Editor's Choice - Vocal

"... The complexity of Zelenka's counterpoint and the angular contours of some of the choral lines make it difficult to perform successfully, though its challenges are admirably met here by the singers and players of laBarocca under Ruben Jais. The choral singing is superbly accomplished in its balance, dexterity and poise: the big fugues, clean and clear, have plenty of élan; there's real nobility and grandeur at the climax of the Credo; and the hushed Benedictus, in which the polyphony subsides into a hovering unison surrounded by a halo of string figurations, is exquisite in its luminosity. Jais finely judges the work's oscillations between ceremony, drama and reflection, while playing blends energy with great refinement..."

“… The Fitzwilliam connection is clinched by Yate’s use of the Museum’s early 17^th-century Tuscan harpsichord by Boni, a crisp, full-throated and deep-coloured beauty. Her playing is strong-fingered, buoyant and well-paced … this is an unusual and well-conceived programme, appealingly performed.”

Editor's Choice - Instrumental

"... it's always gratifying to have another fine recording of this extraordinarily potent masterpiece, still as fresh as ever in its 75th-birthday year. The recording engineers have done a fantastic job for Helchen, catching him in a lifelike acoustic ..."

"... a strong contender in a crowded field."

"... This is recommended if this particular coupling appeals ..."

“… The performances are persuasive … The sultry tone that Friend adopts at the start of Faune is admirably sustained throughout …[De Silva] comes into his own in the Fauré Sonata, matching the sweep and elegance of Friend’s phrasing with playing of considerable suppleness and subtlety throughout… very enjoyable …”

"... A fascinating addition to the Quintet discography."

"... The performances are virtuoso in knowledge. I listen in awe and bowed respect to Il Giardino Armonico's 14 players as they perform on 33 different instruments over 27 tracks. From Gawain Glenton's improvisatory magic to Stefano Barneschi's divisions that flicker in brilliance, we are immersed in a sound world simultaneously wild and eloquent... A highlight is the anonymous 1th-century pavana after which the album is named. Heaving in opulence, 'La morte della Ragione' is rich in bass and charged with sensual energy. The solo playing in the early woodwind, brass and strings is constantly inventive, curiously discursive, capricious in scales and lavish in ornament. A carnival of the weird and wonderful from start to finish."

"...'Jet Set' is a pleasing, varied programme, played finely by The New Dutch Academy ... The Two Abel Symphonies ... plus Murphey's violinism in the concerto - are particular highlights."

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral

“Sakari Oramo has recorded precious little Sibelius since his time in Birmingham but don’t think the repertoire on this disc constitutes anything less than a mighty statement. We have Sibelius in three different but vital modes – linguistic cornerstones, even – on which the BBC Symphony’s chief conductor brings deep insights to bear…”

"... it's Gerald Finley's wonderous delivery of a restrained but soulful vocal line that makes the song-cycle True Fire 92014)..."

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral

“… This series of discs is shaping up to be a serious front-runner in a cycle of works that has never wanted for fine recordings… For this concerto pairing, there are few recordings as fine.”

“… Gardner is often keenly alert to both the emotional tone and innovations in sonority and structure of each work. Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt is particularly fine … The CBSO … are superbly responsive throughout, playing with a combination of great brio and scrupulous attention to detail… The Chandos recording is warm, spacious and carefully balanced. It’s an excellent conclusion to a very fine series.”

"... The playing of the Malmo Symphony Orchestra under Darrell Ang is vividly expressive and the recording is first-class."