Bruckner – Symphony No. 5 – Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Lahav Shani
Lahav Shani and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra’s take on Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony balances the composer’s characteristic power with surprising transparency. This clarity allows listeners to appreciate the intricate counterpoint that underpins Bruckner’s work. The string section delivers nuanced performances in quiet passages and phrasing, while the brass and woodwinds build tension with patient control, culminating in impactful climaxes. Fans of Shani’s previous Bruckner recording with this orchestra (Symphony No. 7) will likely find much to enjoy here, and this could mark the beginning of a compelling Bruckner cycle.
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Albéniz – Iberia / Granados – Goyescas – Peter Donohoe
Albéniz’s Iberia is a notoriously challenging work for pianists, demanding mastery of complex rhythms and harmonies. Many pianists shy away from the full suite, opting instead for individual movements. Peter Donohoe takes on the first two books of Iberia alongside Granados’ first book of Goyescas on this Chandos release. Donohoe is known for completing comprehensive cycles of composers like Scriabin, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. His superb playing, solid technique and the album’s high-quality recording make a compelling case for him to complete both Iberia and Goyescas in the future.
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William Steinberg – The Command Recordings
This 17-disc box set from Deutsche Grammophon collects all the recordings made by William Steinberg and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for the Command label in the early 1960s. The centerpiece of the collection is a pair of solid cycles of Beethoven and Brahms symphonies, both surprisingly well-preserved for their age. The set also includes Bruckner (Symphony No. 7), Rachmaninoff (Symphony No. 2), Schubert (Symphonies 3&8), Tchaikovsky (Symphony No. 4), Wagner and more. Considering the sheer quantity and quality of music on offer, this collection represents excellent value.
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Les Violons des Lumières – Les Plaisirs du Parnasse
Violinist David Plantier takes the helm of his ensemble Les Plaisirs du Parnasse for “Les Violons des Lumières,” a deep dive into the French Baroque sonata tradition. The album features works by Guignon, Mondonville, and Aubert, each exemplifying the era’s characteristic elegance and technical mastery. From intricate melodies to spirited dance rhythms, the ensemble navigates this rich soundscape with flawless execution, offering a captivating exploration of Baroque chamber music.
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Wings – Chamber Music by Rami Levin
This album showcases chamber works by contemporary composer Rami Levin. The opening trio for clarinet, violin, and piano serves as a prime example of Levin’s style. Cleverly crafted from short motifs, the music remains pleasant and approachable without sacrificing complexity and avoids the pitfalls of overly academic music. It features a variety of interesting instrumental combinations, including voice, winds, strings, harp, and piano. The Acis label’s detailed recording ensures that each part is clearly audible, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of Levin’s compositions.
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