CD Spotlight - Classical Music Daily's regular series of CD reviews

Spotlight - previously known as CD Spotlight and occasionally DVD Spotlight - is Classical Music Daily's regular series of recorded music reviews, which are always illustrated with at least a couple of short media samples.

Spotlight. Harmonically Exotic - Gerald Fenech finds a new recording of Delius' Hassan absolutely riveting. '... these performances are as dynamically dazzling as they are irrepressibly exciting and incandescent.'

Spotlight. Fresh and Interesting - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by British composer Kenneth V Jones. '... a valuable discovery.'

Spotlight. Vibrantly Recommended - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Enescu. '... these performances are as dynamically dazzling as they are irrepressibly exciting and incandescent.'

Spotlight. Delightful and Skilfully Crafted - Geoff Pearce listens to oboe concertos by Hertel. 'Oboist Katarzyna Pilipiuk is superb. She produces a pleasing tone, is precise in her fingerwork and has marvellous intonation.'

Spotlight. Joyously Sparkling - Gerald Fenech listens to Sibylle Mahni play Mozart's horn concertos. 'There are recorded versions of these works aplenty, but this Prospero issue can certainly hold its ground with some of the best available at the moment.'

Spotlight. Precious, Luminous Gems - Esdras Mugatik listens to music for accordion by British composer Ronald Stevenson (1928-2015). '... a magical capacity to differentiate levels of sound ...'

Spotlight. An Immediate Impact - Geoff Pearce listens to Pärt and Shostakovich. '... something very special indeed.'

Spotlight. Surprisingly Excellent - Gerald Fenech recommends music by Martucci. '... Martucci's music is so well crafted with an abundant spring of melody that one never tires of listening to it.'

Spotlight. Mysteriously Fascinating - Gerald Fenech wholeheartedly recommends orchestral music by Béla Bartók. 'The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra plays flawlessly throughout.'

Spotlight. A Real Find - Geoff Pearce urges you to listen to this recording of Tippett's 'A Child of Our Time'. '... something very special indeed.'

Spotlight. Imagination, Humour and Depth - Gerald Fenech listens to oboe concertos by eighteenth century German composer Ludwig August Lebrun. 'Nancy Ambrose King's flawless technique allows the music to flow with a strong sense of drama ...'

Spotlight. An Original Voice - Geoff Pearce listens to Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache conducting Franck and Debussy. '... something very special indeed.'

Spotlight. Compelling Throughout - Gerald Fenech warmly recommends Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man'. '... the performance is one of the most moving I've heard in recent times ...'

Spotlight. Exquisitely Descriptive Music - Gerald Fenech warmly recommends harpsichord music by Pierre-Claude Foucquet. 'It's a joy for a lifetime.'

Spotlight. Richness of Surprise - Gerald Fenech urges you to invest in this cycle of Haydn symphonies from Johannes Klumpp and the Heidelberger Sinfoniker. 'It's a joy for a lifetime.'

Spotlight. Fling Wide the Gates - Keith Bramich listens to Delphian Records' new recording of John Stainer's 'The Crucifixion'. '... excellent and committed performance ...'

Spotlight. A Lovely, Lovely Issue - Gerald Fenech recommends music by Handel and Vivaldi from Daniel Sæther and Ensemble C4. '... up there with the very best ...'

Spotlight. Highly Imaginative - Gerald Fenech warmly recommends music by Manuel de Falla and Igor Stravinsky. '... an absolute joy.'

Spotlight. Rare but Lovely - Gerald Fenech recommends Catalani's 'La falce'. 'Performances are excellent in every sense and Fabrizio Da Ros keeps things moving without undue fuss.'

Spotlight. A Near Unforgettable Experience - Gerald Fenech praises Krijn Koetsveld and Le Nuove Musiche for their new Monteverdi recording. '... breathtaking precision and technical proficiency that are simply stunning.'

Spotlight. A Winning Personality - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends music by Eugène Ysaÿe on the Avie Records label. '... passionate intensity and inspired brilliance ...'

Spotlight. Neither Romantic nor Modern - Gerald Fenech recommends Francesca Dego's new recording of violin concertos by Brahms and Busoni. '... splendidly recorded and annotated ...'

Spotlight. Fire and Brimstone - Gerald Fenech marvels at Alpesh Chauhan's new Tchaikovsky recording with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for Chandos. '... Chauhan's passionate approach is consistently vibrant, sensitive and fastidiously attentive to orchestral details.'

Spotlight. Grammars of Space - John Dante Prevedini explores the music of composer and multi-instrumentalist Jérôme Descamps. '... a testament to the powers available to the resourceful composer-performer in the contemporary chamber idiom.'

Spotlight. Charmfully Invigorating - Gerald Fenech listens to eighteenth century composer Boismortier's 'Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse'. 'Matthias Maute and his Ensemble Caprice deliver performances of the utmost clarity ...'

Spotlight. A Wonderful Tribute - Endre Anaru praises Francesco Cera for his performance of The Well-Tempered Clavier: Part 2, Book 2. '... Cera has ascended two vast Himalayan peaks and is to be congratulated for this achievement.'

Spotlight. Vitality and Freshness - Gerald Fenech is delighted by Bojan Čičić and Steven Devine's recording of Handel's violin sonatas. '... infectious warmth and extraordinary dexterity ...'

Spotlight. A Great Release - Geoff Pearce appreciates Laura van der Heijden and Jâms Coleman's cello and piano recital. '... the performers do not appear to be recorded with microphones too close, which results in realistic blending, and also a feeling of distance, perhaps reflecting the distant and mysterious qualities of the moonlight.'

Spotlight. Absolute Brilliance - Gerald Fenech recommends Warner Classics' forty-two disc set of recordings by Paavo Berglund. '... a precious treasure-trove packed with musical diamonds that took twenty-seven years to complete.'

Spotlight. Feverishly Exciting - Gerald Fenech ardently recommends Skrowaczewski's 2016 recording of Bruckner's Eighth Symphony. '... full of energy and emotional visionary splendour ...'

Spotlight. Some Real Gems - Geoff Pearce will return often to this recording of orchestral music by Grażyna Bacewicz. '... full of invention and surprises ...'

Spotlight. Sumptuously Fragile Sounds - Gerald Fenech joyously recommends keyboard music from Handel's home in London. 'Technically flawless performances ...'

Spotlight. A Romantic Piano Master - Esdras Mugatik listens to Shura Cherkassky. '... a magical capacity to differentiate levels of sound ...'

Spotlight. Soul-searching Works - Gerald Fenech emphatically recommends orchestral music by Tchaikovsky. '... the singing is consistently exquisite, marvellously balanced and warmly intimate.'

Spotlight. Unbelievably Delicate - Geoff Pearce appreciates a recording of Yoav Levanon playing Rachmaninov. '... fine performances by an exciting young pianist.'

Spotlight. Inexhaustible Genius - Gerald Fenech welcomes a new disc of sacred choral music by William Byrd. '... the singing is consistently exquisite, marvellously balanced and warmly intimate.'

Spotlight. Most Satisfying - Geoff Pearce highly recommends Andrius Puskunigis' recording of Handel oboe concertos. 'This disc is one of the finest I have heard of an oboist playing Baroque music on a modern instrument.'

Spotlight. Inspired and Joyous Choral Singing - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends choral music by Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn. '... stirring music from beginning to end from, maybe, the most famous siblings in nineteenth century musical history.'

Spotlight. Excavations of Meaning - John Dante Prevedini recommends song cycles by contemporary American composer Douglas Boyce. '... an unusual vision bravely conceived and sensitively executed by all involved.'

Spotlight. Sensitively Beautiful - Gerald Fenech recommends two albums from Signum Classics, marking this year's Puccini anniversary. '... an irresistible programme full of shimmering melodies ...'

Spotlight. Gripping and Engaging - Geoff Pearce enjoys music by Edvard Grieg. 'It is especially rewarding to hear the unfamiliar works that make up much of this disc.'

Spotlight. Virtuosic Flair - Gerald Fenech recommends dance music played by Daniel Hope and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. 'Daniel Hope's fiddle-playing is just phenomenal ...'

Spotlight. Highly Individual - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by two generations of female composers. '... marvellous unfamiliar music ...'

Spotlight. One of the Happiest French Symphonies - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Édouard Lalo's orchestral music. '... consistently transparent and intensely alive.'

Spotlight. Quite Astonishing - Keith Bramich listens to the sound of Andean highland instruments used in new ways. '... surprisingly varied, unusual and different ...'

Spotlight. Interconnected Composers - Geoff Pearce listens to orchestral music by Ravel, Lennox Berkeley and Adam Pounds. 'The Pounds work is a revelation and I would buy this disc just for this alone.'

Spotlight. Love's Lasting Power - Keith Bramich is impressed by Schubert from Harriet Burns and Ian Tindale. '... very sympathetic to the twists and turns of Schubert's narrative ...'

Spotlight. A Very Original Compilation - Geoff Pearce appreciates Piotr Anderszewski's recordings of Janáček, Szymanowski and Bartók. '... dazzling technique ...'

Spotlight. Superb Playing - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Stravinsky. '... consistently transparent and intensely alive.'

Spotlight. An Impressive Achievement - Geoff Pearce enjoys piano music by Christopher Brown. 'The writing requires a great deal from the pianist, both in technique and musical understanding and in this, Nathan Williamson excels.'

Spotlight. Warmth and Charm - Robert Levin plays Mozart concertos, recommended unreservedly by Gerald Fenech. 'These are simple and uncomplicated but wholly alluring Mozartian bonbons.'

Spotlight. A Very Pleasant Discovery - Geoff Pearce recommends music by František Tůma. '... one wonders why Tůma is not more widely known.'

Spotlight. Very Interesting Listening - Gerald Fenech recommends a recording of the 1741 version of Handel's 'Messiah'. 'Soloists and chorus sing with a lyrical intensity that is impeccable throughout and Felix Koch keeps a tight rein on proceedings ...'

Spotlight. Polish and Sensitivity - Stephen Francis Vasta listens to music for piano and orchestra by Anton Rubinstein. 'The performance is excellent ...'

Spotlight. Overwhelmingly Compelling - Gerald Fenech is inspired by Eberhard Klotz's organ transcription of Bruckner's Symphony No 8. '... with every new release Albrecht's playing becomes more inspired and imaginatively alive.'

Spotlight. Colourful Orchestration and Melodic Nature - Geoff Pearce listens to three works by Richard Strauss. '... if you are fond of Richard Strauss's music, you will not be disappointed ...'

Spotlight. Warmth and Sonoric Exuberance - Gerald Fenech heartily recommends Tugan Sokhiev conducting brass arrangements of well-known overtures. '... exhilarating, spectacular, absorbing.'

Spotlight. Synergies of Tradition - John Dante Prevedini is impressed by the Christmas music of Patrick Hawes. '... meticulously conceived across every perceptible dimension ...'

Spotlight. A Window into the Glories of the Past - Geoff Pearce listens to Adrian Boult conducting Berg, Stravinsky and Vaughan Williams. '... truly inspired performance.'

Spotlight. Incandescent Music-making - Gerald Fenech urges you not to miss Haitink's recordings of Bruckner's Te Deum and Eighth Symphony. 'Awesome in every way.'

Spotlight. Colourful and Exciting - Geoff Pearce listens to early orchestral music by Sergei Rachmaninov conducted by Leonard Slatkin. '... this reissue is most welcome ...'

Spotlight. Overwhelmingly Thrilling - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Ivan Repušić's recording of Verdi's 'I lombardi alla prima crociata'. 'Another triumph in Repušić's ongoing cycle of early Verdi in excellent sound and annotations.'

Spotlight. Largely Traditional - Keith Bramich listens to Christmas music recorded in 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia. '... an intriguing glimpse of the work of Robert Shaw and his Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus from nearly fifty years ago.'

Spotlight. The Authentic Chopin Sound - Gerald Fenech reviews Margarita Höhenrieder's recording of the Chopin piano concertos. 'This issue is a truly important addition to the composer's discography ...'

Spotlight. Raising the Profile - Paul Sarcich listens to contemporary British music for woodwind orchestra. '... some new and interesting sounds ...'

Spotlight. Uncanny Precision - Gerald Fenech recommends Frieder Bernius' recording of 'L'Olimpiade' by Hasse. 'Frieder Bernius has a convincing way with Hasse.'

Spotlight. A Real Treat - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Herman D Koppel. '... full of interest, and it showcases the considerable talents of the Koppel family and associated artists.'

Spotlight. An Extraordinary Tribute - Gerald Fenech recommends the soundtrack album of 'Maestro', the new film about Leonard Bernstein. '... brilliant sound and attractive presentation.'

Spotlight. Nonexistence Reconsidered - John Dante Prevedini listens to a recording of John Aylward's opera 'Oblivion'. '... enigmatic and philosophically challenging ...'

Spotlight. Dramatic and Passionate - Gerald Fenech ardently recommends extracts from operas in the Italian verismo tradition. 'Hindoyan gets superb playing from his Liverpudlians, and the white-hot streak of the music is delivered with unabashed virtuosity.'

Spotlight. Engaging, Interesting and Thoughtful - Endre Anaru is inspired by Francesco Cera's performance of The Well-Tempered Clavier: Part 1, Book 1. 'He gives voice to the voices and instead of just a dry plain reading we hear an enlivened elocution. It is as if he recited the music for us.'

Spotlight. An Entrancing Programme - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends eighteenth century music for harp, played by Xavier de Maistre. 'At times mystical, at others immensely relaxing and uplifting, this is music coming down from above that soothes the soul and calms the mind.'

Spotlight. Considerable Variety - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Harry Ore, played by Zhaoyi Long. 'Zhaoyi Long's playing generally was beautiful and she brought the character of these pieces to life.'

Spotlight. Forty Years in Showbusiness - Gerald Fenech unreservedly recommends a new recording of Aled Jones, duetting with his younger self. '... a thrilling and vibrant journey of melodic invention.'

Spotlight. Most Innovative and Interesting - Music for horn, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... one cannot help but be impressed with the performances, the power of the music and what it is expressing ...'

Spotlight. A Sparkling New Edition - Ravel's complete ballet 'Daphnis et Chloé', strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a thrilling and vibrant journey of melodic invention.'

Spotlight. Complex and Interesting - Songs for tenor, violin, cello and percussion, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... the tenor, Brian Thorsett, has an admirable technique ...'

Spotlight. A Glorious Listening Experience - Seven orchestral works by Camille Saint-Saëns, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a thrilling and vibrant journey of melodic invention.'

Spotlight. A Fine Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to cello sonatas by Evan Fein and Johannes Brahms. '... I particularly enjoyed the new sonata by Evan Fein.'

Spotlight. Gorgeously Resplendent Playing - Gerald Fenech finds Andris Nelsons' recordings of Bruckner's symphonies simply outstanding. '... all the mystery and grandeur of these works are exposed in translucent music making.'

Spotlight. East meets West - Geoff Pearce enjoys music from Türkiye and its neighbouring countries. 'Immediately one is struck by the sensitivity, technical proficiency and joy of these two performers, flautist Nicole Esposito and harpist Çağatay Akyol.'

Spotlight. Dance Rhythms and Vibrant Melodies - Gerald Fenech listens to an unusual combination of works by Antonín Dvořák. '... Dvořák's Piano Concerto is made to sound as convincing as the composer might have wished.'

Spotlight. Evocative and Quite Compelling - On the basis of the two works heard here, Geoff Pearce believes that Emily Howard's music will stand the test of time. '... the assembled forces have done a splendid job in delivering a rather startling performance.'

Spotlight. Groundbreaking Extremes - Gerald Fenech unreservedly recommends recordings of eighteenth century 'sturm und drang' music. 'Ian Page and his Mozartists deliver performances of the highest artistic standards ...'

Spotlight. A Complete Triumph - Gerald Fenech is exhilarated by the Philadelphia Orchestra's recording of symphonies by Florence Price and William Dawson. '... a vibrant energy that makes the music sound as fresh and exciting as when it was first heard.'

Spotlight. A Gloriously Captivating Voice - Gerald Fenech listens to tenor Jonathan Tetelman singing Puccini. '... a must for all Puccini fans ...'

Spotlight. Shostakovich at his Sardonic Best - Geoff Pearce listens to symphonies by Dmitri Shostakovich connected to the year 1917. '... a very interesting and fine set.'

Spotlight. The Wild and the Mild - Gerald Fenech finds the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra and conductor John Axelrod's new recording of contrasting versions of Robert Schumann's Symphony No 4 in D minor preciously invaluable. 'Performances, sound quality and presentation are a credit to the Orchid Classics label.'

Spotlight. Beautiful, Powerful Music - Geoff Pearce marvels at this new recording of orchestral music by Mieczysław Weinberg. 'The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is on top form ...'

Spotlight. Imaginative and Colourful - Gerald Fenech finds the latest in Chandos Records' series of film music mouth-watering. 'Performances are consistently alive, vibrant and rhythmically exciting, and Marco Albonetti's virtuosity makes the music sound even more passionate and intense.'

Spotlight. Plain Strange - Patrick Maxwell watches and listens to the new Deutsche Grammophon Blu-Ray disc of Wagner's 'Götterdämmerung' from Bayreuth. 'The singing and the playing are largely excellent, but this is not the greatest production available ...'

CD Spotlight. Serious Dramatic Goals - Gerald Fenech listens to a unique recording of Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!'. 'A humdinger of an album, excitingly performed and superbly recorded.'

CD Spotlight. A Fine Interpreter - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Carlo Alberto Bacchi's recording of sonatas by Muzio Clementi. '... pianist Carlo Alberto Bacchi performs with assurance, grace and mastery.'

CD Spotlight. Exceptional Performances - Gerald Fenech unreservedly recommends Jean-Efflam Bavouzet's recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concertos Nos 26 and 27. 'This is superb music making from the first to the last note.'

CD Spotlight. An Exceptional Recording - Gerald Fenech finds William Vann's new recording of music by Parry revelatory. '... highly dramatic performances seething with passionate endeavour and glorious grandeur.'

CD Spotlight. Expressive and Virtuosic - Music by Todd Mason, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, conductor Péter Illényi and soloist Tosca Opdam are all very committed to this music and obviously enjoy performing it.'

CD Spotlight. An Enticing Disc - Gerald Fenech is impressed by the music of Handel and his London colleagues. 'Boundless enjoyment from beginning to end.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Unique - Patrick Maxwell pays homage to a 1955 Parsifal from the Bayreuth Festival. 'All these impressive voices, heard here in their prime, combined with Knappertsbusch's wonderful orchestra, make a sound which is truly intimate and doubly intense.'

CD Spotlight. Grace and Elegance - Italian concertos heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Boundless enjoyment from beginning to end.'

CD Spotlight. A Bernstein No One Has Heard - John Dante Prevedini is impressed by a new release of early chamber music by Bernstein and Copland. '... thoughtfully curated and meticulously executed.'

CD Spotlight. A Must-have Disc - Martin Owen plays Strauss, Schumann and Weber, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Martin Owen's command of this repertoire is just staggering, and his sheer virtuosity is nothing short of breathtaking.'

