Latest classical reviews
Rossini: Soirées Musicales
If Rossini's songs are the cake and the performers the icing, the recording itself is the unexpected cherry on top.
Rossini, Soirées Musicales
If Rossini's songs are the cake and the performers the icing, the recording itself is the unexpected cherry on top.
Released: 24th June 2008
Natasha Marsh, Natasha Marsh
Marsh is undeniably popular, and for good reason.
Released: 23rd June 2008
Nigel Kennedy Quintet, A Very Nice Album
While it was quite obviously a joy for the musicians involved, one feels that it won't be pushing Kennedy into the jazz mainstream just yet.
Released: 16th June 2008
Olivier Messiaen, Chamber Works
This is special playing from a special group of musicians.
Released: 12th May 2008
Giacomo Puccini, La Boheme
A fine overall ensemble performance supported by detailed and accomplished choral and orchestral performances which match the fizzing dramatic intensity of the doomed lovers.
Released: 12th May 2008
Gabriela Montero, Baroque
It is music to let your hair down to, without discarding your brain along the way.
Released: 7th April 2008
Haydn, The Creation
I confess my heart sank slightly when I read that he'd decided to 'improve' Haydn's English…what, no more 'flexible tigers'?
Released: 31st March 2008
Various, The Feast Of The Ascension At Westminster Abbey
Another offering to lift the soul heavenwards from James O'Donnell and his choir.
Released: 31st March 2008
Johann Sebastian Bach, Matthew Passion
Essentially, whether you love this recording will boil down to how you feel about one-voice-to-a-part Bach.
Released: 10th March 2008
Robert Schumann, Symphonies, Overtures
It's as refreshing and stimulating as that icy plunge after a sauna
Released: 8th March 2008
Beethoven, Bagatelles
Now, I know how divisive the use of period pianos can be…
Released: 1st March 2008
Mozart, Mozart Symphonies No38-41
In all the symphonies, the transparency of sound has you sitting bolt upright, anticipating the next note.
Released: 25th February 2008
Leos Janácek, The Excursions Of Mr Broucek
This may not be the last recorded word on Broucek, but right now it sounds like a major improvement on what we've had before...
Released: 4th February 2008
Heiner Goebbels, Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten
A seductive, sometimes shocking and viscerally exciting musical experience.
Released: 25th January 2008
Michael Tippett, Complete Music For Piano & Orchestra
This is intelligent, soulful, technically brilliant, and a must-listen.
Released: 7th January 2008
Kindred Spirits, Kindred Spirits
The musical equivalent of a big, soft, fleecy, blanket. With Christmassy stars embroidered on it. Wrap yourself up in it.
Released: 10th December 2007
The Choirboys, The Carols Album
One way of guaranteeing yourself a merry little Christmas is to make sure this is not on your list of must-have presents.
Released: 3rd December 2007
All Angels, Into Paradise
Into Paradise so desperately wants to be sophisticated and cutting edge, but in reality it is achingly safe.
Released: 26th November 2007
Teatro, Teatro
Teatro will sell bucketloads no matter what anyone thinks or says about their creative credentials.
Released: 26th November 2007
