100 Best Records of the Year 2016
100 best records of the year 2016
From Radiohead to Kanye, Liszt to Wagner, our critics pick their top albums of 2016
POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
1 Radiohead
A Moon Shaped Pool (XL)
Reworked, updated ideas and songs from years ago jostling with newly minted tracks, lyrics mired in the break-up of Thom Yorke’s relationship, a sonic architecture that fashioned these components into music of breathtaking beauty, menace and poignancy, futuristic and as old as the hills: on their ninth studio album, Radiohead created a work of art that, seven months after its release, continues to surprise.
Reworked, updated ideas and songs from years ago jostling with newly minted tracks, lyrics mired in the break-up of Thom Yorke’s relationship, a sonic architecture that fashioned these components into music of breathtaking beauty, menace and poignancy, futuristic and as old as the hills: on their ninth studio album, Radiohead created a work of art that, seven months after its release, continues to surprise.
2 Beyoncé
Lemonade (RCA) In which the enraged Mrs Carter used rumours of Jay Z’s infidelity to create a stunning multi-genre journey through betrayal, fury, estrangement and forgiveness. After this, her sixth studio album, the lemon emoji was never the same again.
Lemonade (RCA) In which the enraged Mrs Carter used rumours of Jay Z’s infidelity to create a stunning multi-genre journey through betrayal, fury, estrangement and forgiveness. After this, her sixth studio album, the lemon emoji was never the same again.
3 Bon Iver
22, A Million (Jagjaguwar)
Exactly how a pop/rock/hip-hop/jazz/gospel/electro/folk album should sound in 2016. Justin Vernon — aka Bon Iver — pulls in all the sounds now available to artists at the press of a screen for songs that reach far, but always stay grounded.
22, A Million (Jagjaguwar)
Exactly how a pop/rock/hip-hop/jazz/gospel/electro/folk album should sound in 2016. Justin Vernon — aka Bon Iver — pulls in all the sounds now available to artists at the press of a screen for songs that reach far, but always stay grounded.
4 Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Skeleton Tree (Bad Seed)
Stupefied by grief following the sudden death of his son Arthur in 2015, Nick Cave continued to put pen to paper, and sang the visceral, heart-wrenching results in a voice that was rarely louder than a whisper.
Skeleton Tree (Bad Seed)
Stupefied by grief following the sudden death of his son Arthur in 2015, Nick Cave continued to put pen to paper, and sang the visceral, heart-wrenching results in a voice that was rarely louder than a whisper.
5 David Bowie
Blackstar (Columbia)
A last will and testament or a staging post to another album taking shape in Bowie’s head: either way, Blackstar, released two days before his death from cancer, was an indispensable addition to an unrivalled canon.
Blackstar (Columbia)
A last will and testament or a staging post to another album taking shape in Bowie’s head: either way, Blackstar, released two days before his death from cancer, was an indispensable addition to an unrivalled canon.
6 Leonard Cohen
You Want It Darker (Columbia)
Deadlines focus the mind, and the approach of the ultimate deadline brought forth some of Cohen’s finest work: the songs as perfectly crafted as ever, the production (by his son, Adam) the most sympathetic his music has ever received.
You Want It Darker (Columbia)
Deadlines focus the mind, and the approach of the ultimate deadline brought forth some of Cohen’s finest work: the songs as perfectly crafted as ever, the production (by his son, Adam) the most sympathetic his music has ever received.
7 Solange
A Seat at the Table (Saint Records/Columbia)
The second Knowles sister in our Top 10 fashioned a third solo album of inventiveness, dignity and simmering rage, with at least two songs — Cranes in the Sky and Don’t Wish Me Well — that are among the year’s best.
A Seat at the Table (Saint Records/Columbia)
The second Knowles sister in our Top 10 fashioned a third solo album of inventiveness, dignity and simmering rage, with at least two songs — Cranes in the Sky and Don’t Wish Me Well — that are among the year’s best.
8 Rihanna
Anti (Virgin EMI)
A collection of stoner ballads with just one big single — Work — Rihanna’s eighth album is her best. Fed up with the pop machine, the Barbadian opted for fearless reinvention, with the Winehouse-like abuse ballad Love on the Brain as tough as they come.
Anti (Virgin EMI)
A collection of stoner ballads with just one big single — Work — Rihanna’s eighth album is her best. Fed up with the pop machine, the Barbadian opted for fearless reinvention, with the Winehouse-like abuse ballad Love on the Brain as tough as they come.
9 The 1975
I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It (Dirty Hit/ Polydor)
Fiercely divisive, this absurdly titled album was a shop window for a mad mix of musical styles — gospel, 1980s new wave, soft rock and ambient — that makes the 1975 stand out from the crowd.