CD Spotlight. Rethinking First Impressions - John Dante Prevedini listens to piano music by Mexican composer José F Vásquez. '... we are urged by releases like this to rethink our approach to composers like Vásquez ...'

CD Spotlight. Vibrant and Adventurous - Gerald Fenech listens to more recordings by the Danish conductor Thomas Jensen. '... another jewel in the Thomas Jensen treasure-trove ...'

CD Spotlight. A Landmark Recording - Music for cello and orchestra by Weinberg and Dutilleux, highly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... immediately one is struck by the fine solo cello of Edgar Moreau ...'

CD Spotlight. A Common Thread - Music by Kjetil Bjerkestrand and Philip Glass, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a must for contemporary music lovers ...'

CD Spotlight. Masterfully Orchestrated - Geoff Pearce listens to Berlioz, Ravel and Saint-Saëns from Canadian soprano Marie-Nicole Lemieux. '... the soloist and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo conducted by Kazuki Yamada are on top form ...'

CD Spotlight. Beyond Recommendation - Gerald Fenech welcomes Rachmaninov orchestral music from the Philadelphia Orchestra and Yannick Nézet-Séguin on Deutsche Grammophon. 'Intensity, ebullience, vibrancy, passion and realism are the ingredients of these performances ...'

CD Spotlight. A Very Worthy Performance - Geoff Pearce listens to Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducting Mahler's Resurrection Symphony. '... impressive in its conception and in the quality of the chorus, band and soloists.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Warmth and Devotion - Gerald Fenech unreservedly recommends Helmuth Rilling's recordings of the J S Bach secular cantatas. '... this eight CD set will prove to be a revelation ...'

CD Spotlight. Gripping, Compelling Work - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Canadian composer Evan Ware's symphonies. '... assured technique, passion, agility and grace ...'

CD Spotlight. Masterly Intuition - Gerald Fenech gives the thumbs up to Danacord's Thomas Jensen Legacy Volume 15. '... unfettered enthusiasm and emotional gusto.'

CD Spotlight. Layers of Visibility - John Dante Prevedini considers an important release of music by female Korean composers. '... a prime example of grassroots leadership in the vital cause of making the field of music composition more open to the full spectrum of composers.'

CD Spotlight. Awesome Power - Orchestral music from Finland, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... energetic performances that consistently engage the listener ...'

CD Spotlight. A Moravian in Vienna - Keith Bramich listens to Wranitzky sinfonias. '... sprightly and intelligently played readings ...'

CD Spotlight. Quintessentially British - Gerald Fenech is impressed by the first recording of Vaughan Williams' 'Songs of Travel' in a 1954 recital which also includes songs by Davidson, Head, Ireland, Keel, Stanford and Warlock. '... as historically important as it is musically ...'

CD Spotlight. Haydn's 'Turkish' Soundworld - Gerald Fenech explores the composer's seventh opera, 'L'Incontro Improvviso'. '... excellent throughout ...'

CD Spotlight. Lovable Rogues? - Paul Sarcich delves into the output of the Belgian equivalent of 'Les Six'. 'These largely unknown composers have been brought back to life by excellent preparation and performance ...'

CD Spotlight. Startlingly Fresh and Very American - Patrick Maxwell is impressed by Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony Orchestra's Tchaikovsky. '... impassioned string playing and vibrant conducting.'

CD Spotlight. Hugely Attractive Music - Gerald Fenech listens to a reissue of cello concertos by Haydn and Monn. '... simple but masterfully crafted, spouting melody at every turn.'

CD Spotlight. A Trailblazer of Classical Expression - Anett Fodor encourages music enthusiasts to experience 'Il Boemo – The Czech'. '... a gateway, unveiling hidden treasures from a bygone era.'

CD Spotlight. A Neglected Masterpiece - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Martyn Brabbins' recording of Stanford's Requiem. '... vibrant music-making ...'

CD Spotlight. The Space as an Instrument - John Dante Prevedini listens to the fine sonic details of music by the late Alvin Lucier

CD Spotlight. A Truly Memorable Issue - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral anthems by several English composers. '... not only powerful but joyously uplifting.'

CD Spotlight. Tremendously Moving - Well-known and less well-known French choral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... performances are full of profound grandeur ...'

CD Spotlight. Impassioned Advocacy - Music by Pasquale Anfossi, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... animated performances full of verve and spirit.'

CD Spotlight. Heavy Going - Anton Rubinstein piano concertos Nos 3 and 5, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'Anna Shelest does what she can with the material - her big chords are resonant, and her sparkling arpeggios delightful ...'

CD Spotlight. Smothered into Oblivion? - Music by Bernard Herrmann, fervently recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'This is impassioned advocacy for this American genius, in heartfelt performances full of unbridled emotion and unaffected sincerity.'

CD Spotlight. Saariaho's Last Gift - John Dante Prevedini is impressed by BIS Records' tribute to the Finnish composer

CD Spotlight. Depth of Feeling and Maturity - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Christian Li's new album for Decca Classics. '... assured technique, passion, agility and grace ...'

CD Spotlight. A More Advanced Creed - Adolphe Adam's ballet 'Orfa', passionately recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... really arresting playing full of joy and rhythmic beauty.'

CD Spotlight. A Particular Mexican Sensibility - Paul Sarcich is impressed by Mexican music recorded by Mr McFall's Chamber. '... a very interesting and well-presented disc.'

CD Spotlight. Stunning Performances - Gerald Fenech reviews two discs of music by American composer Florence Price. 'This is music overflowing with an abundance of melody, tinged with sadness and regret, which is crying out to be heard.'

CD Spotlight. Most Effective and Exciting - Geoff Pearce recommends Nigel Clarke's 'The Prophecies of Merlin'. 'Peter Sheppard Skærved certainly rises to the occasion in this demanding work.'

CD Spotlight. Overwhelming Performances - Previously unreleased recordings by Jessye Norman, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Unmissable for all opera buffs.'

CD Spotlight. Strange and Haunting - Geoff Pearce listens to music for voices and orchestra by Shostakovich. '... testament to John Storgårds' abilities to interpret this strangest of all Shostakovich's works ...'

CD Spotlight. A Glorious Compilation - Italian baroque music heard by Gerald Fenech. '... flawless, full of technical prowess, virtuosic flair and great creative energy.'

CD Spotlight. Quite Eclectic - Geoff Pearce is entertained by three absurdist works from the 1930s. '... a snapshot of a different age, captured brilliantly.'

CD Spotlight. Subtle Colours - Gerald Fenech is impressed by another volume in John Wilson's cycle of music by Eric Coates. '... the performances are consistently joyous and exciting ...'

CD Spotlight. Ticking All the Boxes - Geoff Pearce is delighted by a new recording of two Ravel works. 'A thrilling orchestra, inspired direction, a great cast of singers, two Ravel masterworks, sumptuous recorded sound and a most informative booklet ...'

CD Spotlight. Quite Eclectic - Chamber music by Joachim Mendelson and Grażina Bacewicz, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... insight, commitment and verve.'

CD Spotlight. A De-orchestration? - Keith Bramich listens to Richard Blackford's new version of Verdi's Messa da Requiem. '... Richard Blackford is a respected and experienced composer, and this is no mere thinning of the texture ...'

CD Spotlight. Contrasting Moods - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Dvořák from the Shaham Erez Wallfisch Trio. 'All three performers ... do full justice to the works they are presenting here ...'

CD Spotlight. Immense Dramatic Power - Gerald Fenech listens to Berlioz. '... an interpretation overflowing with passion and flair ...'

CD Spotlight. Freshness and Vitality - Geoff Pearce explores the music of Paul von Klenau. '... a most welcome recording of music by what is today a relatively little-known composer.'

CD Spotlight. Exceptional Poise and Musicality - Operatic arias played on trumpet, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Matilda Lloyd performs these phenomenal pieces with a captivating enthusiasm and irresistible grace ...'

CD Spotlight. More Operatic than Liturgical - Geoff Pearce listens to Mercadante's Messa Solenne. '... a most welcome recording of music by what is today a relatively little-known composer.'

CD Spotlight. Wonderful and Charming - Gerald Fenech listens to Isata Kanneh-Mason. '... the soloist's supreme mastery of each piece is unimpeachable throughout.'

CD Spotlight. A Rising Star - Benjamin Britten and Max Bruch violin concertos, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... Kerson Leong and the Philharmonia Orchestra provide a coherent and compelling account.'

CD Spotlight. A Marriage between Drama and Comedy - Gerald Fenech is impressed by recordings of five Mozart operas. '... I have never heard Mozart played with such finesse and beauty.'

CD Spotlight. Colourful and Free from Pretence - Geoff Pearce explores the music of Airat Ichmouratov. '... committed and convincing ...'

CD Spotlight. An Intriguing Snapshot - Keith Bramich listens to piano music by Robert Matthew-Walker. 'Mark Bebbington ... is exemplary here, bringing out all the contrasts and mood changes ...'

CD Spotlight. Jack-of-All-Trades - Gerald Fenech listens to recordings by the Danish conductor Emil Reesen. '... full of dash and spirit ...'

CD Spotlight. Tremendously Vivid - Gerald Fenech listens to Volume 27 of Hänssler Classic's Haydn symphonies series. '... Klumpp's utter dedication to the project shines brightly with an intensity that makes the music leap from its pages.'

CD Spotlight. The Collective as Artist - John Dante Prevedini listens to new music from the Danish music collective Damkapellet

CD Spotlight. All Praise - Nielsen symphonies, enthusiastically recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Maybe the best set ever of Nielsen's symphonic cycle in immaculate sound quality and sumptuous presentation.'

CD Spotlight. Very Satisfying - Geoff Pearce is impressed with songs by Rubbra. '... a very enjoyable and thought-provoking disk ...'

CD Spotlight. Lyrical Beauty - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends recordings of Mozart Piano Concertos Nos 24 and 25. 'Jean-Efflam Bavouzet despatches these two masterpieces with remarkable dexterity, and his playing ... is intense, powerful and spontaneously virtuosic ...'

CD Spotlight. Insightful and Compelling - Geoff Pearce is impressed by this Chandos recording of Shostakovich's Symphonies Nos 12 and 15. 'The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is totally committed to these works and the playing, both solo and in ensemble work, is of the highest order.'

CD Spotlight. Highly Rewarding - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Stephen Hough's interpretations of piano music by Catalan composer Federico Mompou. '... Stephen Hough's marvellous passion for this music is displayed in his unique ability to bring out all the subtleties of these incomparable scores.'

CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to new orchestral music conducted by Mikel Toms on Ablaze Records. 'The playing from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and overall sound of the works showcased is very good indeed, and the programme notes are excellent.'

CD Spotlight. Tremendously Attractive and Exciting - Gerald Fenech recommends this Hyperion recording of Czech harpsichord concertos. 'All praise to Mahan Esfahani and his Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra team for compiling this hugely attractive programme, which is in fact a voyage of discovery of twentieth century Czech music.'

CD Spotlight. New and Refreshing - Geoff Pearce is impressed by the music of contemporary Swedish composer Britta Byström. 'There is a sincerity about this music that speaks directly to the soul.'

CD Spotlight. In a Class of its Own - Recordings of Clara and Robert Schumann's piano concertos impress Gerald Fenech. 'Beatrice Rana's magical playing is complimented by incisive support from Yannick Nézet-Séguin and his Chamber Orchestra of Europe ...'

CD Spotlight. Very Enjoyable - Geoff Pearce listens to the Tailleferre Ensemble. 'This is a lovely disc which will delight most listeners ...'

CD Spotlight. Sheer Effectiveness - Joseph Bologne's opera 'L'Amant Anonyme', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Craig Trompeter and his team deliver some truly memorable performances full of vocal brilliance imbued with passion and excitement ...'

CD Spotlight. An Impressive Calling Card - Eight new North American works for solo cello and orchestra impress Paul Sarcich. 'Recording and orchestral playing are first rate, so the composers have been well served.'

CD Spotlight. Consistently Vibrant - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by German composer Paul Lincke. '... full of striking melodies, rapturous harmonic beauty and often exuberantly dance-like gestures ...'

CD Spotlight. Glittering and Colourful - Orchestral music by Respighi, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This is a lovely disc which will delight most listeners ...'

CD Spotlight. Lush Orchestrations - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by British composer Philip Lane. '... so much to enjoy.'

CD Spotlight. Lush and Tender - Geoff Pearce recommends a new recording of orchestral music and songs by Franz Schreker. '... these performances make a very compelling case to perform Schreker's music much more often.'

CD Spotlight. Unjustifiably Neglected - Gerald Fenech is impressed with orchestral music by Carlos Gomes. 'I encourage you to invest in this beautiful album which will definitely sweep you off your feet.'

CD Spotlight. A Compelling Account - Stravinsky for orchestra, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'Mäkelä and the Orchestre de Paris share a compelling vision in both works, and are on their very best form.'

CD Spotlight. Plenty of Spanish Sunshine - Spanish music of a bygone era, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... poised playing and excellent interweaving of the various wind sounds.'

CD Spotlight. A Pleasant Surprise - Schubert songs with orchestral accompaniments, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An absolute peach of a disc where everything falls into place with astute precision.'

CD Spotlight. Musicians On the Road - Giuseppe Pennisi examines the Passacaglia and listens to a new Erato disc. 'The interpreters, Philippe Jaroussky and Christina Pluhar's l'Arpeggiata, are excellent.'

CD Spotlight. Songful and Inventive - Franz Schubert's Mass in A flat, recorded in Stuttgart and enthusiastically recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... evocative, passionate and often gloriously mystical ...'

CD Spotlight. Clear Melodic Simplicity - Geoff Pearce listens to guitar music by Antonio Lauro. 'I recommend this recording to anyone who loves and appreciates fine classical guitar playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Caruso 150 - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Urania Records' new Caruso tribute album. 'One of the first major singing talents to be commercially recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. The Piano Turned Inside-Out - John Dante Prevedini considers Carlos Cipa's new release a triumph. '... a remarkably fresh and distinctive pianistic listening experience ...'

CD Spotlight. Ingeniously Crafted - Gerald Fenech welcomes Hyperion's new recording of Carl Reinecke's piano concertos. 'A gem of an issue dedicated to one of today's great divas, whose thrilling voice has excited and captivated audiences for more than three decades.'

CD Spotlight. Simply Unmissable - Recordings of Renée Fleming at New York Metropolitan Opera impress Gerald Fenech. 'A gem of an issue dedicated to one of today's great divas, whose thrilling voice has excited and captivated audiences for more than three decades.'

CD Spotlight. Meditative yet Impassioned - Music for solo cor anglais, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The playing in this collection of small pieces is exemplary and inspiring ...'

CD Spotlight. Simply Mesmerizing - Riccardo Chailly conducts Verdi choruses, impressing Gerald Fenech. '... oozing energy from beginning to end.'

CD Spotlight. Challenges Aplenty - Music by Francesco Veracini, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Federico Guglielmo rises to the occasion with an awareness that is enthusiastically sensitive ...'

CD Spotlight. Finnish Magic and Mystery - Orchestral music inspired by the Kalevala impresses Gerald Fenech. '... spectacular stuff, full of vivid imagery and larger than life characters woven in a tapestry of harmonic splendour ...'

CD Spotlight. The Community Behind the Voice - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by Robert Carl and John McDonald. '... a rich, joyous and life-affirming tribute to the role of community in shaping the artistic voice.'

CD Spotlight. A Phenomenal Reaction - Gerald Fenech admires Solti's Decca Ring Project. 'John Culshaw died on 27 April 1980 ... but his spirit lives on in this perfect marriage of art and technology.'

CD Spotlight. Very Humanistic - Geoff Pearce enjoys a Naxos set of orchestral music by Swedish composer Hugo Alfvén. 'This is a set to be savoured.'

CD Spotlight. An Important Historical Document - Patrick Maxwell listens to Vaughan Williams conducting Vaughan Williams. '... a typically ebullient and undogmatic interpretation of two central works of Britain's most popular composer.'

CD Spotlight. Subliminal Pedagogy - John Dante Prevedini listens to Thomas Quasthoff singing Schubert, Mahler and J S Bach at Verbier. 'Taken within the context of Verbier, this album documents just as effectively his gift for pedagogical modeling as it does his vocal virtuosity.'

CD Spotlight. Rarities and Discoveries - Gerald Fenech listens to some unusual Verdi. 'A memorable programme, passionately performed and splendidly recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Very Worthwhile and Creative - Geoff Pearce discovers the music of Macedonian-born Mihailo Trandafilovski. '... the performers are outstanding ...'

CD Spotlight. Melodic Invention and Heartfelt Sincerity - Gerald Fenech recommends a Naxos recording of orchestral music by Florence Beatrice Price. 'John Jeter and his Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen provide truly splendid performances, vibrant and often pulsating, and superbly balanced.'

CD Spotlight. Heartachingly Beautiful - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Dudok Quartet Amsterdam's performances of Shostakovich and Bacewicz. '... freshness and vitality ...'

CD Spotlight. Unabated Passion and Drive - Gerald Fenech finds much to discover in symphonies by Cláudio Santoro. '... performances full of intense power and restless excitement.'

CD Spotlight. Themes of Love and Loss - Music by Berlioz impresses Gerald Fenech. 'John Nelson's supreme mastery of these scores draws peerless performances full of exciting moments from the Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg, while bringing to the fore all the innovative details of orchestration and harmony.'

CD Spotlight. Infectious Energy - Sibelius from the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Nicholas Collon, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... the playing is gorgeous.'

CD Spotlight. Colourful Scoring - Dances and Ballet Music by Camille Saint-Saëns impress Gerald Fenech. '... a highly attractive choral disc, refreshingly performed and sumptuously recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. A Dark Nordic Kingdom - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Verdi's 'Gustavo III' ('Un ballo in maschera'). '... a good recording to remember a much expected but somewhat disappointing performance.'

CD Spotlight. Generally Moving and Serenely Consoling - Gerald Fenech is impressed by choral music of Herbert Howells and Ian Venables. '... a highly attractive choral disc, refreshingly performed and sumptuously recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Spiritual Gravitas and Edifying Beauty - Gerald Fenech is moved by Johann Michael Haydn's vocal and choral music. 'Roberta Paraninfo and her Italian choristers deliver riveting performances full of immaculate singing that penetrates straight to the heart, and Michael Haydn's superb choral writing is brought to the fore with flowing simplicity.'

CD Spotlight. Innate Musical Talent - Robert McCarney listens to Weinberger piano music. '... a very welcome CD ...'

CD Spotlight. A Transcendental Experience - Gerald Fenech is impressed by this Mahler symphony cycle from Mariss Jansons and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. 'It is absolutely mystifying how this kind of music-making is humanly possible.'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Wondrous - Steven Osborne plays Debussy piano music, greatly impressing Gerald Fenech. '... despatched with warmth and a great attention to detail ...'

CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Enjoyable and Witty - Gerald Fenech listens to Poulenc, on Bramwell Tovey's last recording. 'Splendidly performed and sumptuously recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Enraptured Spirituality - Robert McCarney listens to music by William Baines. '... a very welcome CD ...'

CD Spotlight. Essentially a Romantic - Gerald Fenech listens to early recordings by Danish conductor John Frandsen. 'Frandsen's conducting has a pleasing flow that creates an aura of peace and serenity, and his flexible tempi and broad phrasing give the music that extra sparkle which is the difference between a good or great performance.'

CD Spotlight. Alive and Impassioned - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Warner Classics' thirty CD Vaughan Williams New Collector's Edition. '... the music is often presented in all its thrilling drama to telling effect.'

CD Spotlight. A Voice Well Lent - John Dante Prevedini listens to Bruno de Sá with Il Pomo d'Oro directed by Francesco Corti. '... a noble and unique collective effort painstakingly researched and brilliantly executed.'

CD Spotlight. Simplicity and Innocence - Robert McCarney listens to volume one of the complete piano music of Niccolò Castiglioni. 'Aldo Orvieto ... definitely has the measure of Castiglioni's unique universe and does this music proud.'

CD Spotlight. Lifetime Favourites - Geoff Pearce listens to string quartets by Ethel Smyth and Frederick Delius. '... the recording ... is of pleasing quality.'

CD Spotlight. A Touch of Immortality - Gerald Fenech listens to Rossini's 'Messa di Gloria'. '... heartwarming performances full of glowing fervour and devotional ardour.'

CD Spotlight. A Great Pairing - Geoff Pearce listens to orchestral works by Debussy. 'This recording will be one that delights you again and again.'

CD Spotlight. Passionate Lyricism - Gerald Fenech listens to Daniel Barenboim conducting Schumann's symphonies. '... dazzling music-making that sweeps you off your feet.'

CD Spotlight. Irish Coffee - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Puccini's 'La bohème' from Irish National Opera. 'The excellent Italian diction of all the singers, both the protagonists and those in secondary roles, is remarkable.'

CD Spotlight. An Enticing Collection - Gerald Fenech listens to a new and unusual album of music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, released today on the composer's 150th birthday. '... superbly crafted little miniatures ...'

CD Spotlight. Some Delicious Playing - Geoff Pearce listens to Stravinsky. 'The BBC Philharmonic's performance is fine indeed ...'

CD Spotlight. A Glorious Masterpiece - Gerald Fenech listens to Handel's 'Theodora'. 'Joyce di Donato and Michael Spyres ... are truly impressive in their interpretations of the title roles full of overwhelming commitment and audacious singing virtuosity.'

CD Spotlight. Magnificent Throughout - Robert McCarney listens to music by Mieczysław Weinberg. '... a wonderful rich ripe legato feel and sound.'

CD Spotlight. 'La fille' in Cuba - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Donizetti. '... a good memory of a very good joint production.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Colour - Geoff Pearce enjoys music by Alberto Hemsi. 'The performers show a real affinity with this music and deliver a sparkling and vivacious performance that is full of character at every turn.'

CD Spotlight. Strong Utterances of Protest - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Allan Pettersson. '... this is far from easy music ...'

CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Attuned - Robert McCarney listens to music by Kevin Raftery. '... this is one of the most richly stimulating, impressive and sheerly enjoyable CDs of music, new or old, that I have heard in quite some time.'

CD Spotlight. A Very Worthwhile Experience - Geoff Pearce listens to the latest album from Gintas K. 'Every time I listen, I feel a different perspective and hear different things ...'

CD Spotlight. A Monumental Treasure Chest - Gerald Fenech listens to the complete Warner recordings of Frank Peter Zimmermann. 'Inspired music-making that should keep you company for months on end ...'

CD Spotlight. Dante's Paradise in Three Parts - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Salvatore Sciarrino. '... the three soloists depict the protagonists of the journey to the top of Paradise very well.'

CD Spotlight. Freshness and Vigour - Robert McCarney listens to music by British composer Robert Saxton. 'This is a very well prepared and presented disc that does an excellent job of providing a portrait of the composer.'

CD Spotlight. Secret Love Letters - Lisa Batiashvili plays Chausson, Debussy, Franck and Szymanowski, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Batiashvili plays this programme with ultra-sensitive feeling and moving emotional ardour that penetrate right to the heart of this sublime music which reveals the inscrutable depths of the human soul.'

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Listening - Music by Alban Berg, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the BBC Symphony Orchestra is on top form ...'

CD Spotlight. Beautiful and Well-crafted - Gerald Fenech listens to Johann Simon Mayr's opera 'Alfredo il Grande'. 'This is a gem of a premiere recording that should enhance Mayr's reputation as a truly fine opera composer which he richly deserves.'

CD Spotlight. A Plethora of Influences - Robert McCarney roundly congratulates Chandos and all involved with this CD. 'The playing by the various members of the ARC Ensemble is excellent throughout and the recording is crystal clear and atmospherically spacious.'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Compelling - Cherubini, Méhul and Beethoven, recommended wholeheartedly by Gerald Fenech. 'Bernhard Forck leads with engrossing enthusiasm, and his Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin responds with some truly exhilarating performances that sweep you off your feet.'

CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Transparent and Detailed - Robert McCarney listens to symphonies by Latvian/Canadian composer Tālivaldis Ķeniņš. 'The playing by all concerned is excellent.'

CD Spotlight. A Magnificent CD - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Ruth Gipps. 'The BBC Philharmonic responds magnificently ...'

CD Spotlight. Inner Turmoil - Handel's 'Amadigi di Gaula', strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... full of passion and angst.'

CD Spotlight. Symphonic Maturity - Patrick Maxwell listens to Sibelius symphonies. '... the wind and brass playing is pristine throughout.'

CD Spotlight. Shared African Heritage - Samuel Coleridge-Taylor from Chineke! Orchestra, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... riveting stuff ...'

CD Spotlight. Criminal Exploits - Geoff Pearce listens to Adrian Williams' chamber concerto 'Portraits of Ned Kelly'. 'The playing is very impressive and delivers a compelling performance.'

CD Spotlight. Exceptional Performances - Gerald Fenech listens to Mozart from Francesca Dego, Roger Norrington and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. 'Francesca Dego is an impassioned virtuoso, and her renditions are not only emotionally alive but also full of beguiling warmth and charm ...'

CD Spotlight. Outcast Composers - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to the Matangi Quartet. '... an excellent way to get acquainted with an important yet difficult period of Russian music.'

CD Spotlight. A Delectable Programme - Piano concertos by Johann Wilhelm Wilms, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Brautigam's advocacy for these works borders on the obsessive, and his playing is not only full-blooded but captures the spirit of the age with immense fidelity.'

CD Spotlight. A Change of Direction - French music by Debussy, Dukas and Roussel, played by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Domingo Hindoyan, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... stellar performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Exhilarating Performances - Orchestral music by Ludvig Norman, recommended with conviction by Gerald Fenech. '... rich in melody, colour and wide-ranging harmonies.'

CD Spotlight. Double Affection - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Malipiero. '... played impassionately ...'

CD Spotlight. A Spectacular Release - Gerald Fenech listens to film music played by John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London. '... an absolutely rewarding hour ...'

CD Spotlight. A Magnificent and Powerful Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to Augustin Hadelich. '... an impressive technique and tone ...'

CD Spotlight. Moving the World - Gerald Fenech listens to Dvořák's last three symphonies. '... Dudamel amplifies the turbulent emotions of each work with a power and intensity that you do not hear every day.'

CD Spotlight. Tender and Intimate - Geoff Pearce listens to Mahler's Fourth Symphony. 'I find this recording very satisfying on so many levels.'

CD Spotlight. A Commanding Technique - Gerald Fenech listens to Patrick Dheur playing piano music by César Franck. 'A fine and fitting tribute to one of the most original composers ever to come out of Belgium ...'

CD Spotlight. An Almost Unworldly Acceptance and Peace - Geoff Pearce is inspired by 'Cloud Ossuary' and 'Mist Waves' - music by Douglas Knehans. '... a stellar performance by this fine young pianist.'

CD Spotlight. Infectious Magic - Albion Records releases a disc of unusual music for the Vaughan Williams anniversary, and Gerald Fenech finds it unmissable. '... these performances are the result of deep immersion in the performing traditions of RVW's repertoire ...'

CD Spotlight. Kaleidoscopic Variety - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Charles Koechlin. '... a near uncontrollable energy that almost brings Chaplin and Co back to life again.'

CD Spotlight. A Pianist who Deserves Attention - Geoff Pearce enjoys listening to Can Çakmur. '... a stellar performance by this fine young pianist.'

CD Spotlight. Legacy and Influence - Gerald Fenech listens to cantatas by Telemann. '... performances of the utmost beauty ...'

CD Spotlight. Nobler in the Mind? - Giuseppe Pennisi finds Joseph Summer's 'Hamlet' a musical hodgepodge. '... almost in late Romantic style.'

CD Spotlight. Spirit of a Nation - Gerald Fenech is impressed by music of nineteenth century Polish composers Henryk Wieniawski, Ignacy Feliks Dobrzyński and Karol Kurpiński. '... both players and soloists surpass themselves with passionate renditions ...'

CD Spotlight. Dimensions of Accessibility - John Dante Prevedini is inspired by Takashi Yoshimatsu's piano suites. '... Oshima-Ryan brings a remarkable clarity and precision to the performance ...'

CD Spotlight. An Additional Significance and Poignancy - Gerald Fenech listens to César Franck orchestral music, recorded in Ukraine. 'Francisco Varela draws the very best from the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, and performances are consistently fresh, alive and often compelling.'

CD Spotlight. Effective and Uncomplicated - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by New Zealand composer Eric Biddington. 'These performances are a great testament to the Christchurch music making scene and to the composer who has been an important part of it.'

CD Spotlight. A Transcendental Experience - Choral music by Franz Joseph Haydn, unreservedly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... these interpretations overflow with humanity, humility, sincerity and, above all, a heartfelt spontaneity ...'

CD Spotlight. Good Humour and Musical Gestures - Geoff Pearce listens to wind quintets by Bentzon. 'This is very enjoyable music and beautifully performed.'

CD Spotlight. Champagne Stuff - Gerald Fenech listens to Rossini's 'La Scala di Seta'. 'José-Miguel Pérez-Sierra's vivid conducting draws from both singers and Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra players performances full of delectable charm and infectious pleasure ...'

CD Spotlight. Interesting and Quite Unique - Geoff Pearce commends this set of orchestral music by Ukrainian composer Boris Lyatoshynsky. 'There is some very impressive playing here by this magnificent orchestra.'

CD Spotlight. A New Dimension - Gerald Fenech listens to 'Klezmer Fiddler on the Roof'. '... an orchestral disc that aspiring artists and fans of theatre music can sing along to.'

CD Spotlight. Exhilarating Interpretations - Unknown Haydn symphonies, unreservedly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... gloriously expressive playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Compelling Performances - Music by John Ireland, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London have really made these works sparkle ...'

CD Spotlight. Delicately Sensitive Performances - Operatic fantasies by Sigismond Thalberg, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... characteristically intense and warm ...'

CD Spotlight. Expanses in Miniature - Roberta Rust plays piano music by Louis W Ballard, heard by John Dante Prevedini. '... a probing, articulate and understated artistic collaboration whose proper exposure is long overdue.'

CD Spotlight. Treasureable Qualities - Gerald Fenech listens to Andris Nelsons conducting two orchestras in music by Richard Strauss. '... superlative performances from both orchestras, who are on top form throughout.'

CD Spotlight. The Ravel Affair - Gerald Fenech listens to a series of works by Maurice Ravel which all failed to win the Prix de Rome. 'Pascal Rophé draws some convincing performances and, in his hands, the music has an immediacy that keeps it consistently fresh and vivid.'

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Interesting - Music by Ghedini and Hindemith, wholeheartedly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... there are some truly lovely moments ...'

CD Spotlight. Simply Irresistible - Gerald Fenech listens to two albums of British music. '... an inspiration for other composers ...'

CD Spotlight. Subtle Differences - Ravel on period instruments, heartily recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... there are some truly lovely moments ...'

CD Spotlight. Beauty to Entice the Ears - Gerald Fenech listens to a compilation mass from Antonio Vivaldi's music. '... vibrant playing full of unalloyed joy.'

CD Spotlight. Quite Muddied and On Steroids - Geoff Pearce has very mixed feelings about Andrius Puskunigis' new recording of Handel oboe concertos. '... there are some truly lovely moments ...'

CD Spotlight. A Zany, Madcap Farce - Gerald Fenech listens to Albert Roussel's operetta 'Le Testament de la Tante Caroline'. '... vibrant playing full of unalloyed joy.'

CD Spotlight. A Fresh Rendering - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to solo violin sonatas by Eugène Ysaÿe, played by Anca Vasile Caraman. '... a gem which should be on the shelves of all those interested in the music of the early decades of the twentieth century ...'

CD Spotlight. Overwhelmingly Tuneful - Gerald Fenech listens to rare music by Franz von Suppé. '... vibrant playing full of unalloyed joy.'

CD Spotlight. A Monumental Work - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Viktor Ullmann's opera 'Der Kaiser von Atlantis'. 'The performance ... cannot be faulted ...'

CD Spotlight. Breathtaking Dexterity - Gerald Fenech listens to Schneider flute concertos. 'Gaby Pas-Van Riet despatches these irresistibly beautiful pieces with infectious warmth and grace ...'

CD Spotlight. Powerful Drama - Roderic Dunnett listens to 'Der Freischütz' from René Jacobs and the Freiburger Barockorchester. '... a whispering, confidential or, where needed, overawing and commanding performance ...'

CD Spotlight. Exceptionally Pleasing - String quartets by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The Arabella Quartet despatches these graceful cameos with aplomb, and the playing is immensely cohesive and consistently alive.'

CD Spotlight. A Rich Tradition - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by American composer William Grant Still. 'A peach of an issue, superbly performed, recorded and annotated.'

CD Spotlight. The Magic of Ballets Russes - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Warner Classics' box set. '... a gem which should be on the shelves of all those interested in the music of the early decades of the twentieth century ...'

CD Spotlight. Sorrowful Magnificence - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Johann David Heinichen's Passion Oratorios. '... engrossing performances that are as gripping as they are reverential.'

CD Spotlight. Star of the North - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends Meyerbeer's 'L'Étoile du Nord' on Naxos. 'Vladimir Jurowski conducts the piece with natural gusto and sparkling flair ...'

CD Spotlight. Shooting and Madness - Geoff Pearce listens to a powerful opera about the Vietnam War. 'This disk will shock you like very few other recordings ...'

CD Spotlight. A Scintillating Operatic Rarity - Gerald Fenech's discovery of the year is possibly Danish composer Horneman's opera 'Aladdin'. 'Another stylish re-issue in a series that is experiencing a highly deserved renaissance.'

CD Spotlight. Solace to Listeners - Patrick Maxwell listens to a box set of John Barbirolli's Elgar recordings for Warner Classics. '... a musical artefact which still tells us how Britain's most famous composer really can sound like ...'

CD Spotlight. Very Infectious - Gerald Fenech listens to several recent recordings of British music. 'Another stylish re-issue in a series that is experiencing a highly deserved renaissance.'

CD Spotlight. An Unexpected Kinship - Stephen Francis Vasta listens to Susanna Mälkki conducting Bartók. 'The Helsinki Philharmonic sounds good, with expressive reeds and resonant strings ...'

CD Spotlight. Dance or Die - Gerald Fenech enjoys a disc exploring the influence of Italy on Austrian and German composers. '... performances full of rhythmic energy, explosive colours and, above all, harmonic ingenuity.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Gripping, Attractive and Alluring - Johann Mattheson's oratorio 'Joseph', highly commended by Roderic Dunnett. '... an outstanding performance in every way, and indeed a perfect introduction to Mattheson's fresh and vital writing ...'

CD Spotlight. Borrowing Music by Other Composers - Gerald Fenech unreservedly recommends the compilation opera 'Caio Fabbricio'. '... brilliant performances from both singers and players ...'

CD Spotlight. Bright and Pleasing Music - Geoff Pearce listens to works by Eric Biddington. 'The orchestra is solid, the brass section is particularly impressive and the recording does full justice to this bright and pleasing music.'

CD Spotlight. Simply Outstanding - John Eliot Gardiner's nine CD Purcell set, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... renditions out of the ordinary, where Gardiner's expressive ardour and unbridled intensity allow him to reveal all the gracefulness, subtlety, pathos and nobility of Purcell's uniquely human music.'

CD Spotlight. Masterly Playing - Boris Giltburg plays two very different Beethoven piano concertos, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... brilliantly supported by Vasily Petrenko and his Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra ...'

CD Spotlight. Rather Joyous in Effect - Geoff Pearce listens to 'Lėti' by Gintas K. '... different pitched bells and a rather strange crackly background.'

CD Spotlight. Passion, Intensity and Verve - Gerald Fenech listens to Giordano's 'Siberia'. '... full of emotional warmth and heartfelt fidelity.'

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Listening - Music by Wolfgang Rihm, recommended for those who enjoy the challenges of listening to contemporary music, by Geoff Pearce. 'The performers here really excel and do this music justice.'

CD Spotlight. Positive Dramatic Strength - Gerald Fenech listens to Schubert overtures. 'Performances are wonderfully alive in Schellenberger's hands, and the gloriously melodic music truly sparkles with a youthful exuberance that makes your spirit soar.'

CD Spotlight. The Joy of Harpsichord - Margherita Porfido plays music from the south of Italy, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... fundamental to the understanding of music between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries in southern Italy.'

CD Spotlight. A Glorious Operatic Triumph - Gerald Fenech listens to Korngold's 'Die tote Stadt'. '... Klaus Florian Vogt and Camilla Nylund rise superbly to the occasion with some searing interpretations worthy of the score.'

CD Spotlight. Magical Brilliance - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Ravel. '... wonderfully detailed accounts that reveal all of Ravel's orchestral finesse and deft harmonic touches.'

CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Delightful - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by Poulenc. '... the performers are all very fine ...'

CD Spotlight. Incomparable Musical Beauty - Gerald Fenech listens to Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' from Carnegie Hall. '... a precious addition to this acclaimed treasure trove of historic recordings ...'

CD Spotlight. On the Border between Innovation and Experimentation - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Giacinto Scelsi. '... possessed by sounds, trapped in fingertips that are constantly forced to move.'

CD Spotlight. Challenging in the Extreme - Symphonies by Brazilian composer Claudio Santoro, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... passionately and intensely executed by Neil Thomson and his Brazilian ensemble, the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra.'

CD Spotlight. A Verdi Avenue - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Francesco Meli. '... a demonstration of Meli's ability but also of his genuine love for Verdi ...'

CD Spotlight. An Immense Achievement - The final disc in Naxos' series of John Philip Sousa wind band music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Keith Brion and his players do themselves proud with some superb playing full of dash and swagger ...'

CD Spotlight. A Spicy, Sexy Comedy - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Saint-Saëns' 'Phryné'. '... a very happy discovery where Greek myth marries French opéra comique.'

