Recording of the month

Grieg Songs 

Lise Davidsen sop Leif Ove Andsnes pf 

Decca 

This magazine’s admiration for the young soprano Lise Davidsen has led to a number of accolades already – and this album, on which Leif Ove Andsnes proves a perfect partner, deserves another.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Messiaen Orchestral Works 

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Kent Nagano 

BR-Klassik 

This superb collection of large-scale works by Messiaen, including Poèmes pour Mi and a remarkable La Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jésus‑Christ, is brilliantly recorded. 

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Arensky. Shostakovich Piano Trios 

Trio Con Brio Copenhagen 

Orchid 

Two trios from Shostakovich – including his extraorindary Second – and one from Arensky, played with compelling conviction by Trio Con Brio Copenhagen.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Bartók String Quartets, Vol 2 

Ragazze Quartet 

Channel Classics 

Incredibly vivid Bartók-playing from the Ragazze Quartet, full of gripping physicality (superbly captured) which always seems to probe the music’s extremes in a way which feels utterly enticing.  

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Saint-Saëns ‘Chamber Music with Winds’ 

Soloists of the Orchestre de Paris 

Indésens 

A truly delightful contribution to Saint-Saëns anniversary events – a survey of his chamber music for wind instrument, from the players of the Orchestre de Paris.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

‘Sol & Pat’ 

Patricia Kopatchinskaja vn Sol Gabetta vc 

Alpha 

Two brilliantly individual soloists bring their personalities to a partnership (and to incredibly diverse repertoire!) and an album that delights from beginning to end.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

‘Time Traveler’s Suite’ 

Inon Barnatan pf 

Pentatone 

A fascinating and thought-provoking piece of programming – spanning the Baroque to the 21st century – that works wonderfully, thanks of course to Inon Barnatan’s hugely impressive pianism. 

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Monteverdi ‘Daylight – Stories of Songs, Dances and Loves’ 

Concerto Italiano / Rinaldo Alessandrini 

Naïve 

A sequel to Concerto Italiano’s 2017 album of nocturnal-themed madrigals again spans Monteverdi’s life to build an inspired recital.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

‘Unreleased’ 

Cecilia Bartoli mez Basel Chamber Orchestra / Muhai Tang 

Decca 

These ‘Unreleased’ Cecilia Bartoli tracks date from back in 2013 – but, full as they are of the mezzo’s famed dramatic presence and jaw-dropping virtuosity, they are well worth the wait!

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Handel ‘Handel’s Unsung Heroes’ 

Sols; La Nuova Musica / David Bates 

Pentatone 

A splendid line-up of Handel soloists – including Iestyn Davies and Lucy Crowe – joins players on equally stunning form for another triumph masterminded by conductor David Bates. 

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

DVD/blu-ray

Dvořák Rusalka 

Sols; Orchestra of the Teatro Real, Madrid / Ivor Bolton 

C Major Entertainment 

A stylish production and a superb lead in soprano Asmik Grigorian makes for a highly recommendable Rusalka on DVD. 

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Reissue/archive

Verdi Messa da Requiem 

Sols; Bavarian Radio Chorus and Symphony Orchestra / Riccardo Muti 

BR-Klassik 

A live recording from 1981 of Verdi’s mighty Requiem conducted by Riccardo Muti – his fourth on record now, and a very fine addition – boasts an impressive line-up of soloists. 

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

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