The February issue of Gramophone is now available to subscribers and on general sale from Thursday, January 30.

In this issue we feature a celebration of Richard Strauss on his 150th anniversary, including a new essay by renowned Strauss authority Michael Kennedy and a guide to Strauss's greatest operatic roles and the finest interpreters.

Also, conductor Edward Gardner analyses the intricaces of Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony, Bryce Morrison profiles pianist Alfred Cortot, Philip Clark explores the music of Helmut Lachenmann, Mike Ashman and Peter Quantrill discuss Bruno Walter's classic 1938 recording of Mahler's Ninth Symphony and David Threasher chooses his top 10 piano quintet recordings.

Plus, as always, the month's new classical music releases are reviewed by our expert critics - including our Recording of the Month: Beethoven's Cello Sonatas recorded by Steven Isserlis and Robert Levin (Hyperion).

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