CD Spotlight. Bruckner the Trumpet - Gerald Fenech listens to Bruckner's Symphony No 3, transposed for organ. '... Hansjörg Albrecht's renditions of these spectacular transcriptions by Erwin Horn are absolutely flawless.'

CD Spotlight. Unjustly Neglected - Geoff Pearce listens to Enescu chamber music. '... a very fine recording ...'

CD Spotlight. Captivatingly Melodic - Gerald Fenech admires Tatjana Ruhland's playing of August Eberhard Müller flute concertos. 'Tatjana Ruhland ... is, in every sense of the word, a 'sorceress' of the instrument ...'

CD Spotlight. Uncloaking a Sonic Universe - John Dante Prevedini listens to Rebeca Omordia's album 'African Pianism'. '... a compact, balanced and vital gateway to the work of African composers in the Western classical tradition ...'

CD Spotlight. A Spirit of Newfound Confidence - Gerald Fenech listens to the last instalment of Andris Nelsons' Bruckner cycle for Deutsche Gramophon. 'Nelsons goes straight to the heart of this quite divinely inspired music with confidence and conviction ...'

CD Spotlight. Utterly Beautiful - Nadejda Vlaeva plays piano music by Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov, delighting Roderic Dunnett. '... a notably original disc ... well worth exploring.'

CD Spotlight. Important Women Composers - British music by Ethel Smyth, Susan Spain-Dunk, Constance Warren and Ruth Gipps, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... performances of the highest calibre, combining irrepressible beauty and fragility with technical mastery that brings out all the suavity of these sophisticated creations.'

CD Spotlight. Helen (without Troy) - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Johann Simon Mayr's 'Elena'. 'Even if I doubt that this Elena will ever be staged again, this CD is a good way to appreciate Mayr's strengths and weaknesses.'

CD Spotlight. Much to Enjoy - Violin concertos by Vivaldi, Locatelli and Leclair senior delight Gerald Fenech. 'Théotime Langlois de Swarte despatches these pieces with glorious dexterity, and the freshness of his playing is so engaging that you never tire of listening.'

CD Spotlight. A Marvellous Set - Geoff Pearce listens to the Sibelius symphonies, played by the Oslo Philharmonic and Klaus Mäkelä. 'The Oslo Philharmonic responds magnificently to the direction and vision of Klaus Mäkelä.'

CD Spotlight. Finely Wrought - Symphonies by Johann Baptist Vaňhal, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Michael Halász conducts with the usual panache, drawing committed performances full of zest and swagger from the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra.'

CD Spotlight. The Selflessness of Schütz - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by Heinrich Schütz and some of his contemporaries. '... a deeply satisfying listening experience ...'

CD Spotlight. Exhilarating from Start to Finish - Gerald Fenech listens to suites of incidental music by Arthur Sullivan. 'Andrew Penny is an enthusiastic advocate of this composer, and his lively and beautifully shaped interpretations are a treat to the ear.'

CD Spotlight. An Operatic Oratorio - Attilio Ariosti's 'La Profezia d'Eliseo', recommended by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'The rendering is very good: ensemble and singers are Baroque specialists.'

CD Spotlight. A Thrilling, Epic Quality - Gerald Fenech listens to Anton Bruckner's Symphony No 0, 'Die Nullte'. 'The Bruckner Orchester Linz plays superbly throughout and Markus Poschner's enthusiasm for this music allows him to reveal details of orchestration that, maybe, were hitherto missed.'

CD Spotlight. Many Fine Moments - Geoff Pearce listens to Richard Strauss played by the Carnegie Mellon Wind Ensemble. '... a fine disc of works which are not recorded so often ...'

CD Spotlight. Songs of Stevenson - Roderic Dunnett listens to a recital by Scottish bass Brian Bannatyne-Scott. '... a notably original disc ... well worth exploring.'

CD Spotlight. Highly Romantic - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. '... this re-issue still sounds fresh and lively, credit to Adrian Leaper's advocacy for this fine music ...'

CD Spotlight. Touching Moments that Stir the Soul - Gerald Fenech listens to J S Bach, Buxtehude and Schütz, performed by Iestyn Davies and colleagues. 'The richness of the music is matched by the glorious singing and playing of Jonathan Cohen's team ...'

CD Spotlight. Preserving Byrd's Momentum - John Dante Prevedini listens to William Byrd's keyboard music, played by Friederike Chylek. 'In every one of Chylek's interpretations, I hear an uncommonly sober balance of emotional expressiveness with technical clarity ...'

CD Spotlight. Noble Grief - Music from Leonard Slatkin and his family, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... legendary renditions full of mesmerizing violin playing ...'

CD Spotlight. A Series of Polished Gems - Roderic Dunnett listens to chamber, instrumental music and songs by Gerard Schurmann. 'This is one of the most enchanting, fragile, flawless song cycles I have ever heard, anywhere.'

CD Spotlight. Posthumous Idolisation - Gerald Fenech begs you to buy Warner Classics' box set of recordings by Romanian violinist Johanna Martzy. '... legendary renditions full of mesmerizing violin playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Beauty and Emotional Depth - Geoff Pearce recommends Schubert's 'Winterreise', performed by Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis. '... everything that I could wish for ...'

CD Spotlight. Sparkling Joy - Gerald Fenech listens to four volumes of Danacord's series of recordings by Danish conductor Thomas Jensen. '... all Jensen's interpretative genius is captured with electrifying vividness.'

CD Spotlight. A Young Saxon's Occasional Opera - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to 'Enea in Caonia' by Hasse. 'Stefano Montanari conducts ... skilfully, mostly in support of the voices.'

CD Spotlight. A Fresh Appraisal - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Hanns Eisler. '... the music is beautiful and expressive and filled with a mixture of moods that reflect the tempestuous times in which it was written.'

CD Spotlight. Liszt's Fantasies - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Franz Liszt for piano and orchestra. '... an excellent reading ...'

CD Spotlight. Stimulating and Challenging - Concertos by Kalevi Aho, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Invigorating stuff in excellent sonics and detailed annotations.'

CD Spotlight. A Magical Touch with Orchestral Colours - Music by Ravel, heard by Natalie Artemas-Polak. 'John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London's superb disc is a joy to listen to, and the sound quality is crisp and clear.'

CD Spotlight. Natural Sincerity - Max Bruch's complete works for violin and orchestra, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Antje Weithass is an exceptionally gifted soloist, and her interpretations are phenomenally exciting, vibrant and consistently breathtaking.'

CD Spotlight. A Catalogue of Dreams - Gerald Fenech listens to Adolphe Adam's ballet 'La jolie fille de Gand'. 'Andrew Mogrelia and his Queensland ensemble play with real gusto, and the music is made to sound less lightweight than it really is.'

CD Spotlight. Multiple Aesthetic References - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Alessandro Perini. '... an excellent reading ...'

CD Spotlight. New Facets of Vital Importance - Little-known music by George Enescu, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Passionate and exciting performances complement an invaluable addition to the Enescu discography.'

CD Spotlight. Music as Manifesto - John Dante Prevedini listens to contemporary music by Nastasia Khrushcheva. '... genuinely powerful and positively transformative ...'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Superlative - Gerald Fenech listens to Wagner's 'Götterdämmerung' from 'The Ring on the Rhine'. 'The performance eschews grandeur from beginning to end, and both singers and orchestra respond magnificently.'

CD Spotlight. Lovely and Very Effective - Music from Central and Eastern Europe for cello and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... very gifted, skilful and inspired ...'

CD Spotlight. Magical Stuff - Gerald Fenech listens to Eric Coates' 'Springtime Suite' and other orchestral works. 'Andrew Penny and his Slovaks deliver some absolutely gorgeous performances full of warmth, charm and grace ...'

CD Spotlight. The New Civic Composer - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by young Canadian Daniel Pelton. '... a remarkable collaboration uniting forces across Calgary's entire musical landscape despite extraordinary logistical hurdles.'

CD Spotlight. Vivacious Performances - Music from Scotland, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a spectacular album full of inspirational melodies that go straight to the heart.'

CD Spotlight. Sex, Jealousy and the Sea - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Hans Werner Henze's 'Das verratene Meer'. '... an excellent reading ...'

CD Spotlight. Highly Imaginative - Fantasies by Sousa, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the music is as exciting and entertaining as one would wish for.'

CD Spotlight. The Ultimate Recording - François-Xavier Roth's recording of Debussy's 'Pelléas et Mélisande', recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... all are truly outstanding ...'

CD Spotlight. Music of the Utmost Beauty and Originality - Gerald Fenech listens to Thomas Jensen conducting music by Jean Sibelius. '... full of fire, passion and, above all, authority ...'

CD Spotlight. Underground Virtuosity - John Dante Prevedini listens to viol consort suites by Matthew Locke. 'Locke's imitative counterpoint shines through with a crispness and clarity ...'

CD Spotlight. Suggestive Interweavings - Twentieth century harpsichord concertos by Falla, Poulenc and Bacarisse, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a highly enjoyable issue, full of imaginative music ...'

CD Spotlight. A Love Story in Two Quartets - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Janáček, played by the New Zealand String Quartet. '... an excellent reading ...'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Riveting - Gerald Fenech listens to Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and Violin Concerto No 5. '... the Pochekin duo exudes brilliance, virtuosity and an ebullient sense of occasion ...'

CD Spotlight. True to the Composer's Original Intentions - Schubert's Octet, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the sound is detailed and crisp, and the balance is good.'

CD Spotlight. Uniquely Gifted - Schubert's symphonies, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A deluge of unending beauty that goes straight to the heart, gloriously performed and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Dash and Swagger - Gerald Fenech listens to Arthur Sullivan's 'Victoria and Merrie England'. '... playing of the highest order ...'

CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Different - A variety of Christmas music from Navona Records, heard by Keith Bramich. '... played superbly.'

CD Spotlight. A Mexican Knees-up - A reconstructed seventeenth century Christmas in Mexico City, heard by Keith Bramich. '... the street ensemble is never far away.'

CD Spotlight. Hugely Educational - Christiane Karg's new album, heard by Keith Bramich. '... great clarity and precision in Christiane Karg's voice and sensitive support from Gerold Huber ...'

CD Spotlight. Expertly Crafted - Keith Bramich listens to Caitríona O'Leary's Christmas album, 'Strange Wonders'. '... the performances are empowered by their simplicity and directness.'

CD Spotlight. Dualities of Creation - Notated and improvised music by Tyshawn Sorey, heard by John Dante Prevedini. '... essential listening for anyone seeking a snapshot of effective synergies between process and product in contemporary music for chamber orchestra.'

CD Spotlight. Byzantine Style and Tropical Scales - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Petros Petridis. '... committed vigour and passionate warmth.'

CD Spotlight. Music to Unite People - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Arvo Pärt. '... an excellent selection ...'

CD Spotlight. Very Rare Stage Works - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Auber. '... committed vigour and passionate warmth.'

CD Spotlight. Dance Music - Lowell Liebermann's ballet 'Frankenstein', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... an electrifying aura ...'

CD Spotlight. Immediate and Colourful - Geoff Pearce listens to Sebastian Fagerlund. '... probably definitive performances of these works.'

CD Spotlight. Exceptionally Convincing - Masses by Johann Simon Mayr, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... Franz Hauk is completely committed to the cause, drawing some truly memorable singing from soloists and chorus alike.'

CD Spotlight. Well-crafted - Music by Alexander Goedicke for violin and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a great disc of a sadly mostly overlooked fine composer.'

CD Spotlight. An Exciting Discovery - Gerald Fenech listens to clarinet concertos by German composer Franz Anton Dimler. '... performances are nothing short of phenomenal on every level.'

CD Spotlight. A Celestial Festival - Gerald Fenech listens to Würzburg's Imperial Hall Mozart concerts. '... performances are nothing short of phenomenal on every level.'

CD Spotlight. A Treasure Trove of Unending Melodic Content - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Leroy Anderson. 'Leonard Slatkin and co are on top form, and their performances are superbly rounded, full of swagger and consistently fresh and spirited.'

CD Spotlight. Immensely Soothing - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Eric Coates. 'Adrian Leaper is an avid devotee of this genre, and he delivers performances that sparkle with a rhythmic immediacy that magnifies the flow of each piece.'

CD Spotlight. Sumptuous, Virtuosic, Wild and Spectacular - Mozart from Salzburg, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... consistently vibrant, sensitive and heartwarming.'

CD Spotlight. Lovingly Depicted - Orchestral suites by Pierné, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Darrell Ang keeps a tight but attentive reign on proceedings, and the Orchestre National de Lille responds with some superb playing full of energy and swagger.'

CD Spotlight. A Welcome Addition - Two Beethoven concertos, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Three gifted soloists ... playing, with one heart and one soul, music that is sublime, graceful and thoroughly captivating.'

CD Spotlight. Wagner in Bayreuth Today - Giuseppe Pennisi explores a box set from Opus Arte. '... an excellent set of CDs to hear where Bayreuth is up to today.'

CD Spotlight. Emotional Warmth and Richness of Melody - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Florence Price. '... this trailblazing composer must be listened to ...'

CD Spotlight. An Interesting Experience - 'Nervus Vagus' by Gintas K, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'It is a fascinating journey that takes about an hour.'

CD Spotlight. Vibrantly Glowing Renditions - Virtuosic eighteenth century Italian violin concertos inspire Gerald Fenech. 'Čičić ... surmounts all the monstrous challenges with prodigious dexterity.'

CD Spotlight. A Universal Happy Ending - Gerald Fenech reviews a new recording of Franz Ignaz Beck's opera 'L'isle déserte'. 'Michael Schneider and his La Stagione Frankfurt players give a pleasant and sprightly performance, but attention to detail is always of paramount importance.'

CD Spotlight. The Syntax of Worlds - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by American composer Pierre Jalbert. '... Jalbert ... implies a novel dimension of meaning by presenting distinct sonic universes in a syntactically suggestive sequence.'

CD Spotlight. Multifaceted and Virtuosic - Gerald Fenech listens to Telemann Violin Concertos. '... Elizabeth Wallfisch has a profound understanding of the composer's style, and her interpretations are not only highly accessible, but also, when needed, deeply emotional and vibrantly dramatic.'

CD Spotlight. Balance and Moderation - Handel's 'Aci, Galatea e Polifemo', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... under the sensitive conducting of Luca Guglielmi, both singers and ensemble are able to display a presence and virtuosity that are just outstanding.'

CD Spotlight. Culmination of the 'Tintinnabuli' Style - Gerald Fenech listens to Arvo Pärt's St John Passion. '... powerful and emotional stuff performed with devotional ardour and spiritual rigour.'

CD Spotlight. Shattered Lives - Gerald Fenech recommends Fabrice Bollon's recording of César Franck's opera 'Hulda'. 'Sensational operatic discovery in an electrifying performance that sizzles with some superb singing and brilliant orchestral playing.'

CD Spotlight. Every Album an Event in Itself - Gerald Fenech listens to soprano Júlia Várady's recordings for Orfeo International. '... in disc after disc one can revel in all the beauty of her characterization ...'

CD Spotlight. Chinese Contemporary Music - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Xiaoyong Chen. 'The mixture of colours is very interesting.'

CD Spotlight. An Interesting History - Gerald Fenech listens to Marc-Antoine Charpentier's 'Le Malade Imaginaire'. 'William Christie and his Arts Florissants offer an interpretation that sparkles with a musical originality ...'

CD Spotlight. Truly Interesting and Well-crafted - Gerald Fenech listens to more orchestral music by Paul Wranitzky. '... vividly refreshing yet technically demanding music, warmly performed and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Redefining the Idiomatic - Contemporary music for baroque instruments, heard by John Dante Prevedini. 'I consider the results compelling, and I hope to hear more works for these resurrected instruments in this new idiom.'

CD Spotlight. An Epic Undertaking - Hänssler Classic's C P E Bach edition, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an exhilarating collection of C P E Bach's works ...'

CD Spotlight. After the End of the Reign of Terror - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to 'La fille de Madame Angot' by Charles Lecocq. '... not only a musicological revival but also nearly two hours of very enjoyable listening.'

CD Spotlight. Welcome back Lord Berners - Gerald Fenech listens to two stage works by an enigmatic English composer. 'Soloists and chorus deliver some flawless singing, and their great attention to the text creates a sense of reverential homage to the sacred.'

CD Spotlight. Balancing Intimacy with Incisiveness - A new recording of Rossini's 'Petite messe solennelle', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Soloists and chorus deliver some flawless singing, and their great attention to the text creates a sense of reverential homage to the sacred.'

CD Spotlight. Dreams and Tales - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to piano music by Musorgsky and Scriabin played by Michele Campanella. '... the different touch from previous renderings makes this CD very well worth listening to.'

CD Spotlight. Rococo Charm - Boccherini quintets, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'These are finely polished scores and Les Ombres oblige with some sparkling virtuosity that is a pleasure for the senses.'

CD Spotlight. A Treasure for Posterity - Complete operas and fragments by Modest Musorgsky, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'This is a unique musical document of inestimable historic value and staggering interpretative beauty.'

CD Spotlight. A Connection with Mahler - Music by Penderecki, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Sopot, conducted by Wojciech Rajski, is magnificent.'

CD Spotlight. Miniature Gems - Light music by Ronald Binge, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... brimming with lilting music that is as dramatic as it is evocative, colourful and harmonically exquisite ...'

CD Spotlight. Orientalism in Paris - 'La Princesse Jaune', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... an excellent vehicle for discovering a little known facet of Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns.'

CD Spotlight. Something of a Mystery - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. 'Michael Halász gives lively performances that sparkle with a "joie de vivre" that is consistently uplifting ...'

CD Spotlight. The Depths of the Singular - John Dante Prevedini listens to Victoria Jordanova's 'Kernel & Grit'. '... musical storytelling ... can be about the creative potential of something as humble as an unwatered seed or a layer of dust.'

CD Spotlight. Vaughan Williams and English Folk Songs - Simon Farrugia recommends Albion Records' astonishing new recording. 'The freshness of sound presented in this album gives a new dimension to Piazzolla's music ...'

CD Spotlight. Truly Sparkling Music - Gerald Fenech listens to Johann Strauss II's 1895 operetta 'Waldmeister'. 'Dario Salvi's attention to detail and animated conducting serves the composer's intentions to the hilt and does justice to his luscious music.'

CD Spotlight. Much to Appreciate - Gerald Fenech finds these rare Norwegian Opera Overtures well worth exploring. 'Ingar Bergby keeps things moving briskly, and in his knowledgeable hands the music sounds even more accessible than one expects it to be.'

CD Spotlight. Birdsong Fragments - 'Songs of Travel and Home' performed by Jullien van Mellaerts, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a singer with a very expressive voice, a pleasing tone, a great insight into the music he sings ...'

CD Spotlight. Contrapuntal Mastery - Gerald Fenech listens to an overture and symphonies by Andreas Romberg. 'Kevin Griffiths and his Dutch players etch out some bright and eminently satisfying performances, and their advocacy for this music brims with enthusiasm.'