I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It (Dirty Hit/ Polydor)
Fiercely divisive, this absurdly titled album was a shop window for a mad mix of musical styles — gospel, 1980s new wave, soft rock and ambient — that makes the 1975 stand out from the crowd.
10 Christine and the Queens
Chaleur Humaine (Because)
The French superstar’s debut challenged concepts of glamour and gender identity, and spawned the anthem of the summer in Tilted. Paired with her suits and Jacko moves, its bold electronica proved that pop can still stun on TV.
Chaleur Humaine (Because)
The French superstar’s debut challenged concepts of glamour and gender identity, and spawned the anthem of the summer in Tilted. Paired with her suits and Jacko moves, its bold electronica proved that pop can still stun on TV.
11 Anohni
Hopelessness (Rough Trade)
Shocking, strange, seductive, the torch singer’s protest album, an indictment of our failings set to whirring electronica, was one of the most powerful statements of 2016.
Hopelessness (Rough Trade)
Shocking, strange, seductive, the torch singer’s protest album, an indictment of our failings set to whirring electronica, was one of the most powerful statements of 2016.
12 Conor Oberst
Ruminations (Nonesuch)
The rawest album yet from the forever troubled one-time voice of a generation. Political and very, very personal.
Ruminations (Nonesuch)
The rawest album yet from the forever troubled one-time voice of a generation. Political and very, very personal.
13 Frank Ocean
Endless (Boys Don’t Cry/Def Jam)
Originally a teaser for Blonde, this “visual album”, with swirling, futuristic R&B melodies and those trademark Ocean falsettos, outshone the follow-up.
Endless (Boys Don’t Cry/Def Jam)
Originally a teaser for Blonde, this “visual album”, with swirling, futuristic R&B melodies and those trademark Ocean falsettos, outshone the follow-up.
14 Drake
Views (Island)
On his mega-streaming opus, the singer-rapper produces more broody, moody hits for the millennial generation. There’s a distinct sense of refining a formula, but when the formula is this good, who’s complaining?
Views (Island)
On his mega-streaming opus, the singer-rapper produces more broody, moody hits for the millennial generation. There’s a distinct sense of refining a formula, but when the formula is this good, who’s complaining?
15 De La Soul
And the Anonymous Nobody (AOI)
The Daisy Chainers overhauled hip-hop again, with the aid of David Byrne, Damon Albarn and an unhinged Justin Hawkins.
And the Anonymous Nobody (AOI)
The Daisy Chainers overhauled hip-hop again, with the aid of David Byrne, Damon Albarn and an unhinged Justin Hawkins.
16 Kaytranada
99.9% (XL)
A stunning debut from the Montreal-based producer, whose celebratory hip-hop rhythms and sunshine beats can easily be danced to until the early hours.
99.9% (XL)
A stunning debut from the Montreal-based producer, whose celebratory hip-hop rhythms and sunshine beats can easily be danced to until the early hours.
17 Lambchop
Flotus (City Slang)
Melodic Americana meets 21st-century production, as Kurt Wagner autotunes his vocals — and thrillingly pushes them to the point of intelligibility.
Flotus (City Slang)
Melodic Americana meets 21st-century production, as Kurt Wagner autotunes his vocals — and thrillingly pushes them to the point of intelligibility.
18 Skepta
Konnichiwa (Boy Better Know)
The king of grime’s fourth album won the Mercury prize for its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and raw political undertones.
Konnichiwa (Boy Better Know)
The king of grime’s fourth album won the Mercury prize for its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and raw political undertones.
19 Jenny Hval
Blood Bitch (Sacred Bones)
If there’s room in your life for a concept album about menstruation, make it this one. It’s a bloody masterpiece.
Blood Bitch (Sacred Bones)
If there’s room in your life for a concept album about menstruation, make it this one. It’s a bloody masterpiece.
20 PJ Harvey
The Hope Six Demolition Project (Island)
This is sonically a sister to her masterpiece Let England Shake, but Harvey’s politics here look wider, from Afghan refugees to the impoverished US.
The Hope Six Demolition Project (Island)
This is sonically a sister to her masterpiece Let England Shake, but Harvey’s politics here look wider, from Afghan refugees to the impoverished US.
21 Common
Black America Again (Universal)
With guest appearances from two other insightful social commentators (Chuck D and Stevie Wonder), one of the pioneers of “conscious hip-hop” addressed the state of the nation.
Black America Again (Universal)
With guest appearances from two other insightful social commentators (Chuck D and Stevie Wonder), one of the pioneers of “conscious hip-hop” addressed the state of the nation.
22 Jain
Zanaka (Columbia)
A sun-drenched excursion through Africa, the Middle East and hip-hop clubs suggested that Jain could be French pop’s next great export.
