Alphorn Concertos

Advantages: A little known gem of a piece, performed brilliantly
Disadvantages: None

...Henry Litolff is by no means a well known composer, which is a great shame as these two piano concertos from the Romantic era are definitely worth adding to any collection. If, like me, you enjoy listening to virtuosic piano skills then you will not be disappointed. Peter Donohoe puts on a polished performance, effortlessly racing up and down the piano to make this the best recording available. The Scherzo of the No. 4 is the best known movement and is the most virtuosic. If you enjoy piano concertos by Rachmaninov and Beethoven, give this a try.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent recordings on one CD
Disadvantages: Competing with so many other recordings

...These recordings of the Brahms and Sibelius Vioin Concertos are performed by Tasmin Little and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. As you would expect, the quality is excellent. Tasmin has no difficulties with the technical side of the music, giving a first rate performance. There is little I can say about the CD. There are a few recordings of these concertos competing for top place, and this one is certainly in the running. However, it might be worth comparing this to the recordings by Kennedy and Maxime Vengerov before parting with your money, but it is really down to a matter of personal preference.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful relaxing music. Rich instrumentation. Played with passion.
Disadvantages: Not all instruments are from the period.

...If I was ever asked to select my "desert island discs", top of my list would be Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. (I wonder if there's a category in the ciao café?. . . ) The six Brandenburg concertos, each with their distinct quality and sound requiring a different combination of instruments, are not only a delight to listen to but exemplify the intellectual musical genius of their composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. All six are composed in major keys creating and maintaining a cheerful, vivacious collection. The modulations of key demanded by the baroque conventions are skilfully completed and Bach's predilection for numbers and ornate touches are evident. I could say more but this isn't a musical analysis . . . I am not alone in my high estimation, The Brandenburg concertos are now probably the best loved and most frequently performed works... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful