New Releases for April
Classic FM's Sam Jackson introduces some new music to the playlist including Schubert, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Victoria, Chopin and a new name to Classic FM: Alexis Ffrench.
Swedish Chamber Orchestra - Schubert Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9
This is the latest in a series of recordings of the music of Schubert from the Swedish Chamber Orchestra and their conductor Thomas Dausgaard.
The ensemble is passionate about performing 19th-century symphonic works as a smaller chamber orchestra – and the resulting sound is taut, energetic and full of life!
Join Anne-Marie Minhall on Afternoons all this week, to hear a daily excerpt from the album.
Philharmonia Orchestra - Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique
This is a thrilling recording of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, captured live in concert at London’s Southbank Centre.
The Philharmonia’s Principal Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen directs the orchestra – and this disc also includes Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No.2.
Philadelphia Orchestra - Peter Tchaikovsky
This new recording by the Philadelphia Orchestra and their conductor Christoph Eschenbach features some of Tchaikovsky’s most richly indulgent music.
Recent recordings by the orchestra have won all sorts of accolades – from the New York Times’ Top Ten Recordings of the Year through to the German Critics’ Award.
The two highlights here are the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and the Serenade for Strings, both of which are already real favourites on Classic FM.
LSO - Rachmaninov Symphony No.2
Rachmaninov’s vast Symphony No.2 was composed when he was at the pinnacle of his career as a composer, pianist and conductor. Filled with emotion and brimming with beautiful melodies, it’s an undisputed masterpiece.
This cracking performance is from the London Symphony Orchestra and their Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev. It’s part of the LSO Live label, a series of over 60 recordings, and it’s not released until 26th April. Hear it first on Classic FM this month.
The Tallis Scholars - Victoria Lamentations of Jeremiah
The Tallis Scholars are, quite simply, masters of choral music – and for their 50th CD release, they’ve chosen to focus on the music of Tomas Luis de Victoria.
If you enjoy Allegri’s Miserere, we think you’ll love this new disc. Listen out for it on Smooth Classics and Relaxing Classics in the weeks ahead.
Stephen Hough - Chopin Late Masterpieces
Pianist Stephen Hough joins in the celebrations for Chopin’s 200th birthday, with a disc containing some of the composer’s most extraordinary music, written in the last years of his life.
The works here demonstrate Chopin at his most expressive: a composer embracing new levels of complexity and emotional depth in every way. From nocturnes and mazurkas to polonaises and barcarolles, the CD contains a delightful range of works which really showcase the great Polish composer at his best.
Stephen Hough’s playing, meanwhile, is informed by his seemingly limitless technique and engaging musical imagination. A fantastic recording, which we think you’ll love!
Alexis Ffrench - The Secret Piano
You’ve probably never heard of Alexis Ffrench – but chances are, you’ve heard his music before.
It’s been featured on TV programmes and in commercials many times – and now, Alexis has turned his composing talents to an album of music for solo piano.
If you enjoy the contemporary, minimalist sound of such composers as Ludovico Einaudi and Phamie Gow, we think you’ll enjoy this.
Join Mark Forrest during the week of 12 April, when he’ll feature music from The Secret Piano every day on Classic FM Afternoons.
Sam Jackson
Executive Producer, Music and Events
