Editor's Choice: July 2024 | The best new classical recordings
Friday, June 14, 2024
Introducing outstanding new albums from Bertrand Chamayou, Laura van der Heijden, Janine Jansen, Takács Quartet, Magdalena Kožená and more
In every issue of Gramophone, Editor Martin Cullingford chooses 12 albums (10 new releases, plus one DVD/blu-ray and one archive recommendation) as his Editor's Choice. Below, you will find the albums selected as Editor's Choice in the July 2024 issue, beginning with the Recording of the Month.
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Recording of the month
‘Cage2’
Bertrand Chamayou prepared pf (Erato)
Mysterious, disorienting, often very beautiful sounds, and a mesmeric sense of rhythm: Bertrand Chamayou has done full justice to John Cage’s prepared-piano vision.
Beethoven Complete Symphonies
Potsdam Chamber Academy / Antonello Manacorda (Sony Classical)
In perhaps the most competitive of all symphonic fields, Antonello Manacorda brings us a Beethoven cycle that’s hugely impressive and highly enjoyable.
Bridge. Frances-Hoad. Walton Cello Concertos
Laura van der Heijden vc BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / Ryan Wigglesworth (Chandos)
Laura van der Heijden brings lyricism and refinement to three wonderful concertos.
Prokofiev. Sibelius Violin Concertos
Janine Jansen vn Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra / Klaus Mäkelä (Decca)
Prokofiev and Sibelius concertos full of vivid life and exploration, Janine Jansen brilliantly partnered by Klaus Mäkelä.
Loeffler. Debussy ‘Forgotten Sounds’
Graeme Steele Johnson cl et al (Delos)
A fascinating find, lovingly recreated: Charles Martin Loeffler’s Octet was shelved by the composer after its 1897 premiere, but we can now hear it in all its elegance and style.
Schubert String Quartets Nos 8 & 15
Takács Quartet (Hyperion)
The superb Takács Quartet bring their characteristic insight, intelligence and virtuosity to these Schubert quartets, adding another must-hear album to their impressive and Award-winning catalogue.
Debussy Images
Saskia Giorgini pf (Pentatone)
The compelling colour and carefully crafted shaping in this richly rewarding Debussy recital is evident – and draws one in – from the very beginning; Saskia Giorgini excells in moments both of drama and poetry.
Stradella Motets
Concerto Italiano / Rinaldo Alessandrini (Naïve)
Modern premieres of an incredibly prolific composer, Rinaldo Alessandrini has gathered together a team of wonderful players and singers for a celebration of 17th-century musician Alessandro Stradella.
‘Czech Songs’
Magdalena Kožená mez Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (Pentatone)
The programme on this powerfully performed recital – Dvořák, Martinů plus lesser-known names – is beautifully sung by Magdalena Kožená.
Massenet Werther
Sols; Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra / György Vashegyi (Bru Zane)
Werther, but in the rarely heard baritone version, given the strongest possible advocacy by Tassis Christoyannis in the lead role and colleagues; another classy Bru Zane set.
DVD/blu-ray
Nielsen Maskarade
Sols; Frankfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra / Titus Engel (Naxos)
‘A joyous, resonant and highly accomplished performance,’ writes Andrew Mellor of this Frankfurt production.
Reissue/archive
‘The Art of the Producer’
John Culshaw (Decca)
Producer John Culshaw set standards that resonate today on every collector’s shelves and in the work of his successors of our own era. Decca’s celebratory set explores his work, collaborations and legacy.
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