Disc of the Month

Within seconds of sliding this CD into my hifi system and hitting the play button, I knew it was going to be special. Suk's Asrael symphony is a true one-off and shines in this performance. (...) If Asrael is Suk's masterpiece, then here's a recording to match it.

Here Lindberg shows a stunning command of orchestration. (...) The best thing I can say about Magnus Lindberg's music (...) is that it is illuminating. (...) Sound and performance are world-class.

Karita Mattila brings Saariaho's hypnotic score to vibrant life, swooping and gliding effortlessly, imparting a palpable exaltation. (...) Eschenbach and the orchestra support the soloists beautifully. (...) It's music that manifests beauty and feeling in every note.

What a treat it is to hear a soprano who is absolutely flawless in her scrupulous attention to the music (...) Conductor Mikko Franck and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra offer sumptuous accompaniments, and what a pleasure to hear a recital in which the soprano does not sound as if she is producing more volume than the orchestra is.

Mustonen's performance of the Third Concerto (...) is one of the finest on disc: big-hearted and free from the Haydnesque prissiness that some interpreters bring to the work. The Tapiola Sinfonietta's playing is sensational, too.

(...) played with thrilling ferocity, grace and poignancy in this live recording by the Philadelphia under Christoph Eschenbach. This must be one of the finest performances on disc.

The best Classical albums of 2008

If I had to choose just one orchestral disc from 2008, it would be Leif Segerstam's resinous 'Kullervo' with the Helsinki Philharmonic.

Piquant harmonies and idiosyncratic orchestration - a potent combination, equally powerfully in the execution.

(...) Finland's most significant composer after Sibelius at his most mature and characteristic. (...) this new Ondine (recording) boasts wonderful performances and vivid recorded sound.

As with its superb predecessor, this disc offers outstanding performance.

Disc of the Month

A new master recording, celebrating the music of Peteris Vasks, the musical consciousness, if not the Mahler or the Shostakovich of our time.

Disc of the Month

The performances, typical of this series, are absolutely first class. (...) Manhattan Trilogy is certainly ravishing, but the Symphony really deserves to enter the repertoire of orchestras the world-over. And if you love Bruckner, even a little, you must hear it.

Editor's Choice

(...) one of the most interesting, exciting sopranos in the world today. (...) Nothing but praise for the soprano (...) or for her accompanist (Katz is a real listener to what his singer does).

If you enjoy big, hairy, colorful, exuberant, generously overscored, quasi-tonal modern symphonies, than you'll love this ebullient example from Jouni Kaipainen. Excellent sonics match the enthusiasm of the performances. Great fun!

Mustonen creates a savage case for an unduly neglected sonata. (...) his super-human agility allows him a freedom unknown to lesser pianists. (...) Mustonen is no less remarkable in Tchaikovsky's Seasons, scorning their gentler, more domestic virtues.

Splendid in every way (...). If you care at all about contemporary music then you will add this disc to your collection without delay.

This is a terrific disc by a master symphonist - expertly performed and recorded. Highly recommended.

Editor's Choice: Record of the Month

Strauss singing doesn't come much better than this. (...) Here she brings her gifts of sheer beauty of sound combined with a quite unaffected approach to pieces that have suffered enough in their time from over-interpretation.

miniature masterpieces (...) sung by such a lustrous, creamy-toned soprano, all repay repeated listening.