New Releases

“The “Dies Irae” has what I can only call a fanatical attack and tempo, while ‘Hostias’, taken extremely slowly, is deeply devotional. Barenboim has, of course, a superb quartet of soloists, an absolutely first-rate chorus and an orchestra that knows how to play Mozart with the utmost artistry…You really should not overlook this exciting and most beautiful performance.” Gramophone Magazine

“In the Mass, Antonio Pappano easily outshines his rivals on disc, enhancing the operatic element in the score. He has ideal soloists in Alagna and Hampson, and the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra are in incandescent form. The couplings are welcome, aptly chosen and very well played.” Penguin Guide

“These are intensely individual and newly revealing expressions of what Beethoven meant. I cannot imagine I shall ever exhaust their freshness, or stop marvelling at their power, for to my ear this is the truest musical inspiration miraculously caught on the wing.” Gramophone Magazine

“Klemperer and Barenboim seemed to come at these works from opposite ends, so to speak...The chemistry that flies off the two is certainly remarkable, but you’ll have to decide for yourself whether you like it.” MusicWeb International, 29th April 2013

“This remains Nigel Kennedy’s finest achievement on record, arguably even finer than the long line of versions with star international soloists from either outside or within Britain. With Vernon Handley as guide it is a truly inspired and inspiring performance and the recording is outstandingly faithful and atmospheric.” Penguin Guide

“Previn’s [performance of the Concerto] has great virtues; the touching solo playing at the end of the slow movement, for example, and the tremendous virtuosity of the LSO in the finale … A splendid performance of An American in Paris, full of virtuoso playing and of real character.” Gramophone Magazine

“The performance itself is of the highest quality. The orchestral playing is sensitive and responsive throughout with a beautifully blended and homogeneous tonal balance. The playing is cultured but Simon Rattle also brings an awareness of the pantheistic fervour that inspires Janácek’s wonderful score.’” Gramophone Magazine

“Barbirolli’s famous 1969 version on any count is one of the greatest, most warmly affecting performances ever committed to disc, expansive, yet concentrated in feeling: the Adagietto is very moving … A classic version.’” Penguin Guide

“Classic Callas recordings, which should be in every opera-lover’s collection. Much of the content shows the great diva at her very finest, and has you enthralled by the vividness of characterisation as well as musical imagination.” Penguin Guide

“These are strong and purposeful readings of the Mendelssohn and Bruch First Concertos, which Itzhak Perlman plays with brilliance, ease and assurance. The recording of the Bruch Second Concerto is of the very highest quality, enjoyable and superbly played.” Gramophone Magazine

“Both works are marvellously played and beautifully recorded … the Quartet’s playing is breathtaking in terms of tonal blend, ensemble and intonation.” Gramophone Magazine