For Measha's first solo recording, Bolcom has orchestrated seven of his 28 Cabaret Songs into a nifty little song-cycle. The mood is slightly sinister, from the opening "Surprise!" The full soprano voice is used to great effect!

Jonas Kaufmann's acclaimed debut solo opera recital! The tenor voice has a dark, full-bodied sound. His amazing sensitivity in the upper register is artistically unique.

Andrew Kennedy's new set, place him in direct competition with Award Winning and weightier tenor Jonas Kaufmann! The comparisons are irresistible: the British performers are slower, more serious and concert oriented; the Germans, swifter, more operatic and dangerous! Both singers manage tremendous, tricky tessitura with impeccable skill.

Christopher Robinson and the Cambridge University Chamber Choir offer a magnificently prepared and fervent exploration of this still under-appreciated repertoire. These disciplined and spirited performances are sure to give pleasure.

Simon Trpceski's playing is filled with imagination, temperament and artistic virtuosity. He is young and sometimes inconsistent, however he is rapidly becoming one of the great virtuosos of his generation. This Debussy disc is gloriously refreshing!

Clearly born for Chopin, her playing is a marvel of the most refined fluency and affection. Fliter's respect for Chopin's dynamic scheme is remarkable and makes this disc a leading choice!

Sergio Fiorentino was a natural Schumann player. Should this disc, by any chance be your introduction to these works-four of Schumann's most famous-then you should count yourself lucky!

Nobody relaxes when Argerich's about: here she inspires her young friends to great things! Argerich was born to play the piano, and can put you on alert with just one phrase.

All of Bavouzet's Debussy recordings are superb, yet he has pushed the gamut even further on this recent disc of Debussy's Complete Works for Piano Vol.3. I would also suggest searching for Pascal Roge's recent Debussy disc. Bazouvet lets in the light, while Roge finds Debussy's dreamy side!

This CD offers performances in which Dicterow and cellist James Kreger collaborated with gifted pianist David Golub, who died aged 50 in 2000. The Trio is an astounding work in depth and emotion. Sound is dry, though ears adjust. The Piano Quartet offers better sound, and even by Dvorak's standards, offers remarkable richness, and ideas arrayed for piano and strings! Masterworks worth exploring!

Nelson Goerner is a remarkable interpreter of Chopin's piano works. His virtuosic abilities are endless, and his tone color is warm and extremely lyrical. One of my favorite recordings of the B minor Sonata. His new CD of Liszt should be available soon, and is a must have!

The golden "Indian Summer" recordings of soprano Rosa Ponselle, her last commercial 78's from 1939, and sessions from 15 years later taped in her home...arias, songs and Lieder-the glorious voice still remarkable; the manner of singing an object lesson in superior style. Superb transfers from Ward Marston.

Salonen's Piano Concerto is a great work, and well worth going back for! Well known by now, Salonen has spent 16 years working with the LA Phil;its impossible not to recognise the sound of Disney Hall, deeply embedded in his musical imagery wherever his writing desk may be located."The solo breaking loose from the orchestra, struggling upward, is a clear image of the start of the 2nd Brahms.

Alexandre Tharaud is a fascinating young pianist with an affinity for the 24 Preludes by Chopin. His touch has the needed "lift" necessary in performing Chopin's works. This disc is dedicated to Vlado Perlemuter, a pupil of Alfred Cortot, and the first pianist to perform the complete piano works by Ravel. Tharaud's playing of the preludes stands above many other recordings in my opinion.

Tharaud has become one of the most respected interpreters and authorities of French and Baroque music. This CD offers magnificent performances of Bach's various "Italian" titled works, and the famous Italian Concerto is absolutely refreshing. The 2nd movement produces a level of emotional depth and lament like no other I've ever heard! A great purchase!

Pianist Howard Shelley's Clementi is in the flashy year, and he indeed adds the sparkle and refinement needed to conceal any moments of emptiness! This a collection that would be a priceless attribute for all piano students who seriously plan on making a successful "go" at playing Mozart Sonatas. Even Liszt found studying Clementi's works a worthwhile venture!

A richer-voiced Fleming returns to the Last Songs, with added Strauss wonders such as "Zueignung", Op.10 No.1: the rethink version orchestrated in 1940 as a tribute to soprano Viorica Ursuleac. The added opera arias throw up thrills, too! Indeed worth having!

"Winterreise" comes to the top with this new release sung by Christoph Pregardien! His dedicated singing is superb and drawn to contemporary reworkings of Winterreise. Arranged for wind quintet and accordian, Schubert's vocal lines and harmonies are left unmolested. Keep an open mind, be adventurous: this inventive realisation gives a brilliant performance worthy of the investment.

Helmuth Rilling conducts a most moving experience for us all! Everything firmly and movingly in place: this War Requiem is a great occasion! The most wonderful performance I have ever heard! All the elements in this complex organisation are well served. The soloists are admirable, and powerfully concentrated in style. Recorded live in Stuttgart, and not to be missed!

Stephen Kovacevich's 1868 Diabelli set was quite a calling-card. Can he top it? From what I have listened to so far is immediately striking in the sense of a cumulative whole, the tension and indeed speed with which he approaches the work. A performance presented with a vividness that sounds more alive than studio-bound! This one is a must have!!