Some composer-anniversaries are feted – it sometimes seems as if Beethoven 250 is still running – and other musical milestones do not emerge from the shadows. 2021 was the 50th,…
Category: Recordings
Singing of surpassing beauty from The Dunedin Consort: Ich habe genug
Here’s a disc of outstanding solo performances from the Dunedin Consort of three of J.S. Bach’s finest cantatas. John Butt’s musicians have already garnered considerable critical acclaim, and two of…
Gallic elegance from Les Arts Florissants in Charpentier’s Un Oratorio de Noël
Originally issued almost forty years ago, this re-release reminds us of the ease and certainty with which William Christie navigates his way through uncharted French Baroque territory at a time…
Arvo Pärt: Passio
Given the cult following Arvo Pärt has attracted over the last thirty years, it is interesting to note how seldom the chaste landscape of Passio – with its relatively modest…
Cinquecento – a class act in the sacred music of Jacob Regnart: Missa Christ ist erstanden
Thanks to two recordings by the Vienna-based Cinquecento issued on Hyperion, the name of Jacob Regnart (c.1540-99) has become more familiar. On this showing the Flemish-born composer will continue to…
The Tree: themed tribute disc from the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge
This celebrated choir occupies the lion’s share of an album shared with Yale Schola Cantorum and former members and friends of the college. It comprises live performances drawn from chapel…
Stylish performances in Handel’s The Choice of Hercules and Dettingen Te Deum
This disc of concert recordings made during the 2018 Göttingen International Handel Festival comprises a pair of late choral works from the German-born composer. One secular, the other sacred, each…
In the Bleak Midwinter: Christmas Carols from King’s
For those who like a physical recording of a world-renowned Christmas broadcast, this recent disc from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge will provide a timely reminder of exceptional circumstances.…
Passion: operatic mix ‘n’ match from Véronique Gens
Passion is an imaginary opera built around the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully, and three of his pupils and contemporaries. It’s the result of discussions between Baroque specialist Véronique Gens and…