CD Spotlight. A Masterpiece Re-discovered in Wexford - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to the opera 'Risurrezione' by Franco Alfano. 'Francesco Lanzillotta conducts the orchestra of the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino skilfully.'

CD Spotlight. A Wayward Artist with Many Talents - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson. 'David Lloyd-Jones has this music under his skin ...'

CD Spotlight. Music of Wit and Charm - Works by Ernst von Dohnányi and Leó Weiner, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... fine and unfamiliar music, played to perfection by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Roberto Paternostro.'

CD Spotlight. Wonders from Finland - Newly discovered Finnish violin music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An enthralling collection, superbly recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Utterly Different - Schubert's 'Winterreise' by Markus Schäfer and Tobias Koch, reviewed by Patrick Maxwell. 'Both performers are very good musicians.'

CD Spotlight. Fresh Appraisals - Roger Norrington's interpretations of Bruckner symphonies, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Commendable, if somewhat unorthodox.'

CD Spotlight. The Greatness of Easter - Georg Philipp Telemann's Easter Cantatas, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... a good complement to the "Markus-Passion" CD ...'

CD Spotlight. Teenage Years - Mendelssohn's String Symphonies, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are energetic and inspiring throughout, with a touch of crispness consistently at the centre of things.'

CD Spotlight. Often Beautiful - Geoff Pearce listens to Ilya Gringolts. 'Gringolts is an exciting violinist, his technique flawless, his sound sumptuous ...'

CD Spotlight. Just Irresistible - Orchestral music by Franz Lachner, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... memorable ... magical ... mesmerizing ...'

CD Spotlight. Reich through German Eyes and Ears - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a Steve Reich anthology. '... a very dramatic reading with a small number of instrumentalists ...'

CD Spotlight. All Done with Mirrors - Geoff Pearce listens to music involving the double bass by Britta Byström, Eduard Tubin, Jesper Nordin and Carin Malmlöf-Forssling. '... a fitting reflection of the work of this fine composer.'

CD Spotlight. A Mother and Daughter Duo - Simon Farrugia finds 'El Gran Astor' superbly expressed in this new album by Duo Praxedis. 'The freshness of sound presented in this album gives a new dimension to Piazzolla's music ...'

CD Spotlight. Overtly sentimental? - Bellini's 'I Puritani', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the chemistry between conductor and performers cannot be faulted.'

CD Spotlight. Brief Time Well Spent - John Dante Prevedini listens to music for six solo voices and electronics by Gregory W Brown. '... engaging, provocative and full of genuine surprise.'

CD Spotlight. Sensitively Passionate - Furtwängler's First Symphony, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... minutely detailed and highly expressive ...'

CD Spotlight. Modelled on Bach - Krebs' harpsichord music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... brimming with colour, energy and rhythmic beauty ...'

CD Spotlight. Sorrow and Gratification - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Xiaogang Ye. '... a fitting reflection of the work of this fine composer.'

CD Spotlight. Innovative and Different - Paul Abrahám's operetta 'Ball at the Savoy' impresses Gerald Fenech. '... the performance has a rhythmic energy that keeps the music flowing effortlessly from start to finish ...'

CD Spotlight. Inner Energy and Passion - Gerald Fenech listens to Beethoven orchestral music. '... mouth-watering moments of great dramatic intensity ...'

CD Spotlight. Talented and Intelligent - Music by Viennese composer Marianna Martines, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a treasure of a disc, full of glorious music ...'

CD Spotlight. Fluent and Popular Music - Ketèlbey piano works, commended by Gerald Fenech. 'Rosemary Tuck despatches these pieces with vigour and gusto ...'

CD Spotlight. An Exquisite Compilation - A selection of popular orchestral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Spiritedly performed and superbly recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Tibet in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to piano music by twentieth century Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi. 'The rendering by Sabine Liebner is spotless, in spite of the many traps of both scores.'

CD Spotlight. Sensual Serenades - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Stradella. '... an excellent way to get to know Stradella ...'

CD Spotlight. A New Passion - Haydn's baryton trios, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Spiritedly performed and superbly recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Existential Uncertainty - Symphonic and chamber music by Christopher Gunning, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... both performances are nothing short of exhilarating ...'

CD Spotlight. Another Path to Modernism - John Dante Prevedini listens to an anthology of Swedish orchestral music. '... a rich expressiveness underneath the veil of subtlety and self-restraint.'

CD Spotlight. A Very Special CD - Band music by John Philip Sousa, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Sensitive and engrossingly passionate performances ...'

CD Spotlight. The Sound Frontier - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music for orchestra and electronics by Nicola Sani. '... of undoubted interest to all those who explore the new frontiers of sound.'

CD Spotlight. A Prolific Composer - Orchestral music by Czech composer Paul Wranitzky, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Sensitive and engrossingly passionate performances ...'

CD Spotlight. An Inspiring Testament - Hungarian music played by the Offenburg String Trio, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Sensitive and engrossingly passionate performances ...'

CD Spotlight. What to do with Bach? - Patrick Maxwell listens to the 'Goldberg Variations' on the accordion. 'Telari plays with an alluring sensitivity ...'

CD Spotlight. Hugely Influential - Music by Richard Addinsell, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... absolutely enthralling, revelatory and consistently vibrant.'

CD Spotlight. Stravinsky's Breakthrough - Gerald Fenech listens to Diaghilev's commissions. '... absolutely enthralling, revelatory and consistently vibrant.'

CD Spotlight. Many Hidden Nuances - Monteverdi organ works, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Kriju Koetsveld is a keen advocate of this repertoire ...'

CD Spotlight. Beautifully Crafted - Music by Dutch composer Hendrik Andriessen, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... absolutely inspirational ...'

CD Spotlight. Flowing Melodies - Romantic music for piano and orchestra by Jerzy Gablenz and Ignacy Jan Paderewski, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... full of bouncy energy, exuberant flair and spectacular pianism ...'

CD Spotlight. Magical Equilibrium - Patrick Maxwell listens to Mozart Violin Sonatas played by Oscar Shumsky and Leopold Mittman. '... a striking hold over tone and articulation ...'

CD Spotlight. Heartfelt Pathos - Juan Bautista Cansino's Stabat Mater, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... serenity and resignation beyond comprehension.'

CD Spotlight. Extremely Rare - 'Mademoiselle de Belle-Isle' by Spyridon Samaras, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are excellent ...'

CD Spotlight. A Strong Partnership - Riviera Lazeri and David Boldrini play Martinů Cello Sonatas, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the performances on this disc are truly very admirable.'

CD Spotlight. Artistic Heritage - Music by Henry Purcell and John Taverner, unreservedly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the singing and playing are consistently warm and passionate ...'

CD Spotlight. Transcendental Studies - The music of English composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji from an Italian perspective, by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'On the two CDs, Fredrik Ullén demonstrates enthusiasm for Sorabji as well as high technical skills.'

CD Spotlight. A Monumental Composition - Bruckner's first symphony transcribed for organ, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... towering performances ...'

CD Spotlight. The Composer-Pianist Reimagined - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by contemporary Norwegian composer-pianist Andreas Ihlebæk. '... a rich expressiveness underneath the veil of subtlety and self-restraint.'

CD Spotlight. Intensely Personal and Complex - Gerald Fenech listens to Mahler's Seventh Symphony on a recording from a brand new label. 'Kirill Petrenko keeps the music flowing with grace and conviction ...'

CD Spotlight. A Bridge between Musical Cultures - Music by Lukas Ligeti, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'If you like electronic music and African (even archaic) music, this CD is your perfect cup of tea.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Breathtaking Music - Willem Jeths' Requiem, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Kelly God is phenomenal and James Gaffigan's direction of the very fine forces is inspired.'

CD Spotlight. Rachmaninov's 'Choral Symphony' - Stephen Francis Vasta is impressed by Dmitrij Kitajenko's recordings of Rachmaninov and Taneyev. '... a colourful, engaged reading ...'

CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Collection - Symphonies by Marcel Poot, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... generally the playing and sound is very good.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Exciting - Music by Alexander von Zemlinsky and Franz Schreker, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Petrenko has this music in his blood, and the performances have a sweep and power that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.'

CD Spotlight. Challenging Music - Erwin Schulhoff's only opera, 'Flammen', reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'The performance is exhilarating and the recording sumptuous.'

CD Spotlight. A Kiss from the Queen - Johann Strauss II's only opera, 'Ritter Pásmán', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... vibrantly performed by the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra and finely conducted by Alfred Walter.'

CD Spotlight. Delightful and Colourful - Geoff Pearce recommends a new Chandos recording of music by Henri Dutilleux. 'This music will delight all who hear it ...'

CD Spotlight. Innermost Tenderness - Gerald Fenech listens to arias by Johann Joseph Fux. 'Maria Ladurner is an inspired and impassioned advocate of Fux's music, and her supreme performances have a thrilling realism that brings out all the contrasting timbres of this fragile yet gravitas-filled music.'

CD Spotlight. The Roaring Twenties - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to the first complete recording of Reynaldo Hahn's 'Ô mon bel inconnu'. '... a period-piece that, musically, can be very much enjoyed today ...'

CD Spotlight. Truly Revelatory - Music by English composer Cipriani Potter, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Howard Griffiths and his BBC National Orchestra of Wales players deliver electrifying performances full of rhythmic vitality and lyrical warmth ...'

CD Spotlight. Dramatic Potency and Marvellous Clarity - Gerald Fenech listens to piano music by German-born Danish composer Friedrich Kuhlau. 'Marie-Luise Bodendorff is an inspired and enthusiastic interpreter of this rare but lovely repertoire ...'

CD Spotlight. An Exemplary Partnership - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Mozart Violin Sonatas transcribed and played by oboist Olivier Stankiewicz, accompanied by Jonathan Ware. '... the performances here are astounding.'

CD Spotlight. A Unique Orchestral Mastery - Music by Walter Braunfels, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Gregor Bühl ... marshalls his forces with full-blooded conviction, and his orchestra responds brilliantly to Braunfels' luscious musical language ...'

CD Spotlight. A Master of Improvisation - Music by Roland Dyens played by Anna Mnich and recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The guitarist is clean in her execution, sympathetic in her musical treatment and her harmonics are flawless.'

CD Spotlight. Modernity and Sweeping Power - Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony on period instruments impresses Gerald Fenech. '... Beethoven's intended instrumental balances and effects are brought alive once more in revelatory fashion.'

CD Spotlight. A True Rarity - Adolphe Adam's ballet 'La filleule des fées', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... brilliant orchestration, some knock-out tunes and an abundance of rhythmic energy.'

CD Spotlight. The Perfect Musical Mixture - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Johann Rosenmüller. 'Gregor Meyer and his forces give disciplined yet highly laudable performances, and their commitment to the cause is spirited and vibrant.'

CD Spotlight. Violin Concertos with Oriental Flavors - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by Nai-Chung Kuan and Joel Hoffman. '... a new musical experience ...'

CD Spotlight. Technical Brilliance - James Willshire plays piano music by Cecil Coles and Gustav Holst, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'James Willshire is renowned for his virtuosity and intelligence of his keyboard mastery, and all this is on display in this recital.'

CD Spotlight. Highly Characterful and Dynamic - Lucas Ball listens to Beethoven from Igor Levit and Xiaohan Wang. '... most of what this CD has to offer is top notch ...'

CD Spotlight. A Journey of Unending Delights - Music by Paul Wranitzky impresses Gerald Fenech. 'The Neumeyer Consort's performances display a mastery of Boismortier's language that is just astonishing ...'

CD Spotlight. History of an Ancient Town - Music by Paul Hindemith, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This excellent disc has strong performances by orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists.'

CD Spotlight. A Prodigious Compositional Career - Gerald Fenech listens to music by French baroque composer Joseph Bodin de Boismortier. 'The Neumeyer Consort's performances display a mastery of Boismortier's language that is just astonishing ...'

CD Spotlight. A Lovely Gesture - Stephen Francis Vasta listens to Latvian conductor Mariss Jansons' last concert. 'The home listener, even without visual evidence, can sense that all was not well.'

CD Spotlight. A Dazzling Career and a Dissolute Life - Two versions of Alessandro Stradella's serenata 'La Circe', reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Estevan Velardi executes this rare programme with exceptional insight and skill ...'

CD Spotlight. Exciting and Superbly Executed - Franz Schreker's opera 'Der ferne Klang', highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Sebastian Weigle conducts this stirring but difficult work with wonderful intuition, bringing out all the luscious orchestral beauty with disarming clarity.'

CD Spotlight. The Voice of Nature - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by contemporary Latvian composer Santa Ratniece. '... the intelligence of the earth itself ...'

CD Spotlight. Different Worlds - Haydn symphonies, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'György Vashegyi ... conducts these absolutely sparkling pieces with formidable authority and unbridled zeal ... and his players respond with some utterly warm performances, brimming with bouncy wit and humour yet equally incisive drive.'

CD Spotlight. A Jewel Box of Opera Rarities - Giuseppe Pennisi explores a CD set marking the Orfeo International label's first forty years. '... at least two masterpieces emerge ...'

CD Spotlight. Recommended by Mozart - Georg Anton Benda's melodrama 'Medea', reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Katharina Thalbach is overwhelmingly effective as the narrator, while Marcus Bosch's conducting is intensely committed, capturing all the seething complexities of love, betrayal and revenge, grappling in Medea's heart and mind, with electrifying exuberance.'

CD Spotlight. Beautifully Crafted - Geoff Pearce listens to Lieder by Swiss composers Hans Schaeuble, Frank Martin, Peter Mieg, Othmar Schoeck and Arthur Honegger. '... one of the loveliest discs I have ever heard.'

CD Spotlight. One of Rameau's Greatest Works - The opera 'Dardanus' impresses Gerald Fenech. 'György Vashegyi paces his forces with meticulous mastery, and his thorough knowledge of the score enables him to bring to the listener all the felicitous nuances of this imaginative music.'

CD Spotlight. High Romanticism - Paul Sarcich discovers the music of Robert Kahn. 'Ensemble Émigré have done fine service to Kahn ...'

CD Spotlight. A Strange Beauty - Symphonies by Daniel Jones, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra delivers fine performances, as does the direction of its conductor, Bryden Thomson.'

CD Spotlight. Natural Talents - Gerald Fenech listens to Easter cantatas by Baroque German composer Christoph Graupner. 'Christian Bonath and his team give these baroque choral gems the ideal exposure, and reveal them to be the masterpieces they truly are in performances of inspirational nobility and incomparable beauty.'

CD Spotlight. An Important Discovery - Georg Philipp Telemann's Markus-Passion 1759, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'Hermann Max, a specialist not only of baroque but especially of Georg Philipp Telemann, conducts Das Kleine Konzert with rigor and flair as well as emphasis on the dramatic impact of the recitatives and on the moral content of the arias.'

CD Spotlight. Most Welcome - Gerald Fenech listens to French piano duets. 'Paul Lewis and Steven Osborne, two of Britain's foremost pianists, give matchless performances, and their virtuosic brilliance and unique sensitivity to the many nuances of these scores are an absolute joy to listen to.'

CD Spotlight. Performed at the Vauxhall Gardens - Symphonies by eighteenth century British composer John Abraham Fisher, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Michael Halász and his Czech team are in exuberant form and their pleasantly flowing performances bring out all the charm, wit and cheerfulness of this lovely music.'

CD Spotlight. Mascagni in a New Garb - Gerald Fenech recommends a new recording of Pietro Mascagni's 'Iris'. 'Krieger's exhilarating conducting draws from both his singers and players some truly sublime performances, full of unbridled enthusiasm.'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Fantastic - Music by Schnittke for violin and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are great all round, and this is a useful addition to anyone's collection.'

CD Spotlight. Miniature Gems - Gerald Fenech listens to music by two neglected Italian Baroque composers - Alessandro Stradella and Giovanni Lorenzo Gregori. '... precise yet stylish playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Stylistic Contrasts - Trumpet concertos by Alexander Arutiunian, Vladimir Peskin and Alfred Desenclos, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... this is a fine calling card for Selina Ott, who is one of those young players who will be very interesting to watch mature.'

CD Spotlight. Lusciously Fragile - Music by Ottorino Respighi, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Davide Alogna performs the Concerto with unbridled dexterity ...'

CD Spotlight. An Enchanting, Levitating Musical Experience - Choral music by Arvo Pärt, sung by Vilnius Municipal Choir Jauna Muzika and reviewed by Ona Jarmalavičiūtė. '... performed beautifully.'

CD Spotlight. Continuous Excitement - Keyboard concertos by Franz Joseph Haydn, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Mélodie Zhao's interpretations are full of warmth and colour, and her phrasing, even in the quicker passages, is consistently arresting.'

CD Spotlight. Benjamin Britten and James Joyce - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to two sets of English folk and other songs. '... very good listening ...'

CD Spotlight. Saying Goodbye - Music in response to Debussy's early death, reviewed by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are great all round, and this is a useful addition to anyone's collection.'

CD Spotlight. Exquisitely Written - Flute music for Louis XIV's Court, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'This is music full of gentle sensitivity and graceful intimacy, wonderfully performed and recorded, and a veritable treasure trove from the height of the French baroque era.'

CD Spotlight. Unearthing Lost Cornerstones - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by seventeenth century composer Balthasar Erben. '... the disk itself becomes a curatorial introduction to the composer's entire life and work. The Coviello label evidently understands the weight of this responsibility very well ...'

CD Spotlight. The Dead in the Square - Allan Pettersson's Symphony No 12, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Christian Lindberg gives a colossal interpretation of this difficult score, where everybody involved is wholly engrossed in Pettersson's unique creation.'

CD Spotlight. Awesome Stuff - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Ilya Gringolts' performances of three violin concertos by Pietro Locatelli. 'Ilya Gringolts' playing is phenomenally spellbinding, and his scintillating virtuosity and flawless execution are absolute joys and wholly worthy of constant admiration.'

CD Spotlight. An Absolute Delight - Volume three of Charles Koechlin's 'Les Chants de Nectaire' impresses Geoff Pearce. '... Nicola Woodward's playing is sumptuous, insightful and virtuosic when it needs to be, without ever being flashy.'

CD Spotlight. Enigmatic yet Fascinating - Music by Rued Langgaard for violin and piano, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The conclusion of a visionary cycle that is worthy of serious attention.'

CD Spotlight. The Para-Liturgical Art of Tchaikovsky - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to the Latvian Radio Choir. '... the score's full range is captured sharply and sensitively, bringing out the true colors as well as the pure and attractive sound of choral liturgical music.'

CD Spotlight. In Grand Style - Ballet music by Tcherepnin, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'The Moscow Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Henry Shek, performs this music ... with all the passion and commitment such a score requires.'

CD Spotlight. On the March - Saint-Saëns wind music, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... a truly glorious Saint-Saëns anthology wrapped in a different soundscape ...'

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Startlingly Immediate - Forgotten recordings from George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra, unreservedly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the music is dispatched with energetic vigour, which was the hallmark of all Szell's performances.'

