DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos 12 & 15 BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, John Storgårds [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 24/Mar/2023 ] "Another terrific release from this source." Gramophone |
SIR ARTHUR BLISS
Bliss: Mary of Magdala Dame Sarah Connolly (Mezzo-soprano), James Platt (Bass), BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 1/Nov/2019 ] Bliss composed The Enchantress in 1951, the year of his sixtieth birthday, for Kathleen Ferrier. The text is a free adaptation of the Second Idyll of Theocritus, made by Henry Reed, and well suited to Bliss's love of classical Greek... |
JEAN SIBELIUS
Sibelius: In the Stream of Life [Songs] Gerald Finley (bass-baritone) / Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Edward Gardner [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 30/Jan/2017 ] "Finley sings them all with his usual finesse and careful shading, reserving his full power for the few genuinely climactic moments...The subtle, respectful orchestrations wrap around his voice like a glove" Guardian |
SIR RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT
Bennett: Orchestral Works, Volume 2 Howard McGill (saxophone), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, John Wilson [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 20/Jul/2018 ] The recent partnership of John Wilson and BBC SSO on record reaches this second volume in their invigorating exploration of fascinating orchestral works by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett. Less well known than his widely famous film music (Murder on the... |
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS / HERBERT HOWELLS / FREDERICK DELIUS / SIR EDWARD ELGAR
Music for Strings John Wilson, Sinfonia Of London [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 3/Feb/2023 ] "I expect it has been said before, but the Sinfonia of London belongs in the Formula 1 class of orchestras, and in this repertoire sits in pole position." Gramophone Award Finalist 2023 - Orchestral |
AARON COPLAND
Copland: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 - Symphonies Jonathan Scott (organ), BBC Philharmonic, John Wilson [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 16/Sep/2016 ] "Wilson obtains [a] superbly drilled and articulate response from the BBC Philharmonic…an outstanding release" (Gramophone) |
JACQUES OFFENBACH
Offenbach: Neeme Järvi conducts Offenbach Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Neeme Järvi [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 22/Nov/2015 ] "A melt-in-the-mouth confection, attractively played and presented; Järvi père is back on form at last." (MusicWeb Nov 2015) |
EDWARD ELGAR
Elgar: Falstaff / Orchestral Songs / Grania and Diarmid Roderick Williams (baritone) / BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Andrew Davis [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 20/Jan/2018 ] "All told, a terrific anthology, and absolutely not to missed." Gramophone Editor's Choice January 2018 |
BERNARD HERRMANN
Herrmann: Suite from 'Wuthering Heights' / etc Roderick Williams (baritone) / Singapore Symphony Orchestra Conductor, Mario Venzago [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 30/Jun/2023 ] "Through their two voices - a radiant Keri Fuge and a towering Roderick Williams...stunningly recorded, serves as a tantalising example of what it might be to go on Herrmann's entire emotionally wrought journey." Recording of the Month BBC Music |
ARNOLD SCHOENBERG
Schoenberg: Erwartung, Op.17 / Pelleas und Melisande, Op.5 Sara Jakubiak (soprano) / Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Edward Gardner [ Chandos SACD / Hybrid SACD - released 1/May/2020 ] "Stunning performances." MusicWeb |