Mikes Music Room – Music Articles

Latest Classical Reviews

Ludwig van Beethoven – Complete Piano Sonatas ? Volume 1: Heroic Ideals / Ete…
Pianist Lim tackles these pieces with invention as much as she does with respect.

Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphony No. 15 (conductor: Bernard Haitink; Royal Conc…
The focus is on its genuinely symphonic breadth, the deep shadows and pregnant pauses.

Hector Berlioz – Les nuits d’été / Harold en Italie (viola: Antoine Tamestit;…
An account of Berlioz?s Harold in Italy that?s sure to exceed expectations.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Haydn – Duo Sonatas (violin: Rachel Podgerl …
A warm ambience pervades this highly recommended album.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Duo Sonatas Volume 5 (Duo Amadè; violin: Catherine …
The duo?s individualistic, historically informed approach can be extremely illuminating.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Flute and Harp Concerto / Sinfonia Concertante for …
Some of the most satisfying and energising performances you will ever hear.

Gustav Mahler – Symphonies 2, 4, 7, 9; Lieder (conductor: Otto Klemperer; Phi…
An indispensable set for anyone looking to get closer to Mahler.

Christoph Willibald Gluck – Ezio (Il Complesso Barocco / Alan Curtis)
Showcases its singers? virtuosic displays ? and what a cast this is.

Antonio Vivaldi – Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione – 12 concerti, Op…
A delightful new set which showcases The Four Seasons? startling originality.

Libera – The Christmas Album
What?s a wide-ranging programme on paper is delivered with single-flavour monotony.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphonies Nos. 39 and 40 (Orchestra Mozart; Claudi…
An album that absolutely demands to be heard.

Ludwig Van Beethoven – The Symphonies (conductor: Riccardo Chailly; Gewandha…
Readings focused entirely on the composer, not on debating how things ?should? sound.

Nils Frahm – Felt
A wonderful, intimate and transportative new album from the German composer.

Gabriel Fauré – Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine (conductor: Paavo Järvi; Ch…
A beautifully warm, full sound which colours both timbre and interpretation.

Tarik O’Regan – Acallam na Senórach / An Irish Colloquy (National Chamber Ch…
Demonstrates O’Regan’s natural feel for the voice, and his strong rhythms.

George Frideric Handel – Agrippina (conductor: René Jacobs; Akademie für Alt…
This Agrippina is a triumph, unhesitatingly recommended.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Dissonances ? String Quartetes KV 421 & 465; Divert…
Inspired and personal readings of Mozart?s quartets from the Gramophone award-winners.

Johann Sebastian Bach – Keyboard Concertos (piano: Alexandre Tharaud)
Very much a pianist?s take on these wonderfully life-affirming concertos.

Paul McCartney – Ocean’s Kingdom (conductor: John Wilson; The London Classica…
McCartney is out of his depth on this four-movement piece for the New York City Ballet.

Choir of Merton College, Oxford – In the Beginning
A stunning recording debut, and a choir to keep an eye and ear on.

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