“Aigul” – Aigul Akhmetshina, Mezzo Soprano
Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina’s debut album showcases hit opera arias from Bizet’s Carmen, Massenet’s Werther, Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia and La cenerentola, and Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi. Akhmetshina possesses a unique vocal quality that allows her to deliver direct interpretations without relying on superficial effects, yet her sound remains warm and sophisticated. The Carmen arias are undoubtedly the album’s highlights, but the remaining selections are equally enjoyable. Akhmetshina benefits from superb recording quality and expert accompaniment by Daniele Rustioni and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Beethoven – Complete Piano Sonatas – Alfredo Perl
Those who missed Alfredo Perl’s complete survey of Beethoven’s piano music from the 1990s, now out of print, can rejoice in this newly recorded cycle, initiated with the first volume of five CDs. Perl’s approach to Beethoven has remained remarkably consistent over the years—avoiding extremes of tempo, tone, and interpretation. This consistency is not necessarily a flaw, particularly for listeners who prefer a less interventionist approach to Beethoven. Perl’s deep familiarity with the music is evident throughout, and his technical prowess is unquestionable. This volume encompasses the early piano works—the first eleven sonatas, the two Op. 49 sonatas, and early variations.
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Fauré – Nocturnes & Barcarolles – Aline Piboule
2024 was a good year for Fauré recordings, particularly Lucas Debargue’s album of the complete piano music, reviewed here. Contemporary pianists, it seems, are increasingly dissatisfied with standard modern instruments for this music; Debargue opted for a new Stephen Paulello instrument, while Aline Piboule, in this fresh collection of Nocturnes and Barcarolles, employs a 1929 Gaveau piano. It is a superb instrument, evidently in excellent condition, and perfectly suited to the music and interpretation. From the improvisatory Op. 85 that inaugurates the program to the twelfth Barcarolle that concludes it, the album is a delight, immersing the listener in Fauré’s unique sonic world.
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Haydn – Late Symphonies, Vol. 3 – Adam Fischer
Adam Fischer and the Danish Chamber Orchestra continue their exploration of Haydn’s late symphonies with this third volume, encompassing Symphonies 99-101. Symphony No. 100 (“Military”) is particularly compelling, showcasing the evolution Fischer has made since his earlier complete Haydn symphony cycle with the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra. The Allegros and finales are dispatched with exhilarating verve, while the middle movements are thoughtfully paced and demonstrate a fine balance among the modest orchestra’s sections. The recording quality suits the interpretation and is a significant improvement from the earlier set Fischer made at the Esterházy Palace.
Read our review of the first volume here
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Jeremy Beck – Requiem
Jeremy Beck’s Requiem, completed in 2019, is a dynamic yet intimate setting of the Latin text, composed for mixed choir and string orchestra. Beck’s approach to the text involves combining harmonically alluring melodies with dissonances and rhythmic drive to generate tension and release. He also employs intriguing contrapuntal techniques in the suitably tense Dies Irae and touching simplicity in the Agnus Dei. The requiem is performed by the Coro Volante choir under the direction of conductor Brett Scott.
Read more reviews of contemporary music here.
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