Recording of the month

Beethoven Complete Works for Cello and Piano

Xavier Phillips vc François-Frédéric Guy pf 

(Evidence Classics) 

'A wonderful recording of Beethoven’s cello and piano music, one which emphasises the equal role of each player, and how the best collaborations raise the music to a level higher still.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz

WF Bach Keyboard Concertos 

Il Convito / Maud Gratton hpd 

(Mirare)

'Spirited, elegant and lively performances, recorded in appropriately vivid sound, of music by the ever-intriguing figure of WF Bach, the eldest son of Bach.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz

Brahms. Bartók Violin Concertos 

Janine Jansen vn LSO; S Cecilia Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano 

(Decca Classics) 

'An inward, personal performance from this month’s cover star – a virtuoso bringing deep understanding to well known works.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz

Mozart Concertos for Two Pianos 

Lucas and Arthur Jussen pfs ASMF / Sir Neville Marriner 

(DG)

'The first of two sibling discs this month – the formidably talented Jussen brothers join Marriner in Mozart for two performed with virtuosity and great charm.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz 

Saint-Saëns Cello Concertos, etc 

Truls Mørk vc Louis Lortie, Hélène Mercier pfs Bergen PO / Neeme Järvi 

(Chandos) 

'From the concertos to The Carnival of the Animals, Saint-Saëns celebrated by superb soloists who clearly relish the repertoire.' Read the review

‘My Armenia’ 

Sergey Khachatryan vn Lusine Khachatryan pf 

(Naïve) 

'A well-crafted and passionately played tribute to their homeland Armenia and to its music composed throughout the 20th century, from Khachatryan siblings Sergey and Lusine.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz

Dett Complete Piano Works 

Clipper Erickson pf 

(Navona) 

'A fascinating and delightful introduction – certainly for me – to an engaging composer from early 20th century America, covering all his piano music, written across his creative life.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz

Mozart Piano Sonatas, Vol 4 

Christian Blackshaw pf 

(Wigmore Hall Live) 

'Following the first three releases in Blackshaw’s Wigmore Mozart sonata series has been a richly rewarding experience – with Vol 4 it comes to an end, but in suitable style.' Read the review

‘Néère’ 

Véronique Gens sop Susan Manoff pf 

(Alpha)

'A truly beautifully performed and prepared programme of French song, from the very familiar to the perhaps less so, from one of the genre’s most exquisite exponents.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz   

Zandonai Francesca da Rimini 

Sols; Freiburg PO / Fabrice Bollon 

(CPO)

'A work on the periphery of the repertoire – but conductor and singers here make a strong case for this post-verismo opera. A highly enjoyable listen.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz 

DVD/blu-ray

Sibelius Complete Symphonies 

Finnish RSO / Hannu Lintu 

(ArtHaus Musik)

'The imagination and attention lavished on this exploration of Sibelius is matched by excellent musicianship from a conductor and players immersed in the composer’s world.' Read the review

Reissue/archive

‘Return to Chicago’ 

Vladimir Horowitz pf 

(DG) 

'Vintage Horowitz, a fascinating document of the pianist at the age of 83, in music by Scarlatti, Schumann, Liszt and others.' Read the review | Buy from Qobuz