Zanaka (Columbia)
A sun-drenched excursion through Africa, the Middle East and hip-hop clubs suggested that Jain could be French pop’s next great export.
23 Jessy Lanza
Oh No (Hyperdub)
On her sophomore album, Lanza continued to navigate the line between straight-up pop and wonky electronica to thrilling effect.
Oh No (Hyperdub)
On her sophomore album, Lanza continued to navigate the line between straight-up pop and wonky electronica to thrilling effect.
24 Maxwell
BlackSUMMERS’night (Columbia)
The neo-soul veteran is a master of his genre, his feathery voice and delicate arrangements still conveying a satisfying weight on his first album for seven years.
BlackSUMMERS’night (Columbia)
The neo-soul veteran is a master of his genre, his feathery voice and delicate arrangements still conveying a satisfying weight on his first album for seven years.
25 Nao
For All We Know (RCA)
The Londoner’s spacious, soulful digital funk and playful vocals provided the summer with its most smouldering soundtrack.
For All We Know (RCA)
The Londoner’s spacious, soulful digital funk and playful vocals provided the summer with its most smouldering soundtrack.
26 A Tribe Called Quest
We Got It from Here... (Epic)
A remarkable final album, capturing the political chaos of 2016 with old-school beats and free-flowing lyrics.
We Got It from Here... (Epic)
A remarkable final album, capturing the political chaos of 2016 with old-school beats and free-flowing lyrics.
27 Chance the Rapper
Coloring Book (Good Music)
The 23-year-old Chicago native, accompanied by gospel choirs, fiercely flaunts his dexterity with lyrics, making for a joyous, incredibly accomplished mixtape.
Coloring Book (Good Music)
The 23-year-old Chicago native, accompanied by gospel choirs, fiercely flaunts his dexterity with lyrics, making for a joyous, incredibly accomplished mixtape.
28 Dvsn
Sept 5th (WEA)
This mysterious Canadian duo, more of Drake’s prolific protégés, serve up come-hither R&B grooves and soulful confessions.
Sept 5th (WEA)
This mysterious Canadian duo, more of Drake’s prolific protégés, serve up come-hither R&B grooves and soulful confessions.
29 Sia
This Is Acting (RCA)
Rather than stick her rejected songs in a drawer, Sia turned them into solid gold with this masterclass in powerhouse pop.
This Is Acting (RCA)
Rather than stick her rejected songs in a drawer, Sia turned them into solid gold with this masterclass in powerhouse pop.
30 Iggy Pop
Post Pop Depression (Caroline)
Ably supported by Josh Homme, this is the most powerful musical statement Iggy has made since his late-1970s masterworks The Idiot and Lust for Life.
Post Pop Depression (Caroline)
Ably supported by Josh Homme, this is the most powerful musical statement Iggy has made since his late-1970s masterworks The Idiot and Lust for Life.
31 Meilyr Jones
2013 (Moshi Moshi)
The Welshman fled to Rome with a broken heart after his break-ups, and returned with this masterpiece of chamber pop.
2013 (Moshi Moshi)
The Welshman fled to Rome with a broken heart after his break-ups, and returned with this masterpiece of chamber pop.
32 Let’s Eat Grandma
I, Gemini (Transgressive)
There are nods to Björk and 1990s Madchester on this wonderfully compulsive and surprising debut from two 17-year-old multi-instrumentalists.
I, Gemini (Transgressive)
There are nods to Björk and 1990s Madchester on this wonderfully compulsive and surprising debut from two 17-year-old multi-instrumentalists.
33 Laura Mvula
The Dreaming Room (RCA)
The Brum singer’s second album, teeming with audacious classical/soul/jazz experimentation and polemic, confirmed her as one of Britain’s most original voices.
The Dreaming Room (RCA)
The Brum singer’s second album, teeming with audacious classical/soul/jazz experimentation and polemic, confirmed her as one of Britain’s most original voices.
34 Petite Meller
Lil Empire (Island)
The fashion favourite fused funk, flute, African rhythms and Italian house piano on a debut every bit as dizzy as her dress sense.
Lil Empire (Island)
The fashion favourite fused funk, flute, African rhythms and Italian house piano on a debut every bit as dizzy as her dress sense.
35 Shura
Nothing’s Real (Polydor)
Alexandra Denton’s long-awaited debut LP is the perfect synth-pop concoction, her sure ear for melody twinned with shimmering 1980s-style production and her fragile, hopeful voice.
Nothing’s Real (Polydor)
Alexandra Denton’s long-awaited debut LP is the perfect synth-pop concoction, her sure ear for melody twinned with shimmering 1980s-style production and her fragile, hopeful voice.
36 Tanya Tagaq
Retribution (Six Shooter)
Tagaq is an Inuit throat singer, Retribution a visceral exploration of modern dysfunction. “Money,” she sings at one point, “has spent us.” Agree? Then this is for you.