CD Spotlight. Living in the Moment - Paul Sarcich explores the music of Pēteris Vasks. '... wonderfully luminous recordings of luminous music.'

CD Spotlight. Engrossingly Moving - Works for clarinet and orchestra by Nielsen, Copland and MacMillan, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A challenging programme, superbly presented and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. An Unforgettable Recital - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to Evgeny Kissin's Chopin recital from the 1985 December Nights Music Festival. 'From the very beginning of his career at the top of his game, Evgeny Kissin presents a performance that is, simply put, wild.'

CD Spotlight. Beyond Memorable - Hans Rosbaud conducts Gustav Mahler symphonies, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Rosbaud ... lays out the whole range of Mahler's passion with a fiery sense of musicality.'

CD Spotlight. Astounding Work - A second volume of orchestral music by Austrian composer Hans Rott, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... performed with passion and understanding, and the quality of the recording matches this. Bravo.'

CD Spotlight. Charming and Evocative - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Alexander Rahbari. 'The performances by all involved are very fine, and I hope that this will serve to open the ears, minds and heart to music that perhaps, without this fine composer, most of us would never get to hear.'

CD Spotlight. Metamorphosis of a Georgian Soul - John Dante Prevedini reviews essential recordings of the Giya Kancheli symphonies. '... a unique symphonic expression of the Georgian experience ...'

CD Spotlight. A Superb Set - The complete symphonies of Heitor Villa-Lobos, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Octogenarian Brazilian conductor Isaac Karabtchevsky's performances are fine and show no lack of passion or vigour.'

CD Spotlight. Strauss from the Antipodes - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews rarely-heard François Couperin orchestral transcriptions by Richard Strauss. '... good rendering by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under Jun Märkl ...'

CD Spotlight. An Absolutely Stunning Experience - Gerald Fenech is moved by organ transcriptions of symphonic music by Anton Bruckner. 'Memorable performances, high-tech sonics and informative annotations complete this superb and innovative first instalment that sets my imagination alight.'

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Imaginative - Gerald Fenech is impressed by John Rutter's sacred music, arranged by Luc Vertommen for brass band. 'Stirringly performed and conducted, this is music whose melodies and harmonies fit perfectly with the sound of a brass band ...'

CD Spotlight. Tristan, Isolde and God Almighty - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Olivier Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphony. 'On this rendering, British conductor Alexander Soddy handles very well the Nationaltheater Orchester of Mannheim, where he is general director of music, and the two soloists, Tamara Stefanovich at the piano and Thomas Bloch at the Ondes Martinot.'

CD Spotlight. Great Entertainment - SOMM Recordings' second volume of film music, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Iain Sutherland and his Promenade players display no want of energy and each track is tackled with effervescence and enthusiasm, making the music sound even more exciting than it was thought to be.'

CD Spotlight. The Sweetness of Life - Music by French baroque composer Michel-Richard de Lalande, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'The instrumental ensemble, playing period instruments or a violin manufactured in 2011 but after period specifications, is excellent.'

CD Spotlight. An Individualistic Voice - Music by French composer Florent Schmitt, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The orchestra and soloists are very fine, and the atmospheric nature of the music is beautifully captured.'

CD Spotlight. Passionately Colourful Orchestration - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Catalan composer Joan Manén. 'Ana María Valderrama's rendition of the Concerto is technically superb, and there's a purity in her tone that you don't experience every day. Darrell Ang gives sympathetic support throughout.'

CD Spotlight. A Double Rescue - Meyerbeer's little-known opera 'Romilda e Costanza', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... a rescue opera which is worth saving from oblivion.'

CD Spotlight. Animals or Aliens? - Keith Bramich listens, unprepared, to instrumental and chamber music by Enno Poppe. 'These academic new music works are expertly played but won't appeal to everyone.'

CD Spotlight. Fine and Engaging Harpsichord Music - Gerald Fenech listens to works by Gottlieb Muffat and George Frideric Handel. 'Flóra Fábri's technique is solid as a rock, and her judgement of rubato and ornamentation is absolutely unblemished.'

CD Spotlight. A Memorable Recording - Music by Bo Holten, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... storytelling at its best.'

CD Spotlight. Jubilant Performance - Christmas music from the Bristol Brass Consort, enjoyed by Keith Bramich. '... the arrangements here are varied and interesting, and the standard of performance quality is high.'

CD Spotlight. Sensitive and Thoughtful - More Christmas music from Clifton Cathedral, heard by Keith Bramich. '... this 1997 choir has a crisper sound than its 1987 vintage, and the ensemble is neater.'

CD Spotlight. A Real Adventure - Christmas in seventeenth century Mexico, conjured up by Siglo de Oro, Patrick Allies and friends, greatly impresses Keith Bramich. 'Siglo de Oro's performances here are superbly well-blended, joyously fresh and optimistic, seemingly flowing over and through the listener, sweeping them along in a stream of Mexican-tinged Renaissance splendour.'

CD Spotlight. An Atmosphere of Serene Beauty - Matthew Washington Kennedy's 'familiar favorites', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Hugely pleasant stuff, passionately executed and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. A Chronological Journey - A box set of Beethoven's keyboard compositions played by Cyprien Katsaris and enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... a clear biographical testament to one of the most influential composers of all time.'

CD Spotlight. Christmas Night - Seventeenth and eighteenth century Italian festive music, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'This is a compilation full of craft and ingenuity ...'

CD Spotlight. Enchanting and Powerful - Patrick Maxwell listens to Bruckner motets. '... performed superbly ...'

CD Spotlight. Strangely Less Familiar - Telemann Christmas Cantatas, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'There is no doubt that Willens and his team believe wholeheartedly in Telemann's work, and these pieces are perfectly executed by all involved.'

CD Spotlight. Firm Yuletide Favourites - Keith Bramich listens to a wide range of Christmas carols from Clifton Catholic Cathedral. 'Generally, everything is well-sung, tight and in-tune.'

CD Spotlight. A Tango Like You've Never Heard Before - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by Kuljit Bhamra and Davide Giovannini. '... always colorful, never boring, even though at times overflowing with impressions.'

CD Spotlight. Merriment and Joy - Music by Nicola Matteis, John Banister, Gottfried Finger, Matthew Locke and Johann Schop, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Elegant and full of warmth, these dances are imaginatively orchestrated and extremely well crafted, and the playing is wonderfully affective.'

CD Spotlight. Symphonic Fantasias on Songs - Peter Breiner's 'Slovak Dances, Naughty and Sad', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Elegant and full of warmth, these dances are imaginatively orchestrated and extremely well crafted, and the playing is wonderfully affective.'

CD Spotlight. Six Composers, Piano, Strings and Voice - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to works by six female composers. '... performed profoundly ...'

CD Spotlight. Angels in Paris - Two sets of solo flute music by Charles Koechlin, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... Nicola Woodward's flute playing in the two sets that I have heard is sumptuous and varied, and one could not wish for a finer performance.'

CD Spotlight. Revisiting the Close Bond of Violin and Guitar - Kim Sjøgren and Lars Hannibal play music by Paganini and Sarasate, heard by Ona Jarmalavičiūtė. '... very elegant, vibrant, virtuosic and illustrative.'

CD Spotlight. Beset by Misfortune - Gerald Fenech listens to 'Kullervo' by Jean Sibelius. '... beautifully shaped and vocally refined and the voices come across clear and resonant.'

CD Spotlight. Stylistically Varied - Geoff Pearce recommends music by Mikis Theodorakis and Jani Christou. '... the varied moods, colours and textures are brought vividly to life.'

CD Spotlight. An Integral Part of Christmas - Carols from the SWR Vokal Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully shaped and vocally refined and the voices come across clear and resonant.'

CD Spotlight. A Vision of Ambivalence and Incoherence - Music by Kalevi Aho, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... it makes huge demands on the listener ...'

CD Spotlight. Liszt the Pilgrim - Michele Campanella's recording of Liszt's 'Années de pèlerinage', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... a virtuoso rendering with a very personal touch.'

CD Spotlight. Quietly Ambiguous - Stephen Francis Vasta feels vaguely let down by Mami Shikimori and the Wihan Quartet's performances of Fauré and Franck. '... wonderfully committed and incisive playing.'

CD Spotlight. Triumphant Optimism - Lucas Ball compares two Beethoven choral works on a new recording from harmonia mundi. 'I love what the chorus does here ...'

CD Spotlight. Excellent Music Overshadowed - Geoff Pearce has a first encounter with the music of Zdeněk Fibich. '... fine performances and warmth of sound ...'

CD Spotlight. A Unique and Modern Dissonance - The complete piano music of Lennox Berkeley, heard by Patrick Maxwell. '... Douglas Stevens has given all of his works here a brilliant series of renditions ...'

CD Spotlight. Immense Joy - Gerald Fenech listens to Beethoven and Gossec symphonies. 'A first-rate project deserving of the most serious of investigations.'

CD Spotlight. A Philological Discovery - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a Naxos boxed set of Monteverdi madrigals. 'I think it was successful and is worth listening to by those accustomed to different ways of performing Monteverdi.'

CD Spotlight. Love, Jealousy and Madness - Music inspired by Ariosto's poem 'Orlando Furioso', heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Filippo Mineccia sings with an exceptional timbre that is sensual and luminous, mixing virtuosity with sensitivity, while Pablo Garcia and his ensemble give sympathetic support with their insightful playing.'

CD Spotlight. Enormous Potential - Orchestral music by Hans Rott impresses Geoff Pearce. '... fine performances and warmth of sound ...'

CD Spotlight. Awakening the Joy for Life - Béla Hartmann is impressed by music for clarinet and piano by Brahms and Widmann played by Jörg Widmann and András Schiff. 'In every respect this is a superb CD, combining playing of the highest craft and musical understanding with great works of the past, as well as new contributions which are likely to become established regulars in the modern piano repertoire.'

CD Spotlight. Górecki's Strings - Giuseppe Pennisi compares two recent recordings of Górecki string quartets. '... Quatuor Molinari has a more melancholic approach than the Tippett Quartet.'

CD Spotlight. Time and Space - Geoff Pearce recommends accessible contemporary music for cello by French composer Dominique Lemaître, played by Dan Barrett. 'All the artists involved, and especially cellist Dan Barrett, produce truly inspirational music making.'

CD Spotlight. A Polynesian Idyll - The first recording of Reynaldo Hahn's opera 'L'île du rêve', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... singers, orchestra and chorus are top notch.'

CD Spotlight. Beethoven's Favourite Instrument - Peter Hill and Benjamin Frith play piano four hand music by the genius from Bonn, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... devotedly recorded, impressively executed, rewardingly researched.'

CD Spotlight. Don Giovanni's Ancestor - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to the seventeenth century 'L'Empio Punito' by Alessandro Melani. '... a real discovery for opera lovers who have not experienced a live performance.'

CD Spotlight. Dash and Verve - Gerald Fenech listens to Piano Concertos 3, 4 and 5 by the enigmatic Camille Saint-Saëns. 'Alexandre Kantorow performs these highly attractive concertos with terrific panache, energy and a forward-thrusting momentum that make the whole project deeply distinctive while respecting throughout the composer's imaginative and innovative bravado.'

CD Spotlight. Ready for a Revival - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to 'Phèdre' - a rare opera by Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. 'The distinct feature of Lemoyne's opera is the weight and importance given to the protagonist. The role is sung by the Dutch soprano Judith van Wanroij: it fits her perfectly as can be felt in her initial major arias, with chorus as well as with other members of the cast.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Riveting Stuff - Gerald Fenech explores a harmonia mundi disc depicting folly in various forms. 'This music is without doubt Stephanie d'Oustrac's territory, and she once again rises to the occasion with some superlative singing full of heartfelt passion, feverish emotion and dramatic intensity.'

CD Spotlight. Changes of Mood - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Carl Nielsen's music for solo violin and for violin and piano. 'The performances are of a high standard, as one would expect, and violinist Hasse Borup and pianist Andrew Staupe play the music with great affection and attention to detail.'

CD Spotlight. Graceful and Charming - Gerald Fenech enjoys orchestral operatic music by Auber, recorded in the Czech Republic. 'An excellent compilation ... of some really bouncy music in good sound and annotations.'

CD Spotlight. Lightness and Joyousness - Geoff Pearce strongly recommends Josephine Knight's recordings of works for cello and orchestra by Robert Schumann and Alfredo Piatti. 'This is a beautifully presented disc, the orchestra and soloist work very well together, are in very fine fettle and the recordings could easily be put up there with the very best.'

CD Spotlight. Mystical Eastern Chants - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Igor Kuljerić's Croatian Glagolitic Requiem. 'An enticing discovery that has all the hallmarks to command serious investigation from all music lovers across the board. Sound and presentation are first-rate.'

CD Spotlight. Imaginative Prowess - Gerald Fenech listens to piano music by the twentieth century English composer Herbert Howells. 'Deeply attractive music, sensitively played and sumptuously recorded.'

CD Spotlight. The Sweetness of Life - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to harpsichord music by François Couperin. '... the key note is B flat major which at the time was an experimental, almost avant-garde tonality. Jory Vinikour shows it very well and demonstrates how Couperin was ahead of many other harpsichordists.'

CD Spotlight. Particularly Arresting - Further music by the recently deceased American composer Paul Reale impresses Geoff Pearce. 'Although these works are in an unmistakably modern idiom, they are exciting, fresh and performed with panache.'

CD Spotlight. Between Centuries and Cultures - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Johann Simon Mayr's 1814 opera 'Le due duchesse'. 'The richness is clear from the Sinfonia.'

CD Spotlight. A Multifaceted Intellectual - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Saint-Saëns' opéra fantastique 'Le timbre d'argent'. 'From the very start of the overture, the listener feels that this is a brisk and expert ensemble.'

CD Spotlight. A Very Impressive Disc - Geoff Pearce listens to music for trumpet by Australian composer Brendan Collins. 'There is some fantastic playing by all the artists on the disc which is sure to delight all who hear it.'

CD Spotlight. Magic and Mystery - Gerald Fenech listens to music for guitar and orchestra played by Junhong Kuang, Darrell Ang and the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice. 'An attractive assortment of guitar music from both sides of the Atlantic, marvellously executed and recorded, with some well researched notes thrown in for good measure.'

CD Spotlight. Hallmarks of a Troubled Mindset - Patrick Maxwell listens critically to the Fitzwilliam String Quartet's Schubert. 'This CD holds within some extremely heart-rending, joyous and emotionally infused music, played by some wonderful individual players.'

CD Spotlight. Somewhat Disturbing - Thought-provoking music by Naomi Pinnock, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances and attention to detail were impressive, which added to my enjoyment and comprehension of the music.'

CD Spotlight. Beethoven the Innovator - Cuarteto Casals plays a selection of Beethoven string quartets, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'All of the highest quality.'

CD Spotlight. A Swiss Household Name - Music for guitar by Hans Haug and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the enchanting playing of Marisa Minder is memorable throughout.'

CD Spotlight. In Tune with the Changing Times - Giuseppe Pennisi discovers the eighteenth century Neapolitan composer Girolamo Rossi. '... an important discovery.'

CD Spotlight. Matching Words with Music - Gerald Fenech listens to music for soprano and clarinet by Lori Laitman, Kalmen Opperman and Diana Rosenblum. 'The programme is delivered with panache and polished maturity ...'

CD Spotlight. A Fine Composer - Orchestral music by American composer Barbara Harbach, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the London Philharmonic Orchestra is very fine and conductor David Angus obviously provides great insight into how this music should be performed.'

CD Spotlight. New York, New York - Giuseppe Pennisi is impressed by Joanne Chang's piano recital featuring music by Debussy, Ravel, Scriabin, Ernesto Lecuona and May Aufderheide. 'She is very passionate and sweet ...'

CD Spotlight. Delicate Textures - Songs for soprano and ensemble by Symon Clarke, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... the music is very well-written, thoughtful and beautifully performed.'

CD Spotlight. Quite Original in its Way - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Brazilian composer Alberto Nepomuceno. 'The programme is delivered with panache and polished maturity ...'

CD Spotlight. Highly Enjoyable - Gerald Fenech listens to film music played by Iain Sutherland and the Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra. '... brought to light with the utmost conviction.'

CD Spotlight. Hidden Secrets - Gerald Fenech listens to twentieth century British piano music played by Nathan Williamson. '... brought to light with the utmost conviction.'

CD Spotlight. An Experimental Shake - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to Shakespeare settings by Brahms, Schumann, Pesetsky and Summer. '... the experiment ... should be praised for its courage and innovation ...'

CD Spotlight. A British Tint - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to two recent orchestral works by British composer Philip Sawyers. 'The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Kenneth Woods, gives masterly performances of the two pieces.'

CD Spotlight. Night and Day - Osmo Vänskä's recording of Mahler's Symphony No 7, recommended by Patrick Maxwell. 'The music on this impressive recording deserves much larger recognition ...'

CD Spotlight. Approachable Music - The complete violin and piano music of Lutosławski and Penderecki, strongly recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances by violinist Michael Foyle and pianist Maksim Štšura are responsive, intelligent and very polished and I, for one, found this disc a delight.'

CD Spotlight. Primitive Brazilianness - Music for piano and orchestra by José Antônio de Almeida Prado, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Beautifully recorded and annotated.'

CD Spotlight. A Sort of a Mystery - Carl Nielsen's incidental music for the play 'The Mother', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an interpretation of the utmost precision, with tempi and dynamics handled with vibrant, life-affirming gusto.'

CD Spotlight. An Unusual Debut - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Ravel, James Francis Brown and Liana Alexandra, performed by Andrea Oliva and the Hemisphaeria Trio. '... an innovative program by a very promising ensemble.'

CD Spotlight. Ostentatiously Evocative - Vadim Gluzman plays music by Pēteris Vasks, heard by Patrick Maxwell. 'The music on this impressive recording deserves much larger recognition ...'

CD Spotlight. Well Worth Supporting - Geoff Pearce listens to the third symphony by Italian-born American composer John A Carollo. '... a distinct, assured musical voice which is not quite like anyone else I have heard.'

CD Spotlight. Soulful Awareness - Patrick Maxwell listens to Margarita Gritskova and Maria Prinz performing Prokofiev songs. '... played with a precise and enjoyable dexterity and with admirable clarity; the collection as a whole deserves to be celebrated.'

CD Spotlight. Fascinatingly Exuberant and Bold - Gerald Fenech explores the music of American composer Aaron Jay Kernis. 'Giancarlo Guerrero and his Nashville Symphony are ardent advocates of the composer ...'

CD Spotlight. Impressive Dexterity - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by American composers William Dawson and Ulysses Kay. 'Arthur Fagen draws some immaculate playing from his Viennese Orchestra ...'

CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Insight - Geoff Pearce enjoys piano music by the late Paul Reale, played by John Jensen. 'The composer regarded Jensen as his ideal interpreter ...'

CD Spotlight. Passionate Language - Violin Concertos by the late Myroslav Skoryk, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Andrej Bielow is an enthusiastic advocate of his compatriot's music, and his flowing virtuosity gives these works a glowing attire; also, concern to every phrase and nuance is consistently in focus. Sirenko and his Ukraine ensemble give unbridled support.'

