia (Haroun), Philippe-Nicolas Martin (Splendiano), Maxime Le Gall (Merchant); Les Siècles, Chœur de l’Opéra de Lille François-Xavier Roth
'An outstanding, engrossing set, in short, that adds immeasurably to our understanding of Bizet and his world.'
Available Formats: 4 CDs + Book, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Janáček: The Excursions of Mr. Brouček
Jaroslav Březina (Matej Brouček), Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Kyzlink
'Orchestrally, Supraphon conductor Jaroslav Kyzlink better projects the opera’s more spontaneous, chaotic moments than the BBC Symphony and finds more meaning in the details.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Massenet: Werther
Tassis Christoyannis (Werther), Véronique Gens (Charlotte), Thomas Dolié (Albert), Matthieu Lécroart (Le Bailli), Hélène Carpentier (Sophie); Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, Children's Choir of the Zoltán Kodály Hungarian Choir School, György Vashegyi
'It's an outstanding achievement, in short, that makes the strongest possible case for this particular version, while affording us opportunities to rethink the opera itself.'
Available Formats: Book + 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Michael Tippett: New Year
Rhian Lois (Jo Ann), Ross Ramgobin (Donny), Susan Bickley (Nan), Roland Wood (Merlin), Robert Murray (Pelegrin), Rachel Nicholls (Regan), Alan Oke (The Presenter); BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
'With such a kaleidoscopic score to capture...the very feat of recording all its multifarious layers so transparently is triumphantly achieved.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Original 1857 version)
Germán Enrique Alcántara (Simon Boccanegra), Eri Nakamura (Maria/Amelia), William Thomas (Fiesco), Iván Ayón-Rivas (Gabriele Adorno), Sergio Vitale (Paolo Albiani); The Hallé, Chorus of Opera North, RNCM Opera Chorus, Sir Mark Elder
'It is the Hallé that is as much of a star of the show as any of the principals. Any regret that the opportunity was not taken of employing a period orchestra is swept away by the magnificence of the playing.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer
Lise Davidsen (Senta), Gerald Finley (The Dutchman), Brindley Sherratt (Daland), Stanislas de Barbeyrac (Erik), Anna Kissjudit (Mary), Eirik Grøtvedt (Steersman); Orchestra and Chorus of Norwegian National Opera, Edward Gardner
'Gardner conducts an electrifying account from Norwegian National Opera, the chorus deftly adapting to the drama, a Chicagoan edge to the brass, and well-cast leads.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Orchestral
'There is something spacious in some of Wong's direction...which seems to conjure a tangible sense of theatrical presence while bringing a visceral physical brilliance to Britten's kaleidoscopic invention.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Enescu: Symphonies Nos. 1-3 & Romanian Rhapsodies 1 & 2
Orchestre National de France, Cristian Măcelaru
'This new release by Cristian Măcelaru on DG brings the benefits of more polished playing and better sound than the earlier Romanian releases.'
Available Formats: 3 CDs, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Vítězslava Kaprálová: The Completed Orchestral Works
Veronika Rovná (soprano), Tomáš Vrána (piano), Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Alena Hron
'Her music almost always flows in a way that sounds utterly natural and right...The Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava play extremely well for [Hron]...these interpretations do full justice to Kaprálová’s art.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Popelka doesn’t miss a trick: his is a sympathetic, all-embracing Má vlast, idiomatic, very well played and appropriately at one with the elements.'
Available Format: 3 CDs
'Die sieben Todsünden (‘The Seven Deadly Sins’) is brought off with comparable deftness and élan...This Weill collection, polished but never slick, merits the very strongest recommendation.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'These first recordings make this an essential release for lovers of Welsh music and the vivid sound quality now afforded the pungent Ballads for Orchestra of 1968 reveals all manner of orchestral detail.'
Available Formats: Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Song
Benjamin Britten: Canticles
James Way (tenor), Natalie Burch (piano), Lotte Betts-Dean (mezzo), Annemarie Federle (horn), Hugh Cutting (countertenor), Ross Ramgobin (baritone), Alis Huws (harp)
'Way’s instinctive understanding of this stimulating repertoire seems remarkably complete, and he displays a technical security, mellifluousness of timbre and range of tone-colour that excite admiration.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'The lyricism of Spence’s singing impresses throughout, as does his understated way with words and meaning...It’s a most distinguished recital, and warmly recommended.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'A Schöne Müllerin that combines tonal beauty, immediacy of characterisation and an enriching sense of spontaneous improvisation. This performance simply feels right, and I suspect [Prégardien’s] father Christoph might agree.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Schuen and pianist Daniel Heide take their place among the best, with special skills including an intimate understanding of the recording medium.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Yoncheva sounds sumptuous, with that hint of metal or even almost of acid in the tone that can be so appealingly and tellingly expressive... it’s a fine album and a fascinating achievement.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Songs For Peter Pears
Robin Tritschler (tenor), Philip Higham (cello), Malcolm Martineau (piano), Sean Shibe (guitar)
'A hearty welcome to this exceptionally stimulating programme...With his mellifluous tone, flawless technical prowess and impeccable diction, the Irish tenor covers himself in glory throughout.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res+ FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Voice & Ensemble
Stradella: Un angelo del Paradiso - The Orrigoni Songbook
Silvia Frigato (soprano), Ensemble Mare Nostrum, Andrea De Carlo
'Frigato is devastatingly good. Frankly, if Andrea De Carlo’s Stradella project isn’t already on your radar, this selection makes a very good place to start.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Telemann: Ino - Opera Arias for Soprano
Amanda Forsythe (soprano), Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra, Paul O'Dette
'Forsythe and the orchestra of the Boston Early Music Festival conjure exceptional stylish elegance and theatrical vitality in the flowing sequence of orchestrally accompanied recitatives, ariosos, dances and arias.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
AIGUL
Aigul Akhmetshina (mezzo), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniele Rustioni; with Freddie De Tommaso (tenor), Elisabeth Boudreault (soprano), Kezia Bienek (mezzo)
'She has a superb voice, no question, warm and even in tone, admirably agile, with a full, effortless top, and a tangy lower register...It all adds up to a fine recital, and a most auspicious debut.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'Montague Rendall’s characterisations are consistently focused and tellingly insightful throughout...It’s a superb recital and a most distinguished debut, and I cannot recommend it too highly.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
'This is a gorgeous recording, and in the hands of Rattle, Kožená and the Czech Philharmonic, much of the repertoire here comes as a revelation.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Lucrezia
Sandrine Piau, Amel Brahim-Djelloul (sopranos), Karine Deshayes, Lucile Richardot (mezzos), Les Paladins, Jérôme Corréas
'Lucile Richardot’s flexibility of dynamism and immersion in the character’s predicament, vulnerability and courage are enthralling.'
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
