February Reviews
We rate and review the very best new releases of CDs, DVDs and books so you know exactly what’s hot and what’s not…
We’ve also introduced extra facts, playlists and CD recommendations to enhance your listening enjoyment!
In this month’s magazine:
Disc of the Month
Martinu: Overture: Frescoes of Piero della Francesca; Piano Concertos
Robert Kolinsky (piano), Basel Symphony Orchestra/Ashkenazy
ODE 1158-2
‘Martinu’s score can have you walking a few inches taller or finding a spring in your step.’
Opera and Vocal Editor’s Choice
Vierne: Les Djinns; Psyché, et al.
Chausson: Poème de l’amour et de la mer
Steve Davislim (tenor), The Queensland Orchestra/Tourniaire
MR 301123
‘Beautifully recorded, well packaged.’
Orchestral Editor’s Choice
Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Bach: Various Works
Alfred Brendel (piano), Vienna Philharmonic/Mackerras
Decca 478 2116
‘The finale giggles with exuberant joy.’
Instrumental and Chamber Editor’s Choice
Haydn: String Quartets in D minor: No.4 in C Opus 9, No.2 in G Opus 50, No.1 Opus 76
Doric String Quartet
WHLive0032
‘The Doric String Quartet plays with warmth and spirit.’
DVD Editor’s Choice
Martha Argerich Live at Verbier Festival
Martha Argerich (piano), various artists
Medici Arts 3078928
‘On-stage, close up, crisply lit.’
Book Editor’s Choice
Osmo Vänskä: Orchestra Builder
Michael Anthony
Kirk House Publishers
ISBN 978 1 93379 420 4
‘The interviews reveal a likeable man with a self-critical streak.’
