Editor’s Choice – Orchestral section

“… Andrew Manze elicits playing of remarkable clarity and rhythmic vitality from the NDR Radiophilharmonie – as crucial in the Brahms as it is in the Schumann – and the recorded balance between soloists and orchestra is close to ideal. Indeed, these interpretations are now my top recommendation for both concertos.”

“… A key aspect of all these performances, aside from the passion of Wallfisch’s advocacy, is the contribution of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, on splendid form (as ever). The three encores are nicely done, too …”

“… Original, stylish and authoritative, this concerto set is a worthy and thought-provoking contribution to the recordings marking the Beethoven year.”

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral section

“… He [Dalene] and his like-minded conductor – the excellent Danial Blendulf – deliver a thoroughly coherent and embraceable view of the piece [Barber] … Dalene’s compatriots, the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, play with equal freshness throughout …”

“…The Variations and Fugue on a Theme by J.S.Bach, Op.81 (1904) are an arrangement by Ira Levin of Reger’s work for piano. In 1904, Reger considered it his finest work to date, and it was enthusiastically greeted on first public performance. … Reger had insisted that the pianist treat the theme ‘sweetly and always very legato—that is to say, like an oboe solo’. Levin’s arrangement catches that very well. It should be noted that Levin does not merely rearrange for different instruments: he reconstructs the work in a valuable reimagining… Levin is absolutely true to the spirit of Reger and his special emotional world. “

“… Dino Olivieri’s Orchestra provides bright and evocatively romantic accompaniments…The incomparable voice of Di Stefano—a wonderful nostalgic wallow and a memorable souvenir of the Bay of Naples.”