As 2024 draws to a close, we look back at the classical music reviews that resonated most with our readers. From breathtaking piano recitals to monumental symphonic cycles, these albums captured the attention of classical music lovers around the world. Here are the ten most popular reviews on The Classic Review this year.
10. Mahler – Symphony No. 3 – Minnesota Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä
The final release in the Vänskä-Minnesota Mahler Symphony cycle, recorded in glorious SACD sound engineering.
9. Mahler – Symphony No. 9 – Philipp von Steinaecker
Philipp von Steinaecker offers a compelling and intimate rethinking of Mahler’s masterpiece, played on period instruments by the Mahler Academy Orchestra.
8. Beatrice Rana Plays Beethoven and Chopin Sonatas – Beatrice Rana
Rana captures the tempestuous spirit of Beethoven’s Op. 106 “Hammerklavier” and the poetic elegance of Chopin’s Op. 58, second piano Sonata.
7. Mozart – Piano Concertos No. 20 & 27 – Anne Queffélec
Anne Queffélec in a refined and graceful interpretation of Mozart’s Piano Concertos No. 20 and 27.
6. Beethoven – Complete Symphonies – Antonello Manacorda
Antonello Manacorda leads the Kammerakademie Potsdam in a historically informed and fresh approach to Beethoven’s nine symphonies.
5. Brahms – The Symphonies – Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Chamber Orchestra of Europe in a performance that reveals careful attention to detail while preserving the passionate core of Brahms’ music.
4. Brahms – Piano Concertos, Late Solo Works – Igor Levit
Igor Levit, with the Vienna Philharmonic and Christian Thielemann, presents Brahms’s Piano Concertos and late solo works.
3. Chopin – Études – Yunchan Lim (2024)
Yunchan Lim’s highly anticipated recording of Chopin’s Études captured the imagination of audiences with its technical brilliance and poetic depth.
2. Sibelius & Prokofiev – Violin Concertos – Janine Jansen
Janine Jansen’s recording of Sibelius and Prokofiev violin concertos showcases her signature intensity and refined technique.
1. The Vienna Recital – Yuja Wang
This live recording demonstrates Wang’s astonishing pianism, blending electrifying virtuosity with moments of intimate expressiveness. Her wide-ranging program, which includes Scriabin, Albéniz, Ligeti, and Beethoven, is a testament to her fearless approach to the piano repertoire. It was the most read classical music review we’ve published this year.
