BBC Music Magazine Choices,
BBC Music Magazine - January 2018 Choices
A mesmerisingly-sung programme of Tallis (built around a recently rediscovered early version of the motet 'Gaude gloriosa dei mater', with text by Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr) is out in front as Recording of the Month, with honourable mentions for Mozart's Requiem in a new completion by French composer Pierre-Henri Dutron, and for French soprano Sabine Devieilhe's seductive exploration of eroticism and exoticism in 'Mirages'.
The Orchestral Choice goes to another recording that's been receiving a lot of air-time chez Presto of late: a Sibelius triptych from Hannu Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, released to commemorate the centenary of Finnish independence and including eight songs in new orchestrations by Aulis Sallinen. (You can read Katherine's recent interview with Hannu Lintu about the recording here).
Recording of the Month
'The polyphony is delineated with laser-sharp precision, and (David Skinner) can rely on the singers’ impeccable tuning to energise the most audacious harmonies.'
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Choral & Song Choice
Mozart: Requiem (Süssmayr/Dutron 2016 completion)
Sophie Karthäuser, Marie-Claude Chappuis, Maximilian Schmitt, Johannes Weisser; Freiburger Barockorchester, RIAS Kammerchor, René Jacobs
'Jacobs plays the choir like an instrument, as he does the band. The shapes he coaxes from words, and the force he provokes from the ensemble, open out the new dimensions of Dutron’s score.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Opera Choice
'Devieilhe’s voice is shown off to stunning effect as she and her colleagues bring together the (sometimes) kitschier side of eastern longings and the lingering influence of such sounds on more intriguing music.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Chamber Choice
'This outstanding CD from the Istanbul-based Borusan Quartet explores a diverse collection of modern string quartets with tremendous spirit and poise.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Instrumental Choice
'Goerner’s Chopin was special right from the start of his career, but it has matured into something remarkable now.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Orchestral Choice
Sibelius: Tapiola, En Saga & 8 Songs
Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo), Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hannu Lintu
'The music’s roots in ancient Finnish chant have never been clearer – even at the height of the storm the forest still sings.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Concerto Choice
Rosanne Philippens plays Prokofiev
Rosanne Philippens (violin), Julien Quentin (piano); Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen, Otto Tausk
'As in the Concerto, Philippens keeps the right quiet dynamics, shrouded in sphinx-like atmosphere, and she’s limpidly partnered by pianist Julien Quentin.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Chris O'Reilly - Chief Executive
