Gramophone Choices,
Gramophone Editor's Choices - Awards Issue 2018
This month’s winner is Sir Mark Elder’s tremendous period-instrument recording of Rossini’s final opera seria for the Italian stage, Semiramide, with relative newcomer Albina Shagimuratova covering herself in glory as the Babylonian queen, and seasoned Rossini mezzo Daniela Barcellona giving the performance of her career as her son/love-interest/nemesis Arsace. (You can read Katherine’s full review of the recording for Presto here, and stay tuned for our imminent interview with the two star singers…).
Recording of the Month
Rossini: Semiramide
Albina Shagimuratova, Daniela Barcellona, Mirco Palazzi, Barry Banks; Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment & Opera Rara Chorus, Sir Mark Elder
'The lavishly gifted Russian coloratura Albina Shagimuratova, she of the shining high E, and Daniela Barcellona, our finest contemporary Arsace, are both superb…This is an intensely theatrical performance, yet there is no rush in the larger shaping of the piece…And what a difference the old instruments make.'
Available Formats: 4 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Editor's Choices
'The blend of clarity, intimacy and power the engineers have been able to achieve here fits the lustre and glow of these Staatskapelle performances like a glove…These are not ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ performances, as so many latter-day Brahms recordings are. They embody deeper memories and seek out larger horizons, as Brahms himself did when he created these astonishing works.'
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Korngold & Nielsen: Violin Concertos
Jiyoon Lee (violin), Odense Symphony Orchestra, Kristiina Poska
'Her interpretation [of the Nielsen] is consistently fascinating, reflective yet tense, and technically secure without ever becoming self-consciously showy…It’s a superb performance…On this showing she is a remarkable artist, and this is, without question, an exceptional debut disc.'
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
'Lindberg’s version doesn’t burn quite so hot [as Stig Westerberg’s] but moves with the sense of urgency I believe Stenhammar had in mind. The Andante lilts, the Scherzo swings, and he wisely keeps the busy contrapuntal finale bustling along…A glorious release. Don’t miss it.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
'The playing throughout [the Gál] is simply exquisite: yes, it is a beautifully written gift for the three performers; but Briggs, David Juritz and Kenneth Woods make the most of it…The coupling of Shostakovich’s Second Trio provides the greatest possible contrast…Recommended with all possible enthusiasm.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
'There’s an extent to which all I need to say here is ‘Go and buy it’, because even before the first three bars are out you’ll be happy that you did…The first thing to say is that the instruments themselves feel absolutely spot-on…and are played with an effortlessly singing mellifluousness and nonchalant virtuosity…An indisputable cracker.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
'His capacity for soaring seems limitless, his ability to minutely alter dynamics and tempos at the least prompting and the joy of this lilting rhythms are inspirational. I don’t think he has ever made a greater recording and his personal booklet notes help provide a conceptual setting for his playing.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
'Throughout Lourié’s stylistic evolution, his piano-writing falls idiomatically and comfortably under the fingers. Small wonder that more pianist are attracted to Lourié these days…The superb surround-sound production makes Erny’s intelligently refined artistry all the more enticing. A beautiful disc.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC
Debussy: Harmonie du soir
Sophie Karthäuser (soprano), Stéphane Degout, Eugene Asti (piano), Alain Planès (piano)
'A delicious recital…Karthäuser’s dewy soprano is light and fresh and she floats lines in ‘Le tombeau des naīades’ with ease. ‘Beau soir’ is almost sung on a half-breath. Degout is a singer of pure class…Two blissful hours from four winning advocates for Debussy.'
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Decades: A Century of Song Vol. 3 1830 - 1840
John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Lorna Anderson (soprano), Angelika Kirchschlager (mezzo) et al, Malcolm Martineau (piano)
'With accompaniments that are often discreetly supportive, it’s too easy to take for granted Martineau’s contribution: rhythmically animated, subtly nuanced, always alive to opportunities for wit and colour. Presentation, as in previous volumes, is first-rate.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
DVD/Blu-ray of the Month
Brett Dean: Hamlet (DVD)
Allan Clayton, Sarah Connolly, Barbara Hannigan, Rod Gilfry, Kim Begley, John Tomlinson; London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Glyndebourne Chorus, Vladimir Jurowski
'Dean’s score succeeds through rampant imagination and simple wisdom…[Clayton’s] portrayal of Hamlet’s decline would be noteworthy even without singing that is full of expressive meaning and always imbued with stringent beauty even in rage…Armfield’s production looks regally beautiful to begin with and is filled with reaction to details in the score.'
Available Format: DVD Video
Brett Dean: Hamlet (Blu-ray)
Allan Clayton, Sarah Connolly, Barbara Hannigan, Rod Gilfry, Kim Begley, John Tomlinson; London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Glyndebourne Chorus, Vladimir Jurowski
Audio formats: LPCM 2:0
Picture format: 16:9
Available Format: Blu-ray
Reissue/Archive of the Month
Chris O'Reilly - Chief Executive