Retribution (Six Shooter)
Tagaq is an Inuit throat singer, Retribution a visceral exploration of modern dysfunction. “Money,” she sings at one point, “has spent us.” Agree? Then this is for you.
37 Bat for Lashes
The Bride (Parlophone)
A concept album about a deceased groom and a failed wedding, Natasha Khan’s ballad-heavy fourth record is her most haunting yet.
The Bride (Parlophone)
A concept album about a deceased groom and a failed wedding, Natasha Khan’s ballad-heavy fourth record is her most haunting yet.
38 Angel Olsen
My Woman (Jagjaguwar)
Excavating a doomed relationship, the American’s third album captured her at her most intimate, unfettered and fierce.
My Woman (Jagjaguwar)
Excavating a doomed relationship, the American’s third album captured her at her most intimate, unfettered and fierce.
39 Steve Mason
Meet the Humans (Double Six)
In the past, the former Beta Band man has revelled in being “difficult”, but Meet the Humans offers us his warmest and most accessible collection of songs yet.
Meet the Humans (Double Six)
In the past, the former Beta Band man has revelled in being “difficult”, but Meet the Humans offers us his warmest and most accessible collection of songs yet.
40 Kanye West
The Life of Pablo (Mixtape Manor)
Love him or loathe him, Kanye epitomises our twisted times. As, in its astonishingly good, crudely offensive fashion, does this album.
Dan Cairns, Anna Conrad, Jonathan Dean, Mark Edwards, Lisa Verrico and Louis WiseThe Life of Pablo (Mixtape Manor)
Love him or loathe him, Kanye epitomises our twisted times. As, in its astonishingly good, crudely offensive fashion, does this album.
WORLD MUSIC / FOLK
Many strings to her bow: Leyla McCalla
Leyla McCalla
A Day for the Hunter, a Day for the Prey (Jazz Village)
Sublime Haitian-tinged roots music from the New Orleans-based cellist, banjo player and singer, who won converts as one of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
A Day for the Hunter, a Day for the Prey (Jazz Village)
Sublime Haitian-tinged roots music from the New Orleans-based cellist, banjo player and singer, who won converts as one of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Applewood Road
Applewood Road (Gearbox)
Stars in the making? The female trio unfurl ethereal folk-country vocal harmonies in a no-frills Nashville setting.
Applewood Road (Gearbox)
Stars in the making? The female trio unfurl ethereal folk-country vocal harmonies in a no-frills Nashville setting.
Elza Soares
The Woman at the End of the World (Mais Um Discos)
Nonstop pyrotechnics as Brazil’s grand old lady of samba gets a daring alt-rock makeover.
The Woman at the End of the World (Mais Um Discos)
Nonstop pyrotechnics as Brazil’s grand old lady of samba gets a daring alt-rock makeover.
Christine Salem
Larg Pa Lo Kor (Blue Fanal/Zamora)
Austere but charismatic, the singer born on far-flung Réunion has a touch of the great Cesaria Evora about her.
Larg Pa Lo Kor (Blue Fanal/Zamora)
Austere but charismatic, the singer born on far-flung Réunion has a touch of the great Cesaria Evora about her.
Various
God Don’t Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson (Alligator)
Tom Waits and Sinéad O’Connor help to summon up the lost world of an enigmatic gospel blues master.
God Don’t Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson (Alligator)
Tom Waits and Sinéad O’Connor help to summon up the lost world of an enigmatic gospel blues master.
Pink Martini
Je dis oui! (Wrasse)
Thomas Lauderdale’s multiculti ensemble go from strength to strength. They are masters of everything, from chanson to South African jive.
Je dis oui! (Wrasse)
Thomas Lauderdale’s multiculti ensemble go from strength to strength. They are masters of everything, from chanson to South African jive.
Judith Owen
Somebody’s Child (Twanky)
The Welsh singer-songwriter (with a super-stylish band) mixes social commentary and bittersweet romance.
Somebody’s Child (Twanky)
The Welsh singer-songwriter (with a super-stylish band) mixes social commentary and bittersweet romance.
Lady Maisery
Cycle (RootBeat)
A Todd Rundgren song gets thrown into the folk mix as Rowan Rheingans, Hazel Askew and Hannah James demolish yet more musical barriers.
Cycle (RootBeat)
A Todd Rundgren song gets thrown into the folk mix as Rowan Rheingans, Hazel Askew and Hannah James demolish yet more musical barriers.
Bonga
Recados de Fora (Lusafrica) Angola’s elder statesman embarks on a spry musical journey, exploring the interaction between the African diaspora and the Atlantic.
