Classical Album of the Week

“… They play the work [Quartet] very sensitively …” ****

“… Mena’s enthusiasm for the work must have rubbed off on them [the orchestra], because they are instrumental in creating the work’s all-important atmosphere. Those dark, sinuous strings of the opening are hair-raisingly good, as are the sparkling Act 2 dances and the bright winds of the Intermezzo. The singers are all very good, too. That chorus were worth the air fare, because they enliven everything they do. They are careworn and downtrodden as the workers in the opening scene, but then they set the scene alight in the wedding, stamping their feet and Olé!-ing convincingly. The soloists are very good, too. Nancy Fabiola Herrera is sympathetic … That lothario lover is sung with ardour by Aquiles Machado, and the baritone richness of José Antonio López is a welcome contrast as the avenging uncle… Segundo Falcón deserves a special mention as the flamenco singer, engulfing the scene with the smoke from his wonderful voice… this disc is worthwhile, particularly as proof that a British orchestra can play Spanish music like the best of them.”

“…This new Chandos recording of L’Enfance du Christ is very successful. There isn‘t a weak link in the performance and, indeed, it has many strengths… This release is a fine contribution to the Berlioz 150th anniversary.”

“…nobody interested in Telemann's music should overlook this disc. We have here again four cantatas which demonstrate Telemann's creativity. It is impressive that every time, despite the fact that the basic structure is the same, he can give a cantata a specific character. His skills in the treatment of the text come to the fore in the arias, but also in the recitatives. Some of the latter may be quite long, yet they never fail to make an impression, as Telemann does not miss any opportunity to depict the text. Key passages are singled out through the use of an arioso. The instrumental scoring is equally impressive.”

“… These gripping and distinctive performances from Santtu-Matias Rouvali with the Gothenburg Symphony draw the listener in and definitely take a place near the top.”

“…Makes a very good case for the piano concerto in particular.”

Recommended

“…I was deeply touched by the whole programme…. I will certainly return to this disc many times, and I urge readers to give it a listen.”

“…All the performers … are excellent … Levina’s music continues to impress…”

“…Guillon is in inspiring form throughout, the attractive timbre of his captivating countertenor conveying both convincing purity and reverential expression. Under his direction, Le Banquet Céleste plays with marvellous alertness and its usual rhythmic vitality; the period instruments sound agreeable, impressively in tune and well unified… The music of J.S. Bach could hardly be better performed and presented than on this Alpha Classics album, making it indispensable listening for devotees of Baroque music.”

"... This is a very fine album. The presentation of the music is clearly founded in detailed scholarship but in no way does this scholarship make the performances dry. On the contrary, Owen Rees and his singers bring Taverner’s wonderful music vividly to life in assured and skilled performances. The technical side of the project was in the highly experienced hands of producer Adrian Peacock and engineer David Hinitt. Between them they have vast experience of choral recordings and they present these performances in excellently clear, nicely atmospheric sound. The documentation is excellent."

“…Alpha’s sound is perfectly suited to the singular demands of all these works. They round off a truly thought provoking, aesthetically satisfying issue.”

“Fluttering, delicate, steely, playful and mercurial.”

Recommended

“… Jurowski delivers a spirited and thoroughly idiomatic account in this new Pentatone recording that captures the essence of Tchaikovsky’s delightful score.”

“…It is a delight and a pleasure to return to his [Myslivecek] beautifully crafted output, this time in the hands of Clare Hammond and BIS. We not only get the composer’s complete keyboard output neatly in one place, expertly performed, but can hear the world premiere recording of his Second Piano Concerto… Hammond’s Myslivecek is as refreshing as a well-timed sorbet.”

“Giovanni Antonini proceeds in his Haydn recordings. He and the Basel Chamber Orchestra provide very lively performances with drive and joyful playing.” ****

"... The whole disc is a riveting listen: I do urge you to buy it."