Brahms: Works for Choir and Orchestra

Advantages: Mutter's eloquence and sensitivity in older recording are enhanced here.
Disadvantages: None at all!

..., she grows hushed, at which point the orchestra lets out the final, booming chords, a lovely close to an exhilarating musical journey. ~~~~~~~~~~ The rest of the disc is taken up by Robert Schumann's rarely played and heard Fantasy. Schumann wrote this work for (once again) Joseph Joachim. (Schumann was a mentor to Brahms, who cherished his friendship with the older composer, and is believed to have fallen deeply in love with Schumann’s wife, Clara. But that’s neither here nor there.) Pastoral-like, sweeping notes are played by the strings and winds, the soloist enters, at first with serious intent, yielding to joyous sections that please with their many surprises. Mutter’s strong, quick and scraping notes alternate with fluid and sweetly mellow phrases. Her solo violin hogs much of the spotlight on this one. The orchestra shadows her... Read review

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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

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Advantages: Brilliant singer, awesome band
Disadvantages: a little busy at times

...something for all the family! The only downside is that the audio can be a little busy at times - with orchestra, band choir and singer its verging on hard work to distinguish quite what you're listening to at any one time. Throughout though, Simones' voice is showcased as a beautiful, crystal clear sound, and it truly is deserving of far more recognition than it has.... Read review

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