Alexander Tchaikovsky: Quarantine Symphony (Toccata Classics)
Alexander Tchaikovsky’s Quarantine Symphony triggers a subtle, wordless response to the things we are experiencing
György Ligeti: The 13 Etudes (Hyperion)
If you want to know what a piano can do, you really need to settle down with this absorbing world of sound
Hungarian Serenade (Naxos)
The outstanding Offenburg String Trio play a gripping compilation of some of the most richly coloured and painfully consequential music you are ever likely to hear
Elgar: Violin concerto/violin sonata (Warner)
Elgar works best when a conductor appears to do least
Anna Clyne: Mythologies (Avie)
Clyne’s debut record is a validation of the continuing relevance of classical form in the twenty-first century
Shostakovich: Symphonies 9 and 10 (LSO Live)
In terms of sheer wealth of experience, few conductors can compare to Gianandrea Noseda
Edward Elgar: Partsongs, From the Bavarian Highlands (BR Klassik)
The Bavarian Radio singers’ command of English will have to improve when Sir Simon Rattle arrives to take over
Copland, Nielsen, MacMillan: Clarinet concertos (Delphian)
Of all clarinet concertos, including Mozart’s, Aaron Copland’s is Norman Lebrecht’s favourite by a Siamese smile
Good Night! (Erato)
French pianist Bertrand Chamayou’s compilation of lullabies shows a degree of taste and independence unusual in a young soloist still at the start of his journey
Ralph Vaughan Williams: 5th symphony/Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (Hyperion)
Symphonies to give you hope and vision