On the Record: What’s new on disc in December 2021
From Igor Levit to Stephen Hough the piano takes centre stage this month, but there are vocal pleasures too with Respighi songs and Christian Gerhaher’s complete Schumann.
From Igor Levit to Stephen Hough the piano takes centre stage this month, but there are vocal pleasures too with Respighi songs and Christian Gerhaher’s complete Schumann.
Blockbusters from Kaufmann and the Dude lead a stellar pack, but an exceptional month throws up plenty of other treasure, plus a remarkable Aussie debut.
With half the country in lockdown, this month’s focus is on music to soothe the spirit, from Mozart, Fauré and Pärt, to Jordi Savall’s Victorian Odyssey
Early music wins the laurels this month, from Jordi Savall’s medieval fiddle to David Skinner’s William Byrd and a trifecta of Handelian delights.
Brett Dean helps riff on the Brandenburgs, Lise Davidsen cements a rising reputation and Rachel Podger delivers six new – yes new – Mozart sonatas.
An Australian rising star makes an auspicious debut on disc, chamber music dominates in a month of major names, and a visceral new opera dissects the heart.
A Belgian choreographer and Gluck make perfect bedfellows, Schnittke wins a convert and Osmo Vänskä delivers an unforgettable Mahler 10.
Sex-crazed nuns and a Swedish trombonist’s tribute to Wollongong headline a month of new takes with plenty of surprises.
From Montéclair to Martinů, lesser-known works are much in vogue as the new year gets into its stride.
What to spend your Christmas money on? Try some Trifonov, or take a punt and discover Thalberg, Eccles or Paul Ben-Haim.
Early music leads the pack; Skelton’s Grimes at last; in praise of unknown composers; and Christmas cheer, anyone?
Rare outings score over same old-same old, new wine in old bottles, and do we really need more Beethoven?
From Nicola Benedetti’s “benchmark recording” of Elgar to Lang Lang’s less successful take on Bach.