The choices of the best classical music albums we covered on The Classic Review in the past month.
Bach –
Lute Suites
Sean Shibe
This new Delphian release shows guitarist Sean Shibe in a more conservative settings than his previous release, the cross-genres “softLOUD”. Yet there is nothing ordinary about his interpretations of Bach’s lute music. As Leighton Jones writes: “This new release is an essential addition to sit proudly alongside [other] formidable interpreters.”
Poulenc – Piano Concertos
Mark Bebbington
Mark Bebbington plays Poulenc’s Piano Concerto and the harpsichord Concerto “Concert Champêtre”, in its version for piano by the composer. This delightful album also includes two chamber works for piano and winds: Trio for Piano, Oboe & Bassoon and Sonata for Oboe & Piano.
“Inferno”
Music by Ronaldo de Lassus
This new Harmonia Mundi album includes Motets for six and eight voices by an often-forgotten Renaissance composer, Ronaldo de Lassus. Under the hands of conductor Daniel Reuss and voices of the Cappella Amsterdam, this music truly comes alive and manages to be heard in a new perspective. A superb addition to the Roland De Lassus discography.
Desire
Aleksandra Kurzak
Soprano Aleksandra Kurzak showcases her full vocal and emotional range in this lovely selection of Arias by Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Leoncavallo and Dvorak. She is expertly accompanied by the Morphing Chamber Orchestra, Vienna under Tomasz Wabnic.
Kreek – The Suspended Harp of Babel
Vox Clamantis and conductor Jaan-Eik Tulve perform Cryllus Kreek’s Choral music, in a substantial new release of this influential Estonian composer. The performers are fully aware of the folk elements inherent in the music, and are helped by a state-of-the-are recording, as one would expect from ECM.
Mahler – Symphony No.7
Vänskä
The Classic Review’s staff writers are closely following this ongoing Mahler cycle with the Minnesota Orchestra under Osmo Vänskä. As the cycle progresses, the orchestra develops a deeper understanding of Mahler sound world, as David A. McConnell writes in his review. They are helped by BIS’ superb SACD surround sound.
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