Recados de Fora (Lusafrica) Angola’s elder statesman embarks on a spry musical journey, exploring the interaction between the African diaspora and the Atlantic.
Rant
Reverie (Make Believe)
Shimmering folk melodies from the exuberant Scottish fiddle quartet. The Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis appears as a guest.
Clive DavisReverie (Make Believe)
Shimmering folk melodies from the exuberant Scottish fiddle quartet. The Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis appears as a guest.
JAZZ
Thelonious funk: John Beasley
John Beasley
Presents Monk‘estra, Vol 1 (Mack Avenue)
Tributes to Thelonious Monk can be unbearably earnest. But the pianist’s band serve up joie de vivre and bagfuls of funk.
Presents Monk‘estra, Vol 1 (Mack Avenue)
Tributes to Thelonious Monk can be unbearably earnest. But the pianist’s band serve up joie de vivre and bagfuls of funk.
Charlie Hunter
Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth (GroundUp)
A small group making a big, brassy sound. Hunter’s guitar meshes perfectly with Bobby Previte’s drums.
Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth (GroundUp)
A small group making a big, brassy sound. Hunter’s guitar meshes perfectly with Bobby Previte’s drums.
Madeleine Peyroux
Secular Hymns (Impulse)
After a period of drift, she delivers her most soulful album yet.
Secular Hymns (Impulse)
After a period of drift, she delivers her most soulful album yet.
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra
All My Yesterdays (Resonance)
One of the most influential big bands of the modern era, captured at the dawn of a Village Vanguard residency.
All My Yesterdays (Resonance)
One of the most influential big bands of the modern era, captured at the dawn of a Village Vanguard residency.
Allan Harris
Nobody’s Gonna Love You Better (Membran)
Gregory Porter fans should seek out this singer-guitarist, who’s as comfortable with a Steely Dan song as a jazz standard.
Nobody’s Gonna Love You Better (Membran)
Gregory Porter fans should seek out this singer-guitarist, who’s as comfortable with a Steely Dan song as a jazz standard.
Stu Brown
Twisted Toons Vol 2: The Music of Carl Stalling, Scott Bradley & More (Cadiz Music)
Another cocktail of cartoon themes from the Scottish drummer and his agile musicians. Mischief meets precision.
Twisted Toons Vol 2: The Music of Carl Stalling, Scott Bradley & More (Cadiz Music)
Another cocktail of cartoon themes from the Scottish drummer and his agile musicians. Mischief meets precision.
John Etheridge and Vimala Rowe
Out of the Sky (Dyad)
There’s no telling what they’ll do next. Elegant duets from a guitarist and singer who can veer from Ellington to an Aramaic prayer.
Out of the Sky (Dyad)
There’s no telling what they’ll do next. Elegant duets from a guitarist and singer who can veer from Ellington to an Aramaic prayer.
Norah Jones
Day Breaks (Blue Note/Virgin EMI)
Her live shows may still lack sparkle, but there’s a questing, jazzy spirit to this studio set, which features a cameo by Wayne Shorter.
Day Breaks (Blue Note/Virgin EMI)
Her live shows may still lack sparkle, but there’s a questing, jazzy spirit to this studio set, which features a cameo by Wayne Shorter.
The Hot Sardines
French Fries & Champagne (Decca)
Irrepressible prewar rhythms from the snappily dressed New York combo and the feline vocalist Elizabeth Bougerol.
French Fries & Champagne (Decca)
Irrepressible prewar rhythms from the snappily dressed New York combo and the feline vocalist Elizabeth Bougerol.
Allen Toussaint
American Tunes (Nonesuch)
A valedictory recording that did full justice to one of the many legends we lost this year. The ghost of Fats Waller duels with Professor Longhair.
Clive DavisAmerican Tunes (Nonesuch)
A valedictory recording that did full justice to one of the many legends we lost this year. The ghost of Fats Waller duels with Professor Longhair.
CLASSICAL
Unbounded Virtuosity: Daniil Trifonov
CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Liszt
Transcendental Studies, Daniil Trifonov (DG)
The young Russian superstar’s playing of the studies as a cyclical “portrait” of a hero — “Let’s call him Liszt” — is a staggering display of unbounded virtuosity and vision.
Transcendental Studies, Daniil Trifonov (DG)
The young Russian superstar’s playing of the studies as a cyclical “portrait” of a hero — “Let’s call him Liszt” — is a staggering display of unbounded virtuosity and vision.
Elgar 1
Berlin Staatskapelle/ Barenboim (Decca)
Barenboim’s Berliners return Elgar’s great symphony to its rightful place in the central European mainstream. Unmissable.
Berlin Staatskapelle/ Barenboim (Decca)
Barenboim’s Berliners return Elgar’s great symphony to its rightful place in the central European mainstream. Unmissable.
