Eminent Australian pianist Roger Woodward takes his hat off to the genius of Alexander Gavrylyuk.

Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic have set new standards in these performances with the wind breathtakingly behind their virtuosic wings.

An agile Helsinki Philharmonic under Storgårds perform convincingly on a sharp, high-quality recording.

Russian conductor Tugan Sokhiev’s recording of two Prokofiev symphonies and the Lieutenant Kijé Suite dates from his tenure as Music Director at the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. Prokofiev composed the score for Lieutenant Kijé, an early Soviet ‘sound’ film in 1933, the satirical premise of which revolves around a non-existent lieutenant who nonetheless manages to achieve impressive life milestones. Lively, musically illustrative (military marches, sleigh rides) and totally accessible, it’s a perfect curtain-raiser for Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, so called for its use of reconfigured Haydn-like forms. These indications also permeate Prokofiev’s Seventh and last symphony, presented here with its more usual reworked ending, which Prokofiev was persuaded by his friend Samuil Samosud (and substantial prize money) to amend from the sombre original (Gergiev’s 2004 recording with the LSO is an instructive comparison). The sophistication of Prokofiev’s orchestrations and Sokhiev’s deft touch are highlighted by this excellent recording, which is crisp and sharp, with a very full bottom end and full spectrum of percussive richness. The dynamic variation is sprightly and delicate but still loaded with drama, fairly leaping out of the speakers as a result. Sokhiev’s earlier Sony recording of Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony was very well-received by critics;… Continue reading Get…

Storgårds and the BBC Phil do this never less than fascinating music proud.

The first recording of Liszt’s often misunderstood symphony on period instruments is a revelation.

Bold, high-energy Grieg from Kraggerud and the ACO.

The Australian pianist discusses his new Medtner and Rachmaninov disc, Limelight’s Recording of the Month for September. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Jayson Gillham: Lion Tamer: The Aussie pianist takes on two fairly fearsome musical beasts and wins.

In an exclusive interview with Limelight, Anna Netrebko speaks about life, art and the things she won't do anymore.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has been acknowledged for its longstanding artistic relationship with China. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

A world-class Tristan and a handful of classical music’s biggest beasts are joined by a raft of top soloists and premieres. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in