Recording of the Month

Ysaÿe Six Sonatas for Solo Violin 

Alina Ibragimova vn 

(Hyperion)

'Fascinating, though fiendish, works, full of imagination and virtuosity written for Ysaÿe’s friends – Alina Ibragimova,whose set of Bach’s solo violin music so impressed in 2009, is just as triumphant here.' Read the review

Birtwistle Angel Fighter, etc 

London SInfonietta / David Atherton 

(NMC)

'Recent works from Birtwistle, a composer whose music is as vivid and compelling as that of any today. Excellent performances here from David Atherton and the London Sinfonietta.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz

Grieg Piano Concerto 

Javier Perianes pf BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sakari Oramo 

(Harmonia Mundi)

'Two facets of Grieg, the Concerto and the Lyric Pieces – and indeed of this young Spanish pianist’s artistry – on a highly enjoyable disc.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz

Bridge. d’Indy. Schulhoff Sextets 

Parnassus Akademie 

(Etcetera)

'A debut CD from this group, and quite a statement too, the technical challenges of these diverse sextets proving no obstacle to offering interpretations both rich and powerful.' Read the review 

Grieg. Hough. Mendelssohn Cello Sonatas 

Steven Isserlis vc Stephen Hough pf 

(Hyperion)

'The rapport between Hough and Isserlis – already brilliantly captured on disc – offers us some rewarding Grieg and Mendelssohn, plus Hough’s own Sonata.' Read the review

Monteverdi Madrigals, Vol 1: Cremona 

Les Arts Florissants / Paul Agnew 

(Les Arts Florissants Editions)

'The initial volume in this series (confusingly called Volume 2) was Recording of the Month in January – the latest instalment is every bit as superb.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz  

Pärt Choral Works 

Bavarian Radio Chorus; Munich Radio Orchestra / Peter Dijkstra 

(BR-Klassik)

'Another – though completely contrasting – leading composer of today, showing the diverse riches our age offers. The sparse grandeur of Pärt’s music is given fine performances.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz

‘If the owl calls again’ 

Christianne Stotijn mez and friends  

(Warner Classics) 

'Eclectic and engaging throughout, this recital has a strong sense of personality – and personal choice – running  throughout it.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz

Gasparini Il Bajazet 

Sols; Auser Musici / Carlo Ipata 

(Glossa)

'A premiere recording of a work with interesting historical links – including its influence on Handel – but ultimately, a fine recording of an opera worth hearing in its own right.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz

‘Scene!’ 

Christiane Karg sop Arcangelo / Jonathan Cohen 

(Berlin Classics)

'Superbly characterful singing from Christine Karg, supported throughout by the very impressive Jonathan Cohen and Arcangelo.' Read the review / Buy from Qobuz

DVD/blu-ray

Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 

Maria João Pires pf Orchestra of the 18th Century / Frans Brüggen 

(Fryderyk Chopin Institute)

'One of two wonderful DVD releases this month from the same label, both played on the same 1849 Erard piano.' Read the review

Reissue/archive

Beethoven Symphony No 6 

London Philharmonic Orchestra / Klaus Tennstedt 

(LPO)

'Tennstedt’s bond with the LPO has left us this impressive Pastoral, from 1992.' Read the review