Fritz Wunderlich
Complete recordings (DG)
The German tenor died 50 years ago, aged 36, leaving many great recordings — Mozart especially, but also operetta and popular songs — that are unsurpassed.
Complete recordings (DG)
The German tenor died 50 years ago, aged 36, leaving many great recordings — Mozart especially, but also operetta and popular songs — that are unsurpassed.
Martha Argerich/Daniel Barenboim
Live from Buenos Aires (DG)
Both were born in Argentina, and their musical partnership goes back more than 60 years. They show their rapport in piano duets by Schumann, Debussy and Bartok.
Live from Buenos Aires (DG)
Both were born in Argentina, and their musical partnership goes back more than 60 years. They show their rapport in piano duets by Schumann, Debussy and Bartok.
Schoenberg
Gurrelieder, Bergen PO/Gardner (Chandos)
Schoenberg’s post-Wagnerian epic gets another outstanding showing. Stuart Skelton is a thrillingly tormented Waldemar.
Gurrelieder, Bergen PO/Gardner (Chandos)
Schoenberg’s post-Wagnerian epic gets another outstanding showing. Stuart Skelton is a thrillingly tormented Waldemar.
Sibelius 3, 6, 7
Minnesota SO/Osmo Vänska (Bis)
Vänska crowns his second Sibelius cycle with gripping renditions of the third and last two symphonies.
Minnesota SO/Osmo Vänska (Bis)
Vänska crowns his second Sibelius cycle with gripping renditions of the third and last two symphonies.
Leoncavallo
Zaza, BBC SO/ Benini (Opera Rara)
Verismo is a new departure for this label, but this tragedy of lost love rivets thanks to Ermonela Jaho, magnetic in the title role.
Zaza, BBC SO/ Benini (Opera Rara)
Verismo is a new departure for this label, but this tragedy of lost love rivets thanks to Ermonela Jaho, magnetic in the title role.
Bach
Goldberg Variations, Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord) (DG)
The young Iranian brings evangelical zeal and rich sound to Bach’s great Variations.
Goldberg Variations, Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord) (DG)
The young Iranian brings evangelical zeal and rich sound to Bach’s great Variations.
Copland
Orchestral Works, BBC PO/John Wilson (Chandos)
The conductor is a natural in Copland’s most celebrated ballet scores: Billy the Kid, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring.
Orchestral Works, BBC PO/John Wilson (Chandos)
The conductor is a natural in Copland’s most celebrated ballet scores: Billy the Kid, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring.
Leontyne Price
Prima Donna Assoluta: Ultimate Recordings (Sony)
All the roles on which the American diva left an indelible imprint: Aida, Leonora from Trovatore and Forza, Tosca et al.
Prima Donna Assoluta: Ultimate Recordings (Sony)
All the roles on which the American diva left an indelible imprint: Aida, Leonora from Trovatore and Forza, Tosca et al.
Shostakovich 5, 8, 9
Boston SO/Nelsons (DG)
Andris Nelsons forges his new US relationship with excoriating accounts of Shostakovich’s two greatest symphonies and a scabrous Ninth.
Boston SO/Nelsons (DG)
Andris Nelsons forges his new US relationship with excoriating accounts of Shostakovich’s two greatest symphonies and a scabrous Ninth.
Shakespeare Songs
Ian Bostridge/Antonio Pappano (Warner)
Bostridge and Pappano revel in Shakespeare settings from the Bard’s time to modern classics by Britten, Poulenc, Tippett and Stravinsky.
Ian Bostridge/Antonio Pappano (Warner)
Bostridge and Pappano revel in Shakespeare settings from the Bard’s time to modern classics by Britten, Poulenc, Tippett and Stravinsky.
Brahms/Bartok
Violin Concertos, Janine Jansen, LSO/Accademia di Santa Cecilia/Pappano(Decca)
The Dutch virtuosa explores the “Hungarian” link between Brahms’s great concerto and Bartok’s unfinished First, both dazzlingly played.
Violin Concertos, Janine Jansen, LSO/Accademia di Santa Cecilia/Pappano(Decca)
The Dutch virtuosa explores the “Hungarian” link between Brahms’s great concerto and Bartok’s unfinished First, both dazzlingly played.
Handel
Partenope, Il Pomo d’Oro/Minasi (Erato)
This semi-comic opera recalls the anarchic spirit of Agrippina. Karina Gauvin and John Mark Ainsley are ideally cast as Partenope and Emilio.
Partenope, Il Pomo d’Oro/Minasi (Erato)
This semi-comic opera recalls the anarchic spirit of Agrippina. Karina Gauvin and John Mark Ainsley are ideally cast as Partenope and Emilio.
