Recording of the month

Mahler Symphony No 10 

Seattle Symphony Orchestra / Thomas Dausgaard 

(Seattle Symphony Media) 

This is a very impressive Mahler Tenth. Playing is of the highest order throughout, but, as is crucial in this work, Dausgaard’s vision is both compelling and beautifully conveyed.

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Copland Orchestral Works, Vol 2 

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra / John Wilson 

(Chandos) 

Disc two in Wilson’s Copland series takes us to less well-known works, but with the rigour of understanding and complete conviction that are this conductor’s hallmark.

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B Dean Shadow Music 

Swedish Chamber Orchestra / Brett Dean 

(BIS) 

BIS continues its advocacy of the Australian composer and ex-Berlin Philharmonic viola player’s music with this captivating disc.

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Mendelssohn String Quartets Nos 3 & 5 

Parker Quartet 

(Nimbus Alliance) 

The Parker Quartet continue their Mendelssohn exploration with a masterclass in ensemble collaboration, rich in ideas and unity of vision.

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Chopin Mazurkas 

Pavel Kolesnikov pf 

(Hyperion) 

The young Russian pianist – a member of the BBC New Generation Artist scheme – shows a remarkable command and originality in this superb Chopin set.

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D Scarlatti Keyboard Sonatas, Vol 4 

Pierre Hantaï hpd 

(Mirare) 

The gradual continuation of this Scarlatti series serves up another deeply thought-out recording, both eloquent and entertaining, and extraordinarily skilled in execution.

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Bednall Stabat mater. Ave Maria. Marian Suite 

Benenden Chapel Choir / Edward Whiting 

(Regent) 

The British composer already has a growing discography; this new addition from Regent focuses on his substantial and imaginative setting of the deeply moving Marian hymn.

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Krenek Reisebuch Zemlinsky Songs

Florian Boesch bar Roger Vignoles pf 

(Hyperion) 

Exceptional Lieder singing from baritone Florian Boesch – engagingly communicative throughout – in a perfect partnership with pianist Roger Vignoles.

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Hidden Music of the Russian Church 

Moscow Patriarchal Choir / Ilya Tolkachev 

(Christophorus) 

Truly heartfelt performances of this Russian repertoire, recorded in the atmospheric acoustic of the choir’s vast cathedral home.

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Goldmark Die Königin von Saba 

Sols; Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra / Fabrice Bollon 

(CPO) 

A once hugely popular work, now rarely heard (let alone recorded), Goldmark’s opera gets a superb performance in another exciting CPO set.

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DVD/blu-ray

Britten The Rape of Lucretia 

Sols; London Philharmonic Orchestra / Leo Hussain 

(Opus Arte) 

A chance to see director Fiona Shaw’s powerful response to Britten’s opera – its first return to Glyndebourne since the 1946 premiere – with excellent singing and playing throughout.

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Reissue/archive

Beethoven ‘Hammerklavier’ Sonata

Grigory Sokolov pf 

(Sony Classical) 

An impressive snapshot of an early stage in the career of an extraordinary artist.  

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