Album Review
Ferrucio Busoni: Elegies (Chandos)
British pianist Peter Donohoe’s recital is a perfect pick-me-up for Covid gloom
Hans Werner Henze: The Sea Betrayed (Capriccio)
I was completely absorbed by this opera as a sound production — maybe one day I’ll get to see the whole show
Brahms 4th symphony, MacMillan Larghetto for orchestra
The Larghetto’s organic optimism transcends present woes and looks to bright eternity
Renaud Capucon: Un violon à Paris (Warner Classics)
Taken together, it’s not the kind of music you want to hear in isolation
Paul Hindemith: Mathis symphony (Naxos), Clarinet concerto (Orfeo)
When asked “which Hindemith should I try first?”, I’m lost for an answer
Beethoven, Birtwistle: A bag of bagatelles (Wergo)
Those who listen to music with an open mind are going to have a ball with this
Maybe not Yes
With only two remaining members from the classic 70s lineup, a lot is riding on the band’s new album The Quest
Piazzolla Cien Anos (Century Records)
Astor Piazzolla is so intimately identified with Buenos Aires that his wider relevance is often missed
Solem Quartet: The Four Quarters (Orchid)
The Solem Quartet are my frontrunners for the best new talent in 2021
Paderewski & Stojowski: Violin Sonatas (CPO)
I would happily subscribe to an emergent series of forgotten Polish treasures if the quality remained this high