CD Spotlight. Gentle and Tender Stravinsky - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to violin and piano music by the Russian master. '... a new and beautiful reading ...'

CD Spotlight. Lively and Dynamic - Geoff Pearce listens to symphonies by Czech composer Franz Krommer. 'This interesting and enjoyable disc will delight most listeners rather than astound them.'

CD Spotlight. Unfamiliar yet Totally Rewarding - Gerald Fenech listens to symphonies by the twentieth century Norwegian composer Eivind Groven. 'The Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra delivers performances that are convincing throughout, and Peter Szilvay's ardent attention to detail brings out all the hidden twists of these remarkable but unjustly neglected scores.'

CD Spotlight. A Wide Emotional Spectrum - Alexandra Matvievskaya plays Fauré piano music, appreciated by Patrick Maxwell. '... played with a precise and enjoyable dexterity and with admirable clarity; the collection as a whole deserves to be celebrated.'

CD Spotlight. Enticing Orchestration - Gerald Fenech listens to tone poems by César Franck performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and conductor Jean-Luc Tingaud. 'This fine issue also includes three overtures ...'

CD Spotlight. Cheerfulness, Humour and Passion - Pietari Inkinen conducts Dvořák's Symphony No 6, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'This fine issue also includes three overtures ...'

CD Spotlight. A Nostalgic Novelty - Paul English's 'Girl in Green', reviewed by Ona Jarmalavičiūtė. '... feels personal and human, bringing charged emotion.'

CD Spotlight. A Powder-keg of Uncontrolled Passions - Gerald Fenech is impressed with this new recording of Korngold's 'Violanta'. '... Pinchas Steinberg's insightful reading draws some hot-blooded singing and playing.'

CD Spotlight. Romantic Concertos - Geoff Pearce listens to Dohnányi's two piano concertos. 'Sofja Gülbadamova is a superb pianist who obviously identifies with this composer and has the crispness, accuracy and flair to bring off these two works.'

CD Spotlight. Resplendent Sound - Stephen Francis Vasta has mixed feelings about Mariss Jansons' 2008 recording of Bruckner's 'Romantic' Symphony. 'I enjoyed the focus and resonance of the bass strings, providing a solid support for the full orchestra; the lovely clarity of the woodwind principals - the bright, forward oboes and clarinets suggest the organ's reed stops - and the brass choir's full-bodied depth.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Joy - Patrick Maxwell celebrates Peter Donohoe's Mozart Piano Sonatas. '... played with a precise and enjoyable dexterity and with admirable clarity; the collection as a whole deserves to be celebrated.'

CD Spotlight. Haydn at his Light-hearted Best - Haydn Cello Concertos, heartily recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the brilliant and sparkling playing of Natalie Clein brings out all the beauty of this music.'

CD Spotlight. Extraordinarily Gifted - Hans Rosbaud conducts Beethoven, and Gerald Fenech is impressed. 'These exceptional recordings, taped between 1953 and 1962, reveal a conductor of exceptional insight and unbounded energy, and these interpretations can be safely considered as among the very best of their time.'

CD Spotlight. Baroque Minimalism and 21st Century Minds - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music for violin by Philip Glass. 'The magic of this iconic figure in American music is still aweing listeners.'

CD Spotlight. Fierce Criticism - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Rodion Shchedrin and Ottorino Respighi. '... a fitting tribute to Mariss Jansons ...'

CD Spotlight. Out of the Ordinary - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a new recording of Verdi's 'Otello'. '... a new and beautiful reading ...'

CD Spotlight. Full-blooded Italianate Roots - Stephen Francis Vasta listens to Donizetti's 'La favorite'. '... Fabio Luisi projects the score with refinement and character.'

CD Spotlight. Lifting the Spirits - Reformation music, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Five hundred years of memorable music condensed into just seventy-one minutes and performed spectacularly by Jared Stellmacher and Mark Sudeith, sympathetically supported by the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble.'

CD Spotlight. Enjoyable Stuff - Liszt, Schubert and Brahms piano works, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Christopher Park's near flawless interpretations have a broad structural vision, and his exquisite and intimate phrasing, while not over-romanticised, makes these works sound even more impressive. The Liszt/Schubert piece is particularly stirring, even more so through the sympathetic support of Eschenbach and his players.'

CD Spotlight. Engrossing Memories - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein. 'The Wolf Trap Opera National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic, conducted by James Judd, offers very professional, but not startling, performances.'

CD Spotlight. Soft-painted Colours - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Norwegian composer David Monrad Johansen. 'This is brilliantly performed Nordic music with warmth written all over it.'

CD Spotlight. Very Palatable - Geoff Pearce listens to orchestral music by Albéric Magnard. 'The quality of the performances by Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg and conductor Fabrice Bollon is exemplary and complimentary to the work of this minor master.'

CD Spotlight. Audacious Symphonic Language - Prokofiev's Symphonies Nos 3 and 6 played by the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Pietari Inkinen and his German ensemble are on top form and both symphonies receive compelling interpretations full of cohesive and dynamic playing.'

CD Spotlight. An Impressive Undertaking - Simon Rattle conducts Wagner's 'Die Walküre', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'The singing and the orchestra raise this performance above the ordinary.'

CD Spotlight. Incandescent - Gerald Fenech listens to the second Naxos disc of Charles-Marie Widor's organ symphonies. 'Wolfgang Rübsam provides irrepressible playing in these two early but much enterprising works.'

CD Spotlight. Distinctly Continental - Patrick Maxwell listens to Brahms from Lars Vogt and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. '... carried off with impressive dexterity by the players ...'

CD Spotlight. Supremely Pianistic - Gerald Fenech finds pure joy in Etsuko Hirose's recent Moszkowski piano works disc. 'Truly hair-raising stuff, wonderfully annotated and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Very Satisfying - Music for strings by American composer Paul Reale, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'Paul Reale shows himself as a fine composer for string ensemble ...'

CD Spotlight. Special in Many Ways - Gerald Fenech listens to Musorgsky and Ravel, conducted by François-Xavier Roth. 'Truly hair-raising stuff, wonderfully annotated and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Imperial Music - Giuseppe Pennisi enjoys a recital by Karina Gauvin. 'Here the listener can appreciate Karina Gauvin's superb phrasing and elegant coloratura.'

CD Spotlight. Magical Repertoire - Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Kashchei the Immortal', enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Do not be taken aback; the sound quality is miraculous and I enjoyed listening to this historic venture with immense pleasure.'

CD Spotlight. Great Character - Lucas Ball listens to Riccardo Minasi's interpretations of late Mozart symphonies. 'Minasi's control is great here.'

CD Spotlight. Youthful Influences - Early string quartets by William Alwyn, heard by Patrick Maxwell. '... carried off with impressive dexterity by the players ...'

CD Spotlight. Meaning and Identity - Gerald Fenech listens to Leonard Bernstein's first two symphonies. 'A wholly impressive issue, brilliantly performed and recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Love's Trials and Rewards - Gustav Holst's 'The Cloud Messenger', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'This colourful chamber version by Joseph Fort lends the more tender passages a new intimacy and clarity, while retaining much of the force of the original and preparing the foundations for a new life in performance.'

CD Spotlight. A Korngold Renaissance - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews a four CD set of music by the Austrian-born composer. 'The wholeness of this anthology is admirable.'

CD Spotlight. A Musical Goldmine - Gerald Fenech enjoys music by Giovanni Battista Vitali. '... gorgeously crafted music full of melodic sweetness and intensely passionate emotions.'

CD Spotlight. Undoubted Historical Importance - Paul Sarcich listens to music by Nikos Skalkottas. '... Skalkottas is no slave of Schoenberg - he has his own take on Schoenberg's methods and one could not confuse the two.'

CD Spotlight. An Unmissable Issue - Gerald Fenech explores the music of Marc'Antonio Ingegneri. 'The repetition of phrases in the musical exchange between the two choirs becomes almost hypnotic for the listener, and one feels totally engrossed in the Eucharistic mystery.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Colours and Flavour - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music from Sharon Isbin and the Pacifica Quartet. '... an original program and excellent rendering make very pleasant listening.'

CD Spotlight. A Celebratory Mood - Gerald Fenech is impressed with a new recording of Beethoven's Mass in C. 'Leif Segerstam leads a first-class group of soloists and brings out all the humanity and tenderness of the music with aplomb.'

CD Spotlight. Tonal Brilliance - Brahms clarinet chamber music, heard by Patrick Maxwell. '... Brahms' incredible score is done full justice in this recording, which shows the best of the composer's last years and the glories of Romantic chamber music.'

CD Spotlight. Inestimable Value - Gerald Fenech listens to 'Hypermnestre' by French baroque composer Charles-Hubert Gervais. 'Vashegyi marshalls his moderate forces with a caring deftness that betrays his sense of purpose and engagement with Gervais' score. Indeed, this is a deeply intelligent and attractive performance that should arouse the fresh sense of investigation which it so richly deserves.'

CD Spotlight. Thus Conducted Mariss Jansons - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė discovers a unique listening experience on one of the Latvian conductor's last recordings, featuring Daniil Trifonov and the music of Richard Strauss. '... this maverick CD contains contrasting faces of Richard Strauss, Trifonov's virtuoso skills and one of the last memories of Mariss Jansons' conducting.'

CD Spotlight. Prevailing Classicism - Music by Prokofiev for the cello, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Conductor, soloists and orchestra get under Prokofiev's skin with renditions full of fire and energy, spiced with a Slavonic spirit that complements the texture of the music - mesmerising virtuosity matched only by the genius of the composer.'

CD Spotlight. Unique and Most Compelling - Concertos by Danish composer Bent Sørensen, heard by Eugene Takeuchi-Williams. '... in these three pieces, Sørensen is the consistent champion of the understatement.'

CD Spotlight. Interesting Stuff - Beethoven's 'King Stephen' and other rare works, appreciated by Gerald Fenech. 'Finely performed and recorded, this CD is a must for all serious collectors and admirers of the great man.'

CD Spotlight. Youthfulness and Energy - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to chamber music by Paul Hindemith. '... an explosion of happiness and a real whirlwind from the very fast introduction to the vibrant finale ...'

CD Spotlight. The Host and the Guest - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to a celebration of Eastern and Western musical cultures. '... truly striking performances.'

CD Spotlight. Worth Investigating - Music for cello by J S Bach and Mike Block, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... my feeling was one of spontaneous joy and serenity.'

CD Spotlight. Unpredictable and Beautiful - Gerald Fenech admires volume 4 of Malcolm Martineau's 'Decades - A Century of Song'. 'The programme is mellifluously performed and all the songs give immense pleasure. Martineau's singers have fresh, youthful voices and they are consistently caring for each word in the texts, while his own playing is sensitive and coloured throughout.'

CD Spotlight. Psychological Acuity - Music for harp by Boris Tishchenko impresses Gerald Fenech. '... challenging but highly rewarding music, passionately performed and sumptuously recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Enjoyable - Dohnányi's 'The Veil of Pierrette', recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The rapid changes of mood and atmosphere are well done, and the playing of all concerned is exemplary.'

CD Spotlight. A Splendid Performance - Rachel Mahon plays Canadian organ music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'A hugely enjoyable album, well worth hearing ...'

CD Spotlight. Undoubtedly Colourful - Music by Poulenc and Koechlin, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'Odradek and the Bambergers have produced clean, well-balanced recordings and treated both composers with great sensitivity. The orchestral playing is first rate.'

CD Spotlight. A Dynamic Vitality - Music for organ and orchestra by Saint-Saëns and Poulenc, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'A hugely enjoyable album, well worth hearing ...'

CD Spotlight. An Absolute Soprano - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a recording by Marina Rebeka. '... perfect emission ... consummate technical skills ...'

CD Spotlight. Highly Effective - Gerald Fenech listens to miniatures by William Mathias. '... splendid and sweetly unaffected performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Uniformly Excellent - A complete recording of Beethoven's 'The Ruins of Athens', highly recommended by Julian Jacobson. 'The maverick Finnish conductor and composer Leif Segerstam ... and his varied forces give a splendidly committed and characterful account of the complete entertainment.'

CD Spotlight. Eschatological Truth - Gerald Fenech is inspired by Josef Suk's 'Asrael' Symphony. '... Jakob Hrůša gives a compelling rendition that is intense, profound and consistently electrifying.'

CD Spotlight. Fierce Urgency - Bach Collegium Japan's St Matthew Passion, reviewed by Patrick Maxwell. 'Suzuki's forces create this inner energy in a way that surges, through the music, into the crucifixion, creating the mix of oratorio and opera that Bach must have been envisaging when the work was first performed across the church of St Thomas' in Leipzig in 1827.'

CD Spotlight. Startlingly Original - Michael Gielen conducts Beethoven's 'Missa Solemnis', heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The orchestra is magnificent and the choir rises to the occasion with some impassioned singing. Top of the list are the four soloists, whose renditions are nothing short of impressive and iridescent.'

CD Spotlight. Something of a Marvel - Lucas Ball listens to J S Bach, Caroline Shaw and Robert Schumann, played by Amy Yang. '... Yang's delivery can be wild and exciting and even irritable but also depressing, lonely and longing.'

CD Spotlight. Translucent Performances - Gerald Fenech listens to music written for Louis XIII. '... a rich array of delicately chiselled miniatures full of fragile beauty and sweet-sounding textures.'

CD Spotlight. South American Melodic Turns - Music by José Serebrier, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... I was very much taken by the imagination, colour, rhythm and neo-classical expressiveness of the music, particularly in the "tango" pieces ...'

CD Spotlight. Effervescent Beauty - Music by Pärt, Vasks and MacMillan, sung by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, impressing Patrick Maxwell. 'This recording from the Choir of Clare College Cambridge under the direction of Graham Ross cements their position as one of the finest church ensembles in the country ...'

CD Spotlight. The Charm of 'La Nuova Commedia Dell'arte' - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Busoni's 'Turandot' and 'Arlecchino'. '... this is a book and two CDs to enjoy and to make an elegant gift.'

CD Spotlight. Opposite Religious Poles - Secret Catholic music by William Byrd impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Absolute joy from beginning to end.'

CD Spotlight. Immediately Engaging - Raphael Wallfisch plays cello concertos by Mieczysław Weinberg, recommended unreservedly by Geoff Pearce. 'This magnificent disc showcases the work of a composer who is still relatively under-represented in recording catalogues and on the concert platform.'

CD Spotlight. Great Advocacy - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Nikos Skalkottas. 'Stefanos Tsialis draws impassioned playing from his Athens ensemble, and the openheartedness and technical finesse with which these works are despatched is beyond admiration.'

CD Spotlight. Serious and Entertaining - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to choral music by William Mathias. '... each moment ... truly captivates and draws further.'

CD Spotlight. Nothing Short of Heroic - Idil Biret plays César Franck, impressing Gerald Fenech. 'My impression is that Biret does not only interpret these works but she reincarnates them.'

CD Spotlight. A Good Anthology - The story of Dido, Queen of Carthage, as seen by eight Baroque composers, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... this is a book and two CDs to enjoy and to make an elegant gift.'

CD Spotlight. Committed and Highly Energetic - Gerald Fenech listens to Mahler 6 from the Essener Philharmoniker. 'Netopil has stiff competition but this meticulously detailed, immaculately paced, vibrantly played version can stand with heads held high among the most recent issues of this work.'

CD Spotlight. Of Considerable Interest - Music by Gian Francesco Malipiero, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This excellent Naxos disc is well worth exploring, and performances from all concerned are very fine indeed.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Admirable - Gerald Fenech listens to works by French composer Louise Farrenc. 'An exhilarating addition to the composer's discography, passionately performed and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Touching the Heart - Choral music by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'David Shuler and his choristers deliver interpretations of sheer beauty brimming with natural and musical phrasing, spot-on-intonation and a glorious tonal blend ...'

CD Spotlight. A Precious Recording - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Offenbach's 'Maître Péronilla'. '... this is a book and two CDs to enjoy and to make an elegant gift.'

CD Spotlight. Strengths and Weaknesses - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Max von Schillings. 'A very fine addition to CPO's ongoing advocacy of Schillings' oeuvre in detailed notes and exemplary sonics.'

CD Spotlight. Masterly Setting - Paul Sarcich listens to traditional Croatian song plus jazz-rock inflected arrangements. 'The recording of the women is very clear and detailed, the big band has some balance problems ...'

CD Spotlight. Masterly Setting - Gerald Fenech listens to choral music by Kenneth Leighton. 'Performances are of a consistently high level throughout and blessed with a beautifully recorded sound.'

CD Spotlight. A Delight - Song cycles by Mahler, Berg and Rhian Samuel, sung by Ruby Hughes with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, impress Geoff Pearce. 'Right from the start, she shows a more flexible and somewhat lighter voice, but a very good understanding of the lyrics, and she colours her voice beautifully to express this.'

CD Spotlight. Interesting and Varied - New music from Apollo Chamber Players, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are committed and enjoyable.'

CD Spotlight. Dazzling Virtuosity - Mendelssohn concertos from the Stankov Ensemble and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Exceptionally beautiful music, sparklingly performed, sumptuously recorded, with a very insightful essay thrown in for good measure.'

CD Spotlight. A Gorgeous Tribute - Piano music by Ireland and Tchaikovsky impresses Gerald Fenech. '... a fascinating series of contrasts within a framework of spectacular effects.'

CD Spotlight. Exquisite Precision - Early Beethoven from Boris Giltburg, Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Patrick Maxwell. '... the orchestra and the piano are often interwoven in their lines, and the conversational phrases built up a tension that is perfectly managed by Giltburg.'

CD Spotlight. An Auspicious Start - Gerald Fenech listens to the first disc in the new Naxos cycle of Widor organ symphonies. '... a fascinating series of contrasts within a framework of spectacular effects.'

CD Spotlight. Remarkable Expressiveness - Piano transcriptions by Kirchner, Reger and Brahms, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Uriel Tsachor performs these ingenious pieces with a poetic brilliance that is consistently arresting ...'

CD Spotlight. Unusual and Colourful - Contemporary orchestral works and concertos by James Lentini, Rain Worthington, Jan Järvlepp, Peter Castine and Beth Mehocic, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are committed and enjoyable.'

CD Spotlight. Style and Panache - Gerald Fenech listens to flute music by Mieczysław Weinberg. 'A compelling disc which should keep the renewed interest in Weinberg's musical legacy on the upward curve.'

CD Spotlight. Exquisite Pacing - Gerald Fenech listens to Mendelssohn's String Symphonies. 'Michi Gaigg and his Baroque Orchestra deliver performances full of charm and beauty ...'

CD Spotlight. High Praise - Gerald Fenech listens to film music by Gerard Schurmann. 'Notes and sound are superb. A must for film addicts.'

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Engaging - Villa-Lobos, Bax and Bolcom from Kerry Duwors and Futaba Niekawa, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the sheer musicianship, combined with flawless technique and imaginative programming, never fails to impress me.'