Mozart
Violin Concertos, Isabelle Faust, Il Giardino Armonico/Antonini (HM)
Ultra-stylish “period” accounts of all of Mozart’s music for violin and orchestra, with new-old cadenzas by Andreas Staier.
Violin Concertos, Isabelle Faust, Il Giardino Armonico/Antonini (HM)
Ultra-stylish “period” accounts of all of Mozart’s music for violin and orchestra, with new-old cadenzas by Andreas Staier.
Martinu
Complete Piano Trios, Smetana Trio (Supraphon)
These four rarely aired works date from the 1930s and the beginning of the 1950s. Impassioned performances.
Complete Piano Trios, Smetana Trio (Supraphon)
These four rarely aired works date from the 1930s and the beginning of the 1950s. Impassioned performances.
Scarlatti
Sonatas, Angela Hewitt (Hyperion)
The Canadian is on sparkling form, bringing to Scarlatti the same brilliance of articulation, singing line and wit that she lavishes on Bach.
Sonatas, Angela Hewitt (Hyperion)
The Canadian is on sparkling form, bringing to Scarlatti the same brilliance of articulation, singing line and wit that she lavishes on Bach.
Britten/Korngold
Violin Concertos, Vilde Frang, Frankfurt RSO/Gaffigan (Warner)
The Norwegian fiddler is the latest to tackle Britten’s 1940 concerto, a brittle, brilliant foil to the lush Korngold.
Violin Concertos, Vilde Frang, Frankfurt RSO/Gaffigan (Warner)
The Norwegian fiddler is the latest to tackle Britten’s 1940 concerto, a brittle, brilliant foil to the lush Korngold.
Ravel
Complete Solo Piano Works, Bertrand Chamayou (Erato)
Chamayou brings native understanding and an awesome technique to the piano works.
Complete Solo Piano Works, Bertrand Chamayou (Erato)
Chamayou brings native understanding and an awesome technique to the piano works.
Sullivan
Shakespeare, BBC CO/Andrews (Dutton)
Incidental music from Macbeth and The Tempest, with Simon Callow narrating and Mary Bevan as Ariel, has “stocking filler” written all over it.
Hugh CanningShakespeare, BBC CO/Andrews (Dutton)
Incidental music from Macbeth and The Tempest, with Simon Callow narrating and Mary Bevan as Ariel, has “stocking filler” written all over it.
CONTEMPORARY
Marian Consort perform Lennox Berkeley
Lennox Berkeley
Stabat Mater, Marian Consort, Berkeley Ensemble (Delphian)
Stravinskyan bite and echoes of Britten only serve to underline Berkeley’s originality.
Stabat Mater, Marian Consort, Berkeley Ensemble (Delphian)
Stravinskyan bite and echoes of Britten only serve to underline Berkeley’s originality.
Murail
Le Désenchantement du monde, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Bavarian RSO (Neos)
Live premiere of Tristan Murail’s piano concerto. A feast for the “spectralist” ear.
Le Désenchantement du monde, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Bavarian RSO (Neos)
Live premiere of Tristan Murail’s piano concerto. A feast for the “spectralist” ear.
Boulez
Complete Music for Solo Piano, Marc Ponthus (Bridge)
Ranging from abstruse to relatively ear-tickling, the three sonatas are the main focus.
Complete Music for Solo Piano, Marc Ponthus (Bridge)
Ranging from abstruse to relatively ear-tickling, the three sonatas are the main focus.
Tippett
String Quartets, Heath Quartet (Wigmore Hall Live)
Dating from 1935-91, they form an arc of questing development across the composer’s career.
String Quartets, Heath Quartet (Wigmore Hall Live)
Dating from 1935-91, they form an arc of questing development across the composer’s career.
Colin Matthews
Violin Concerto, BBC SO/Knussen (NMC)
Three works, Cortège, Cello Concerto No 2 and the Violin Concerto (2009), given by the brilliant Leila Josefowicz.
Violin Concerto, BBC SO/Knussen (NMC)
Three works, Cortège, Cello Concerto No 2 and the Violin Concerto (2009), given by the brilliant Leila Josefowicz.
Ernst Krenek
Complete Piano Concertos, Vol 1, Mikhail Korzhev, English SO/Woods (Toccata)
Moving from tonal into 12-tone territory, with arresting results. The foreshortened No 3 is a witty, mercurial masterpiece.
Complete Piano Concertos, Vol 1, Mikhail Korzhev, English SO/Woods (Toccata)
Moving from tonal into 12-tone territory, with arresting results. The foreshortened No 3 is a witty, mercurial masterpiece.
Joan Tower
String Quartets Nos 3-5, Daedalus Quartet (Naxos)
The three pieces, each an unbroken span of about 17 minutes, move lithely within a post-Bergian harmonic idiom.
