‘Few, if any, pianists understand the Sonata’s workings better than Giltburg, and it is this, alongside his flawless technique, that seals the deal. His ability to delineate textures through variety of touch is a miracle in the first movement…’ – Classical Explorer

Yasunori Imamura, whose recording of Bach’s complete lute works has been described as a ‘magnificent interpretation’ (Naxos 8.573936–37), turns his attention to the Cello Suites. Imamura has chosen to perform these iconic suites on the theorbo, the most important plucked instrument in the lute family, with a range very similar to the cello. Certain technical elements, such as the playing of arpeggios are, in fact, easier on the theorbo whose unique timbres and resonances bring a new sonic quality to these much-loved works.

‘With singers already chosen in previous recordings and the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, but now with one of the Cologne Cathedral choirs, the participants around Christoph Poppen once again succeed in providing a captivating insight into the possibilities of the mass setting that Mozart was able to elevate.’ – Pizzicato

A native of Ukraine, Alexey Shor now lives and works in New York. His music has received prestigious performances and recordings in collaboration with leading international musicians. Joining a long tradition of music inspired by literary sources, From My Bookshelf is a series of musical character portraits that range from the tortured soul of Quasimodo to the dashing D’Artagnan, with plenty of fantasy and romance in between. The engaging and virtuoso Flute Concerto No. 1 combines traditional Classical forms with unexpected harmonic language and intricate rhythmic vitality.

‘Hagen has crafted a spiritual drama that combines hopeful confidence with humble supplication.’ – Pizzicato

‘This type of cinematic score requires outstanding sound and Naxos delivers. The sound is demonstration quality, possibly the best I’ve ever heard. The Santiago Philharmonic plays expertly.’ – American Record Guide

‘These pieces were, of course, originally intended to be sung, but they sound wonderful as played skillfully and sensitively by one of England’s finest brass bands. It is a pleasure to hear the restraint, the emphasis on warmth and sweetness.’ – American Record Guide

‘A-Z of Classical Music is a remarkable 932-page, illustrated book, detailing the lives of all the great composers as well as many less known, but equally fascinating, musical masters.’ – Kraft Music

‘Boris Giltburg plays both works with the youthful panache that they require–the kind that makes you forget about any formal issues and just revel in the virtuoso passagework and good tunes.’ – ClassicsToday.com

‘The Dowland lute song on which Britten subtly and continuously reflects is mirrored by a recurrent formative Mendelssohn fragment in the Maw. Truly enchanting.’ – The Sunday Times (UK)

‘If you enjoy the sound of brass instruments, this disc is recommended without reservation. A lovely recorded balance completes the picture.’ – Fanfare

‘Anastasia Bartoli sings the title role with a fine soprano voice that shows its strengths in the quiet, lyrical scenes. Georgian bass Ramaz Chikviladze sings Aquilante de’Bardi with a powerful voice. Conductor Francesco Cilluffo successfully champions Cilea’s score, supported by the dedicated orchestra of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari.’ – Pizzicato

‘Balanced interpretation, transparent texture. Germans may call such an interpretation “sauber”. In addition, Giltburg has deep felt passion and refined aesthetic.’ – Record Geijutsu

‘ …[Bouchkov’s] tuning is impeccable, and he has a rich tone in all registers. The soloists are sensitively accompanied by the Kyiv Virtuosi… Both conductors deliver tightly held readings.’ – MusicWeb International

‘The versions by Schwabe and Rimmer are notable, direct, and have better sound than many classic recordings.’ – Ritmo ★★★★★

Johann Sebastian Bach today has a reputation as the Godfather of Western European music, as a fountainhead of classical music theory and the creator of some of the greatest works the world has ever produced. Better known as a keyboard virtuoso, Bach was not regarded as a genius in his day, so how did this headstrong and belligerent but ambitious young musician become so extraordinarily productive? What were his influences? How did he end up in jail and what did he get up to in Café Zimmerman?

