BBC Music Magazine Choices,
BBC Music Magazine - July 2019 Choices
Rachel Podger’s rather audacious but enchanting transcriptions of the Bach cello suites for violin take the top spot this month – you can read David’s interview with her about the challenges and rewards involved in the project here.
There are also honourable mentions for Sir András Schiff’s second instalment of late Schubert on his beloved Franz Brodmann fortepiano (he discussed his relationship with the instrument with Katherine back in April), and the Alexi Tuomarila Trio’s Sphere– head over to our new jazz site to read my colleague Matt’s full review of the album.
Recording of the Month
'A spellbinding set that is arguably Podger's finest recorded achievement to date...Music that one thinks of instinctively as boldly-etched, deeply (in every sense) introspective and eliciting a melancholic sense of struggle, becomes more dance-like, airy and freewheeling.'
Available Formats: 2 SACDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
Orchestral Choice
Mahler: Symphony No. 10 (completed and arranged by Michelle Castelletti)
Lapland Chamber Orchestra, John Storgårds
'Castelletti's arrangement achieves a remarkably full and convincing range of sonority...The level of performance is a tribute to Finland's formidable commitment to musical education and training: every player and section is superb, making light of the demanding level of exposure that comes with chamber orchestra set-up of this kind.'
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Concerto Choice
Schumann: Konzertstück for four horns
Markus Maskuniitty (horn), Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Sakari Oramo
'The playing of Maskuniitty and his three colleagues is simply superb, with exemplary balance between them and the thrilling arpeggio swoops in the last movement.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Chamber Choice
'Grynyuk handles his part with delicacy and flexibility, and his articulation throughout this recording is pellucid even at top speed.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Instrumental Choice
'There are moments when the music seems to call for a grandeur which this instrument can't produce, but with this recording Schubert's pianistic world is fundamentally transformed.'
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Choral & Song Choice
'Listeners who know Dichterliebe intimately, and think they know the Schumanns pretty well, will discover many fresh delights.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Opera Choice
Duel: Porpora and Handel in London
Giuseppina Bridelli (mezzo), Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu, Franck-Emmanuel Comte
'Bridelli's strong mezzo voice provides fine advocacy for Porpora's long lyrical lines, especially in 'Nume che reggi' and in the drama of 'Dolce è su queste', a richly accompanied recitative.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Jazz Choice
'Alexi Tuomarila's trio perform a dizzying selection of tantalising tracks...Sphere demonstrates how much life persists in this relatively simple, exposed format, with all three men playing with èlan, zest and inventiveness.'
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Chris O'Reilly - Chief Executive