String Quartets Nos 3-5, Daedalus Quartet (Naxos)
The three pieces, each an unbroken span of about 17 minutes, move lithely within a post-Bergian harmonic idiom.
Ginastera
Piano Concerto No 2, Xiayin Wang, BBC PO/Mena (Chandos)
The ambitious score pays homage to Schoenberg, Beethoven and Chopin.
Piano Concerto No 2, Xiayin Wang, BBC PO/Mena (Chandos)
The ambitious score pays homage to Schoenberg, Beethoven and Chopin.
Wuorinen 8, Piano Concerto No 4
Peter Serkin, Boston SO/Levine (Bridge)
The symphony is marked by explosive virtuosity, the concerto by thorny lyricism.
Peter Serkin, Boston SO/Levine (Bridge)
The symphony is marked by explosive virtuosity, the concerto by thorny lyricism.
Beat Furrer
Works for Choir, Helsinki Chamber Choir/ Schweckendiek (Toccata)
Written for youth, the a cappella cycle “enigma I-VI” is likely to stretch any choir.
Works for Choir, Helsinki Chamber Choir/ Schweckendiek (Toccata)
Written for youth, the a cappella cycle “enigma I-VI” is likely to stretch any choir.
Paul Driver
CLASSICAL REISSUES
Tragic loss: Ginette Neveu
Beethoven/Brahms
Violin Concertos, Ginette Neveu (SWR)
The matchless French violinist, dead at 30, lives again in these 1949 recordings.
Violin Concertos, Ginette Neveu (SWR)
The matchless French violinist, dead at 30, lives again in these 1949 recordings.
Brahms
Violin Sonatas, David Oistrakh/Sviatoslav Richter (Praga)
Oistrakh’s live Brahms is captivating in its beauty of tone, ease of style and infectious sense of enjoyment.
Violin Sonatas, David Oistrakh/Sviatoslav Richter (Praga)
Oistrakh’s live Brahms is captivating in its beauty of tone, ease of style and infectious sense of enjoyment.
Mozart Piano
Concertos K466, K482, Annie Fischer (Praga)
The Hungarian pianist, at once subtle and mercurial, is irresistible.
Concertos K466, K482, Annie Fischer (Praga)
The Hungarian pianist, at once subtle and mercurial, is irresistible.
Elgar/Bruch 1
Violin Concertos, Yehudi Menuhin/ LSO/Elgar/Ronald (Pristine)
The classic 1932 Elgar recording by the boy Menuhin, conducted by the composer, can never be issued too often.
Violin Concertos, Yehudi Menuhin/ LSO/Elgar/Ronald (Pristine)
The classic 1932 Elgar recording by the boy Menuhin, conducted by the composer, can never be issued too often.
Beethoven
Eroica, NBCSO/Toscanini (Pristine)
A powerful performance that anticipates “early music” in its fidelity to Beethoven’s metronome marks and strings/woodwind parity.
Eroica, NBCSO/Toscanini (Pristine)
A powerful performance that anticipates “early music” in its fidelity to Beethoven’s metronome marks and strings/woodwind parity.
Mozart 40, Haydn 88, 94
Vienna and Berlin POs/Furtwängler (Praga)
Furtwängler’s rich string sound is offset by the exhilarating momentum of the symphonies’ quick movements.
Vienna and Berlin POs/Furtwängler (Praga)
Furtwängler’s rich string sound is offset by the exhilarating momentum of the symphonies’ quick movements.
Bruckner 8
Berlin PO/Böhm (Testament)
Böhm’s conducting of the Nowak edition in this 1969 live recording is very impressive.
Berlin PO/Böhm (Testament)
Böhm’s conducting of the Nowak edition in this 1969 live recording is very impressive.
Various
Blue Network SO/ Beecham (Pristine)
The pick-up 1945 New York band plays its heart out for Beecham in this enjoyable hour of Nicolai, Johann Strauss, Elgar and Delius.
Blue Network SO/ Beecham (Pristine)
The pick-up 1945 New York band plays its heart out for Beecham in this enjoyable hour of Nicolai, Johann Strauss, Elgar and Delius.
Mahler 1
LSO/Horenstein (Unicorn)
Welcome testimony to the partnership that did so much to champion Mahler in the 1960s.
LSO/Horenstein (Unicorn)
Welcome testimony to the partnership that did so much to champion Mahler in the 1960s.
Wagner
Die Walküre Act 1, LPO/Tennstedt (LPO)
Kollo, Bundschuh and Tomlinson, if not ideal, catch the excitement of Tennstedt’s conducting in this 1991 live recording.
Die Walküre Act 1, LPO/Tennstedt (LPO)
Kollo, Bundschuh and Tomlinson, if not ideal, catch the excitement of Tennstedt’s conducting in this 1991 live recording.
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