‘The conductor is Marc Soustrot, a highly accomplished French musician, specialist in French Romanticism and he puts his heart and soul into these performances. The Swedish orchestra follows him every inch of the way and with HD sound, this set becomes a clear first choice.’ – The WholeNote

‘A balance of sweetness and strength makes this Prokofiev pairing stand out’ – The Strad

This entertaining and informative biography takes us from Mozart’s beginnings as a child prodigy to his greatest successes and cruellest setbacks. The narrative is illustrated with music from each stage of Mozart’s intense career, including the ‘Jupiter’ Symphony, Clarinet Concerto, Coronation Mass, Requiem, Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and many more.

America’s favourite ‘Pops’ conductor, Richard Hayman is Principal ‘Pops’ Conductor of the Saint Louis, Hartford and Grand Rapids symphony orchestras, of Orchestra London Canada and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and also held that post with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for many years. His original compositions are standards in the repertoire of these ensembles as well as frequently-performed selections of many orchestra and bands throughout the world.

‘The performance is especially vivid in the singer’s visual presence, while Harnoncourt accompanies with great sensitivity.’ – Penguin Guide

‘Dances of Ecstasy’ A sensory journey through rhythm, dance and music around the world visits Namibia, Korea, Nigeria, New York, Brazil, Turkey, Morocco, USA and Australia, interweaving traditional and contemporary ecstatic dance rituals.

‘…a showcase for the most mellifluous of soprano voices – such as Sara Jubiak, who here delivers a strong performance. …those happy to tackle something other than a conventional Arabella will find this a seductive performance.’ – Classical CD Choice

‘This is an attractive, well-shot film that’s very easy on the eye.’ – MusicWeb International

Guided by his idol George Balanchine, Hans van Manen has striven all his life to create meaning in his choreography. Alongside conversations with colleagues and collaborators, in the documentary Moving to Music, van Manen talks about his life and work, and from where his inspiration came in ballets that are charged with drama and eroticism. Also included are three complete works from Dutch National Ballet – the early Metaforen; Adagio Hammerklavier, which presents the slow movement of Beethoven’s Op. 106 sonata performed live on stage with three couples in various configurations; and Frank Bridge Variations, a late masterpiece that plays with balance and counterpoint to music by Benjamin Britten.

‘Johan Reuter in good voice positively impressed me as Sachs, as did also Heidi Stober as Eva… The orchestra and chorus do not disappoint, and John Fiore holds it all together very well.’ – MusicWeb International

‘A blend of transparent stage direction, powerful images and colourful orchestral playing. Perfect.’ – Trouw (The Netherlands)

Siegfried is the third of the four operas that comprise Wagner’s epic tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen (‘The Ring of the Nibelung’). Siegfried, raised by the evil dwarf Mime, discovers that he is the son of Siegmund and Sieglinde. He must negotiate betrayals and dangers in a landscape of dragons and magic in order to kill Fafner, who has the Ring, as well as Mime, who has designs on it. Finally, in music of resplendent drama, Siegfried, the hero who knows no fear, can penetrate the ring of fire to awaken the sleeping Valkyrie, Brünnhilde.

‘Donald Runnicles ably conducts the huge orchestral forces, while the singers are superb: Clay Hilley’s Siegfried is impressive throughout his namesake opera, and Nina Stemme’s Brunnhilde carries the works’ emotional heft.’ – The Flip Side

Die Walkure is the second part of Richard Wagner’s gargantuan tetralogy, Der Ring des Nibelungen, concerning the irreconcilable struggle between Power and Love. The originality of this production from Het Musiktheater Amsterdam more than meets the perennial challenge of staging The Ring. Pierre Audi’s stage direction, in which the orchestra is placed on the spectacular ring-shaped stage, succeeds in forging a profound unity between the lyrical, mythical and philosophical qualities of Wagner’s work, complemented by George Tsypin’s astonishing sets and wonderful costumes by Oscar-winning Eiko Ishioka. Impassioned singing, and intensely dramatic playing by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra under the energetic baton of Hartmut Haenchen create a vigorous, almost intimate performance that will leave an indelible impression. This production of The Ring is based on the new collected works of Richard Wagner.