Recording of the month

Mozart ‘Momentum 1785’

Mahler Chamber Orchestra / Leif Ove Andsnes pf

Sony Classical

This is a beautifully performed and recorded album of Mozart music from Leif Ove Andsnes and his Mahler CO colleagues, one clearly created amid a spirit of warm collaboration.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

R Strauss Burleske. Ein Heldenleben

Bertrand Chamayou pf Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia / Antonio Pappano

Warner Classics

A glorious showcase of Pappano’s partnership with his Rome ensemble, and with Chamayou thrilling in the Burleske.   

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

‘The Moon & the Forest’

Miloš Karadaglić gtr

Decca

Miloš introduces us to two engaging new concertos for guitar by Howard Shore and Joby Talbot, both written and performed with a clear affection for the instrument’s sonority and soul.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Hindemith Wind Sonatas

Les Vents Français; Éric Le Sage pf

Warner Classics

Five superb woodwind soloists, paired with a perfect pianist partner in Éric Le Sage (and all captured in vivid sound), makes for a truly compelling album of Hindemith.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Franck Organ Works

Pétur Sakari org

BIS

Pétur Sakari’s album of Franck organ music on the fabulous sounding Cavaillé-Coll instrument of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Orléans (excellently recorded by BIS), is a wonderful sonic spectacular.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Ysaÿe Six Solo Violin Sonatas

James Ehnes vn

Onyx

A recording that owes much to our times, emotionally and practically – it was home-recorded during lockdown – this is a very fine survey of Ysaÿe’s solo violin sonatas from James Ehnes.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

JS Bach ‘Meins Lebens licht’

Collegium Vocale Gent / Philippe Herreweghe

PHI

An exquisite addition, rich in texture and colour, to the impressive Bach catalogue being created by Philippe Herreweghe and his superb Collegium Vocale Gent.

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‘Chère nuit’

Louise Alder sop Joseph Middleton pf

Chandos

Evocative and splendid singing from Louise Alder, a soprano who embodies all the atmosphere and mystery of this gorgeous programme, just as does pianist Joseph Middleton in his playing. 

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‘Magnificat 2’

The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge / Andrew Nethsingha

Signum

The contribution of Andrew Nethsingha and St John’s College, Cambridge to the Evensong tradition – both in the chapel and on record – deserves great praise; another fascinating album.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Bartók Duke Bluebeard’s Castle

Sols; Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra / Susanna Mälkki

BIS

Exceptional soloists and a conductor who shapes the score brilliantly create a fine recording of Bartók’s dark opera, warmly welcomed by Edward Seckerson.

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

DVD/blu-ray

Mozart Così fan tutte

Sols; Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Joana Mallwitz

Erato

This month’s One to Watch, Joana Mallwitz, conducts a Così fan tutte from Salzburg boasting some superb soloists. 

Read the review in Gramophone's Reviews Database

Reissue/archive

‘The Forgotten Recordings’

Cleveland Orchestra / George Szell

Somm

A set from Somm which shows off Szell’s music-making at its best, including excellent performances of Smetana’s Vltava and Stravinsky’s 1919 Firebird Suite, plus music from Schumann, Strauss and Mozart.

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