CD Spotlight. Emotional Gravitas - Gerald Fenech recommends this recording of the 1876 version of Dvořák's Stabat Mater. '... this latest undertaking has excellence written all over it.'

CD Spotlight. Contrast and Energy - Modern wind chamber music, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This is an enjoyable disc with quite a diversity of styles, performed by musicians of high calibre. I think most people who listen to these works will enjoy them.'

CD Spotlight. Why Mahler? - Roger Norrington's interpretation of Mahler's Fourth Symphony, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Roger Norrington presents the music very much as Mahler would have approved, and dynamics are never exaggerated. The orchestra is never allowed to be short on emotion and overall this performance is deeply moving. Anu Komsi is also perfectly cast as the child-like soprano in the last movement.'

CD Spotlight. Interesting and Entertaining - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Paul Reale. '... a fantastic disc ...'

CD Spotlight. Jewel in the Scottish Musical Crown - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė is impressed by Mr McFall's Chamber. '... a vivid kaleidoscope of impromptu freely expressed creativity.'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Riveting - Kent Nagano's recording of the 1869 version of Mussorgsky's 'Boris Godunov', reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Nagano's formidable insight is able to take the listener on a musical journey into the dark depths of the human soul. Painful, yes, but unmissable.'

CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Scottish Flavour - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music and songs by Judith Weir. '... a fantastic disc ...'

CD Spotlight. The Harpsichord's Newest Reincarnation - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to twentieth century harpsichord concertos. 'Not many harpsichord players are as multifaceted and expressive as Jory Vinikour when interpreting modern music.'

CD Spotlight. Dramatic Stuff - Sibelius' 'Kullervo', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The foremost Sibelius conductor Hannu Lintu's interpretation is brimming with maturity and grandeur. His pacing is impeccable, and he draws vivid singing from his choir and soloists, not to mention the impressive sense of sweep from the orchestra.'

CD Spotlight. Unhurried and Spacious - Geoff Pearce listens to Ernst von Dohnányi's first symphony. '... a fantastic disc ...'

CD Spotlight. The Merging of Migrating Sounds - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by American composer Derek Bermel. '... here the merge is extremely harmonious.'

CD Spotlight. Music of the Utmost Beauty - Gerald Fenech listens to Weber's 'Euryanthe'. '... highly charged emotional singing, felicitous and lush playing, and the ensemble and choral pieces are brought off with panache and precision.'

CD Spotlight. Charming and Engaging - Geoff Pearce recommends Alexander Moyzes' Dances from Slovakia. '... colourful and joyful music, beautifully performed ...'

CD Spotlight. The French Romantic Experience - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a CD box set from Palazzetto Bru Zane in Venice. '... almost a mini course in French Romantic music, and well worth a try.'

CD Spotlight. A Tradition Still Alive - Gerald Fenech listens to Advent carols from King's College London. 'A hugely beautiful issue, full of inspiring singing and emotional joy, performed with fine control, impressive depth of tone and a dynamic range that commands one's admiration from start to finish.'

CD Spotlight. Highly Enjoyable - Patrick Maxwell listens to Brahms from the Primrose Piano Quartet. '... the playing is meticulous and the overall effect magnificent.'

CD Spotlight. Gounod's First Faust of 1859 - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Christophe Rousset's new recording from Bru Zane. 'Everything is lighter, softer, more sensual.'

CD Spotlight. Judged to Perfection - Baroque oboe sonatas played by Xenia Löffler, strongly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... played very pleasingly with great style and panache by all instruments concerned.'

CD Spotlight. Arrangements for Chamber Orchestra - Gerald Fenech listens to scaled-down Busoni, Debussy and Mahler. 'All four works retain a certain freshness in their new garb, and despite the sound world created being slightly less opulent than their orchestral originals, they still acquire a more fully-fleshed structure than some keyboard reductions.'

CD Spotlight. Great Character - Lucas Ball listens to the latest volume in James Brawn's Beethoven series. '... the sort of technical control and agility that you get from many world class artists.'

CD Spotlight. Sparkingly Virtuosic - Kim Cook plays music for cello and orchestra by Elgar, Schumann, Dvořák and Strauss, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The soloist, when she enters, is authoritative, warm and very sure footed, and reveals what a remarkable artist she is.'

CD Spotlight. Deeply Humane - Patrick Maxwell listens to music by John Dowland. '... the exquisite word-painting comes through brilliantly ...'

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Natural - Leila Schayegh plays Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... she succeeds brilliantly with some magical playing full of "joie de vivre" and silhouetted tone painting.'

CD Spotlight. Delicately Played - Ali Hirèche plays Chopin, heard by Patrick Maxwell. 'Hirèche manages to give an impeccable portrait of Chopin, through a mixture of the multiple skills required to give an effervescent yet intimate feel to the music.'

CD Spotlight. A Glittering Compilation - Spanish Christmas music from Stile Antico impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Flawless performances by Stile Antico, added to some impressive sonics and eye-catching presentation ...'

CD Spotlight. Handel and the Roman Baroque School - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Lorenzo Tozzi's Romabarocca Ensemble. '... a precious CD from which to learn little known aspects of baroque music ...'

CD Spotlight. To Be or Not To Be - Franco Faccio's opera 'Amleto', heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A must for all opera lovers, particularly those interested in nineteenth century Italian repertoire.'

CD Spotlight. Something of Rare Beauty - Twentieth century oboe sonatas by York Bowen, Petr Eben, Henri Dutilleux, Eugène Bozza, Francis Poulenc and Camille Saint-Saëns, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'What a fantastic and inspiring team Alex Klein and Phillip Bush make.'

CD Spotlight. An Introspective Reflection - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music created by Australian composer Mark John McEncroe. '... beautiful music is currently in demand, and there are listeners for Mark John McEncroe's emotional platform.'

CD Spotlight. Impressive and Delightful - Geoff Pearce listens to Martin Setchell playing the Christchurch Town Hall Rieger organ in New Zealand. '... a wide range of organ music that I am sure will delight lovers of fine organ playing.'

CD Spotlight. Vintage Rossini - A Munich recording of the early opera 'Sigismondo', heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Keri Lynn Wilson paces the work with an uncanny tempo that strikes an ideal balance between the psychological and musical aspects of the opera, and her conducting is consistently sensitive to the nuanced phrasing and textures of the score.'

CD Spotlight. A Stupendous Disc - Roderic Dunnett listens to countertenor duets by Purcell and Blow. 'The music is sensationally beautiful and touching - and so are the performances.'

CD Spotlight. The Connection that Musical Depth Provides - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė writes about a new CD of music by Peruvian composer Jimmy López Bellido

CD Spotlight. Uplifting and Inspired - Dvořák's 'Saint Ludmila' impresses Gerald Fenech. 'A piece for the ages, passionately performed and recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Lovely - Music by Petr Eben for girls' choir impresses Geoff Pearce. 'This great disc of an exceptional girls' choir performing the work of one of Bohemia's most important voices does not disappoint in any way ...'

CD Spotlight. Understated Sensuousness - Symphonies by Nikolay Myaskovsky intrigue Geoff Pearce. '... the Ural Youth Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Alexander Rudin) plays very well indeed, especially considering the age of the players. I am particularly impressed by the woodwind and brass, which never fail to impress.'

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Exhilarating - Gerald Fenech discovers Friedrich Schneider's oratorio 'The Last Judgement'. 'Gregor Meyer keeps the drama moving briskly, and his forces respond brilliantly to the kaleidoscopic sequence of emotions coursing through the three sections.'

CD Spotlight. Considerable Appeal - Music by Peter Lieuwen, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'Peter Lieuwen appeals on many different levels, and this offering demonstrates his recognisable and accessible style.'

CD Spotlight. Triumphant Splendour - Gerald Fenech commends the reissue of Roger Norrington's recording of Elgar's Symphony No 1 with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra. '... Norrington conveys the sweep of the score spontaneously in one breath and takes his players on a headlong ride to the finish which is simply spinetingling.'

CD Spotlight. Very Colourful - Geoff Pearce recommends music by Manuel de Falla. '... superb performances by all concerned.'

CD Spotlight. Hauntingly Beautiful - Rachmaninov's Vespers, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Although the choir is not Russian, performances are as passionately devotional as one can expect, particularly the soprano and bass sections, who capture the wide range of dynamics with astounding clarity and vision.'

CD Spotlight. Sound Pallette from Hong Kong - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by members of the Hong Kong Composers' Guild

CD Spotlight. Imaginative Touches - Rossini's 'Eduardo e Cristina', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... sensitively dramatic singing, invigorating playing and some glowing conducting from Gianluigi Gelmetti ...'

CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Engaging - Piano quartets by Andrew Anderson, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... compelling and unique.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Surprises - Michael Hofstetter's recording of Weber's 'Oberon', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Recommended ... if only for the magical sound world created by Hofstetter.'

CD Spotlight. Quite Unusual - Orchestral storytelling by Jon Deak, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances here are very good, the music colourful and inventive, and I can imagine that this disc may appeal more to people with children than to adult listeners.'

CD Spotlight. Bold Simplicity - Patrick Maxwell listens to music from Wadham College Chapel, Oxford. 'The choral sound is well produced, if at times lacking in cohesion, and the interpretations at the hands of Katharine Pardee are well handled.'

CD Spotlight. A Timely Resurrection - Music by Kurt Weill, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Recorded seventeen years ago, this reissue retains its freshness remarkably well, and the performance of both works is delivered with great elegance and elan.'

CD Spotlight. An Impassioned Account - Seldom-performed Beethoven, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... excellent performances by all concerned.'

CD Spotlight. Hard to Resist - Johann Strauss Junior's 'Eine Nacht in Venedig', arranged by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Marius Burkert and his fine team of soloists and chorus exude a performance that has subtlety and charm, and the vivid freshness of Korngold's arrangement is brought out with a wistful elan ...'

CD Spotlight. Jollity Ultimately Triumphs - Orchestral music by Dmitri Kabalevsky, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'I am pleased to see this interesting disc, as it showcases an important composer from the Soviet era.'

CD Spotlight. Evolution of a Spirit - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė reviews the latest CD from Donald Nally and The Crossing

CD Spotlight. Lost Gems Unearthed - Gerald Fenech listens to music by contemporaries of the Strauss family. 'John Georgiadis deserves immense credit not only for his painstaking research and wonderful arrangements, but also for his vibrant and energetic conducting that breathes new life into an era that once celebrated life with an unparalleled exuberance.'

CD Spotlight. His Music Glows - Richard Meszto listens to works by Leonard Bernstein. 'Iain Sutherland leads the Hannover Philharmonic in these fine and well thought out performances.'

CD Spotlight. From Russia with Love - Musorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Liadov orchestral music from Dmitry Kitajenko and the Gurzenich Orchestra, Cologne, impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Kitajenko draws some gorgeous playing from his Cologne forces, and dynamic and tempo markings are observed with fidelity. Also, orchestral textures are both warm and revealing of inner detail.'

CD Spotlight. A Fine Start - American recordings of Elgar, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... considering today's technological excellence, this issue is strictly for collectors with a nostalgia for the past.'

CD Spotlight. Particularly Thrilling - Music for strings by Alfonso Romero Asenjo intrigues Geoff Pearce. 'It showcases the composer's skill in writing for strings, and at the same time one can sense his development as a composer.'

CD Spotlight. The Darling of Hamburg - Gerald Fenech listens to songs by Louise Reichardt. 'Amy Pfrimmer's singing is supremely warm and refreshing, and the innocent beauty of these songs is brought out in bright, luminous textures.'

CD Spotlight. Lauded all over Europe - Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... performances are passionately committed, resonating continuously the collective emotion that is mystical and festive, painful and joyous, surprising and disturbing.'

CD Spotlight. Seldom Recorded - Music for horn and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... two superb musicians enjoying themselves in music which is not well-known ...'

CD Spotlight. Novel Sounds and Experimentation - Havergal Brian's Symphonies Nos 7 and 16, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Alexander Walker and his Russian forces give passionately committed performances, highly idiomatic and bursting with excitement.'

CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Chamber music by Nigel Osborne, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beguiling and vivid performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Sheer Musicianship - Geoff Pearce listens to music for viola, played by Matthew Lipman. '... a delight for the listener and aficionados of the viola.'

CD Spotlight. Spiritual and Emotional Depth - Piano trios from the Delphi Trio by Beethoven, Brahms and Bolcom, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An invigorating mixture of past and present, brilliantly executed and sumptuously recorded, which is truly worth investigating.'

CD Spotlight. The Spirit of Tango - Piazzolla's 'María de Buenos Aires', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Bouncy yet thought-provoking stuff.'

CD Spotlight. An Emotional Journey? - Geoff Pearce listens to music for solo instruments and orchestra. 'The performance is very tight and exciting.'

CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Addition - Kathleen Ferrier sings the Bach Magnificat, impressing Gerald Fenech. 'A masterstroke by SOMM and an invaluable addition to the Ferrier discography that will grace any music collection.'

CD Spotlight. A Sense and Taste for the Infinite - Choral music by Rautavaara, Wennäkoski and Livorski impresses Gerald Fenech. 'For those who love contemporary choral singing, this disc should prove a real revelation ...'

CD Spotlight. Freshness and Imagination - Rhapsodies for Piano and Orchestra by Matej Meštrović, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... lovers of music that is tuneful and that does not require deep thought will really enjoy this disc.'

CD Spotlight. Brilliantly Executed - John Kitchen plays British Light Music by Arthur Sullivan and Michael Thomson, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A gem of a disc full of wit, warmth and colour ...'

CD Spotlight. Great Performances - Music for oboe and cor anglais by Phil Salathé, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This composer is technically assured, and has a unique perspective and voice.'

CD Spotlight. A Quintessentially French Bestiary - French songs by various composers, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Ducks, peacocks, pigs, butterflies, dromedaries, carp, cicadas and owls are just some of the creatures in the menagerie assembled for this recording.'

CD Spotlight. A Thrilling Musical Discovery - Violin Concertos by Giovanni Giornovich, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Bojan Čičić has this repertoire in his blood, and this shows in performances of exhilarating beauty.'

CD Spotlight. A Compelling Disc - Schoenberg piano music, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Yoko Hirota's performances here are truly exceptional ...'

CD Spotlight. A True Czech Operatic Masterpiece - Gerald Fenech listens to Janáček's 'The Cunning Little Vixen'. 'This performance from Frankfurt has everything going for it ...'

CD Spotlight. Deeply Emotional - Alice McVeigh listens to music by the late John Joubert. 'William Boughton conducts with great sensitivity, and the orchestra excels.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Sublime - Mariss Janssons conducts Bruckner's Symphony No 9, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The precision, attention to detail, warmth and depth of sound really set this recording apart from the pack.'

CD Spotlight. A Beacon of God's Love - Gabriel Jackson's Passion impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Emotionally charged performances, superb sound quality and highly informative annotations complete a revelatory disc that is wholly in tune with the present Lenten season.'

CD Spotlight. Very Interesting and Original - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by John McCabe and David Ellis. '... superb performances delivered by the Camerata Ensemble.'

CD Spotlight. A Compelling New Reading - Anett Fodor is impressed by Daniel Harding and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra's recent recording of Mahler's Fifth Symphony. 'Daniel Harding awakens and keeps the listener's curiosity captive, demanding thorough attention for his compelling interpretation.'

CD Spotlight. Improvisatory Freedom - Gerald Fenech listens to pianist Myron Romanul. 'Romanul's playing brims with an expressive power that generates its own excitement and self-belief ...'

CD Spotlight. Past and Present - Gerald Fenech finds music for trombone and piano worthy of serious investigation. 'Performances are wonderfully attractive, with a certain exquisite timbre and beautifully shaped nuances permeating each piece.'

CD Spotlight. Fascination and Influence - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Lucille Boulanger and friends. 'The talented foursome heard here rise brilliantly to the hurdles presented and performances are consistently full of charm and warmth, wrapped up in an aura of unmitigated sensitivity.'

CD Spotlight. Two Fine Violinists - Stephen Francis Vasta listens to music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. 'Even the Violin Concerto ends with a downward chordal scale that 'resolves' to a dissonance, "à la" Charles Ives!'

CD Spotlight. Highlights of a Composer - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Nicola Sani. 'The performances by Roberto Fabbriciani and Alvise Vidolin, frequent collaborators of Nicola Sani, were just superb.'

CD Spotlight. Gorgeously Sung - Choral music by Richard Allain, heard by Roderic Dunnett. 'The music is undoubtedly beautiful, without exception.'

CD Spotlight. Idiomatically Revealing - Oxana Shevchenko plays Stravinsky for solo piano, heard by Roderic Dunnett. '... finely and deftly played.'

CD Spotlight. Dazzling Symphonies - Symphonies by Ruth Gipps, recommended by Roderic Dunnett. 'It conveys as much energy and artistry and expressiveness today as it did the day it was written.'

CD Spotlight. Extending the Repertoire - Anett Fodor listens to Hungarian viola player Vidor Nagy. 'The mellifluous sound, the doleful melody, as well as Vidor Nagy's sensitive performance convince the listener that both the artist and instrument are worthy of recognition.'

CD Spotlight. Diverse and Interesting - New works for large orchestra, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'All pieces on this disc are varied and the performances are satisfying.'

CD Spotlight. Scuttling Crabs - Music for vibraphone and wind quintet, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'There is some great vibraphone and bassoon work here ...'

CD Spotlight. A Splendid Compendium - Iberian concertos and sonatas, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... finely and eloquently played by an ensemble that is passionately committed to creating a sound world that never ages.'

CD Spotlight. Sensitive and Meditative - Kamyar Mohajer's 'Pictures of the Hidden' engages Geoff Pearce. 'The performers here are superb.'

CD Spotlight. A Deep Understanding - John McCabe's 'lost' Australian recording, commended by Geoff Pearce. 'The music is unfamiliar, but interesting, full of surprises and variety, and the fine piano playing is insightful and committed.'

CD Spotlight. Rich and Varied - Songs by Robin Holloway, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are full of expressive variety and sensitivity, complementing the composer's thoughts with undiluted commitment.'

CD Spotlight. Distractingly Unusual - Peter Navarro-Alonso's Goldbergs re-invented, heard by Keith Bramich. 'It's certainly clever, but I'm not sure what it gives us that we don't already have.'

CD Spotlight. Very Weird - Orchestral music by Witold Lutoslawski, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'This is meaty music through and through and, admittedly, for some this may be off-putting.'

CD Spotlight. Melting Ice - Music from glaciers by Matthew Burtner, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... a slightly romanticised account of the effects of climate change in the far north, which doesn't affect the pure beauty, and often sadness, of these vivid and intriguing natural sound recordings and ideas.'

CD Spotlight. Majestic Feelings - Leon McCawley plays Schubert, admired by Anett Fodor. 'His unique touch, articulation, expressive dialogue between hands and outstanding technique are admirably illustrated in virtuoso passages which demonstrate his remarkable sense of style. This recording offers many memorable moments for the listener.'