Christopher Gunning: ViolinConcerto and Cello Concerto.

Harriet Mackenzie, violin; Richard Harwood, cello

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by the composer

Signum Classics

https://www.wtju.net/christopher-gunning-concertos-deliver/

The composer leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in these performances. It seemed as if Gunning was talking directly to me through the soloists and the ensemble. And I liked what he was saying.

https://www.wtju.net/dreams-new-day-songs-black-experience/

This is an important album. Its concept and execution make it so. Baritone Will Liverman has assembled a program of art songs by Black composers spanning over a hundred years.

Each composer used the foundation of the classical art song. And each created something different that enriches the genre.

Dreams of a New Day

Songs by Black Composers

Will Liverman, baritone; Paul Sanchez, piano

Cedille Records CDR 90000 200

Niccolò Zingarelli: Sinfonie Milanesi Nos. 5-8

Atalanta Fugiens Orchestra; Vanni Moretto, conductor

Urania Records LDV 14068

The Atalanta Fugiens Orchestra directed by Vanni Moretto performs in a refined Classical style. There’s plenty of drama, but none of it is overwrought. The melodies have an Italian lilt to them, revealing their kinship to Zingarelli’s operas.

https://www.wtju.net/niccolo-zingarelli-milanese-symphonies-surprise/

El Canto del Cisne Negro

Nicole Pena Comos, cello; Hugo Llanos Campos, piano

Ars Produktion

"I especially admired Nicole Pena Comos’ playing. Her cello has a rich, sonorous sound that made lyrical passages exceptionally beautiful. Yet she and pianist Hugo Llanos Campos could deliver firey energetic performances when required."

https://www.wtju.net/el-canto-del-cisne-negro-latin-american-music-merits-attention/

Giovanni Benedetto Platti: Four Harpsichord Concrtos, Violin Concerto

Roberto Loreggian, harpsichord

L’Arte dell’Arco; Federico Guglielmo, violin and director

CPO 555 219-2

While not quite Style Galante, these concertos had a lightness and clarity that presages the Classical era. Roberto Loreggian strengthens that impression with his playing. He moves across the keyboard with nimble dexterity. Loreggian’s instrument has a clean, clear tone, with a silent action that responds instantly.

https://www.wtju.net/larte-dellarco-triumphs-latest-giovanni-platti-release/

Victoria Borisova-Ollas: Angelus

Orchestral Works

Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra

Andrey Boreyko, Martyn Brabbins, Sakari Oramo, conductors

BIS 2288

"After listening to this release, I started looking for other recordings of Borisova-Ollas’s music. Fair warning: you may do the same."

https://www.wtju.net/modern-masterworks-victoria-borisova-ollas/

Carl Reinecke: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1

Münchner Rundfunkorchester; Henry Raudales, conductor

CPO 555 114

https://www.wtju.net/carl-reinecke-orchestral-works-show-influences/

"Henry Raudales and the Münchner Rundfunkorchester deliver some good performances. The orchestra has a mellow warmth to it that seems to suit Reinecke’s music. I look forward to future installments."

Florent Schmitt: La Tragédie de Salomé

Musique sur l'eau; Oriane et le Prince d'Amour; Légende

Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano; Nikki Chooi, violin

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; JoAnn Falletta, conductor

Naxos

"If you're not that familiar with the music of Florent Schmitt, this release is a great place to start."

https://www.wtju.net/florent-schmitt-release-balances-familiar-unknown/

New England Trios

Joel Pitchon, violin, Marie-Volcuy Pelletier, cello; Yu-Mei Wei, piano

Bridge Records 9530

"These trios are all finely crafted, but it’s the craft of the musicians that animate them. Pitchon, Pelletier, and Wei perform organically, playing as with one accord. This was the music they sought out to record, and they own it."

https://www.wtju.net/new-england-trios-make-solid-program/

Charles Villiers Stanford: String Quintets and Intermezzi

Members of the Dante and Endellion Quartets; Benjamin Frith, piano

Somm Recordings

https://www.wtju.net/charles-villiers-stanford-quintets-worth-wait/

"This is a release I’ve been waiting for. The Dante Quartet’s traversal of Stanford’s string quartets was first-rate. I expected their recording of his quintets to be on the same level.

It is."