GEORG FRIDERIC HANDEL
Handel: Complete Organ Concertos Christian Schmitt (organ) Charlotte Balzereit (harp) / Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra. Nicol Matt [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 22/Jan/2021 ] The first complete recording of the Breitkopf Urtext Edition of the organ concertos of George Frideric Handel. Handel's organ concertos enjoy a wide popularity, they are brilliant concert pieces, in which the organ plays a joyous, "worldly" part. |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Famous Cantatas Holland Boy's Choir, Netherlands Bach Collegium, Pieter Jan Leusink [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 25/Sep/2020 ] 'characteristic performances, marked by a great sense of authenticity' (Gramophone) |
PIETRO LOCATELLI
Locatelli: Complete Violin Concertos Igor Ruhadze (baroque violin) / Ensemble Violini Capricciosi [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 22/Jan/2021 ] Igor Ruhadze studied modern violin at the Moscow Central School of Music before pursuing his growing interest in music of the Baroque period. A pioneer of historically informed performance, he co-founded the Ensemble Violini Capricciosi. |
GLASS / ADAMS / ten HOLT / EINAUDI / RICHTER / SAKAMOTO / PART / etc
Best of Minimal Piano Music Jeroen van Veen (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 6 CD Box Set - released 23/Oct/2020 ] Highlights from the award-winning, much-praised series of Brilliant Classics recordings by today's leading champion of minimalist piano repertoire. |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Brandenburg & Violin Concertos / Orchestral Suites Musica Amphion, P.J. Belder / Amsterdam Bach Soloists, Thomas Zehetmair (violin) / Netherlands Bach Ensemble [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 25/Sep/2020 ] ."Zehetmair is by no means just a brilliant violinist; he is a very sincere musician...This is a most rewarding reissue. Even those lovers of baroque music who usually avoid modern instrument performances, should consider this disc." MusicWeb |
JOHANNES BRAHMS
Brahms: Complete Symphonies & Serenades Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Jaap van Zweden [ Brilliant Classics / 5 CD Box Set - released 25/Sep/2020 ] "This is an unfailingly warm-hearted, full-blooded Brahmsian sound and seems to represent a genuine attempt at redirecting the modern symphony orchestra towards the sort of sound-mix Brahms himself is likely to have heard." MusicWeb |
JOHN FIELD
Field: Complete Piano Concertos Paolo Restani (piano) / Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice, Marco Guidarini [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 10/Dec/2009 ] "A bargain for all fans of John Field's influential Piano Concertos" Gramophone |
JOHANNES BRAHMS
Brahms: Choral Works & Folksongs [6 CD set plus CD Rom] Chamber Choir of Europe. Nicol Matt. with Jargen Meier, piano, and Martina Schrott, harp / Amadeus Choir [ Brilliant Classics / 6 CD Box Set - released 20/Nov/2011 ] Brahms's choral music ranges from the severe magnificence of the Fest- und Gedenk-sprüche to the ravishing opulence of the Op.17 Songs for female voices, horns and harp. Brahms conducted amateur choirs throughout his professional life, both as a... |
J. S. BACH
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Bach, J. S.: Motets / Easter Oratorio BWV 249 Christine Brenk (soprano) Anne Greiling (alto) Frank Bossert (tenor) Thomas Pfeiffer (bass) / Kammerorchester Pforzheim / Ensemble vocal de Lausanne [ Brilliant Classics / 2 CD Box Set - released 20/Jul/2007 ] It is uncertain how many motets Johann Sebastian Bach composed, because some have been lost, and there are some doubtful attributions among the surviving ones associated with him. There is a case for regarding the six motets catalogued BWV 225-230 as... |
FRANZ SCHUBERT
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Schubert: Piano Works for 4 Hands Christoph Eschenbach and Justus Frantz (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 16/Jan/2006 ] Pianists Christoph Eschenbach and Justus Frantz are old hands at playing the piano and piano duets. Originally recorded by EMI. |
HELLENDAAL / WASSENAER / FESCH / SCHICKHARDT / SOLNITZ / GRONEMAN / HURLEBUSCH
Baroque Concerti from The Netherlands Combattimento Consort Amsterdam, Jan Willem de Vriend, Musica Ad Rhenum, Jed Went [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 1/Apr/2021 ] Excellent performances in Historically Informed Performance style by Dutch groups Combattimento Consort conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend and Musica Ad Rhenum, conducted by Jed Wentz, who is also a traverso soloist. |
MAURO GUILIANI
Guiliani: Complete Music for Flute and Guitar Daniele Ruggieri (flute), Alberto Mesirca (guitar) [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 11/Mar/2022 ] The combination of flute and guitar was a popular and appealing one for many amateur musicians of the early 19th century, and the Italian guitarist-composer Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) realised its full potential. |
FEDERICO MOMPOU
Mompou: Complete solo piano works (Rec 1974) Federico Mompou (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 17/Aug/2005 ] "These classic recordings, licensed from Ensayo, always will be treasured by those who enjoy Federico Mompou's haunting and hermetic style." (ClassicsToday 10/8 for performance and sound) |
ANTONIO VIVALDI
Vivaldi: Cello Concertos (complete) Francesco Galligioni (cello) / L'Arte dell'Arco, Federico Guglielmo [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 25/Feb/2015 ] Antonio Vivaldi was one of the first composers to feature the cello, then a relatively "new" instrument (after the viola da gamba), as a mature solo instrument. He wrote no less than 27 concertos for the cello. |
W. A. MOZART
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mozart: Concert Arias Francine van der Heyden, Miranda van Kralingen, Annemarie Kremer, Marcel Reijans, Ezio Maria Tisi, and others / various orchestras [ Brilliant Classics / 6 CD Box Set - released 10/Aug/2007 ] This set contains all concert arias on 6 CD's recorded by several singers including the famous Dutch soprano Miranda van Kralingen. |
FRITZ BRUN
Brun: Complete Orchestral Works Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Bratislava Symphony Orchestra, Adriano [ Brilliant Classics / 11 CD Box Set - released 1/May/2019 ] "...if you have yet to explore the music of this Swiss master, this release affords a very reasonably priced way of immersing yourself into the gorgeous musical world of Fritz Brun." Fanfare |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Violin Concertos, Salzburg Divertimenti and Haffner Serenade Hungarian Chamber Orchestra, Kristóf Baráti / Amati Chamber Orchestra, Gil Sharon / Kammerorchestra 'C.P.E. Bach', Hartmut Haenchen [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 25/Sep/2020 ] "..Baráti is out of the top drawer. With intensity of sound, unbridled athleticism and searing leaps into the stratosphere which send a tingle down the spine" (Gramophone) |
PIETRO ANTONIO LOCATELLI
Locatelli: Complete Edition Igor Ruhadze (violin), Jed Wentz (flute) / Ensemble Violini Capricciosi, Musica ad Rhenum [ Brilliant Classics / 21 CD Box Set - released 18/Sep/2015 ] Pietro Antonio Locatelli was one of the most important composers of the Baroque period, being a particularly celebrated composer of violin repertoire. |
ANTONIN DVORAK
Dvorák: Complete Piano Music Inna Poroshina (piano) [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 22/Jan/2021 ] Gramophone Magazine Re-issue of the Month - March 2011 |
LUDOVICO EINAUDI
Einaudi: Waves - The Piano Collection Jeroen van Veen (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 7 CD Box Set - released 20/Apr/2015 ] Ludovico Einaudi may well become the "Satie of the 21‐st century". His minimalist, deceptively simple piano works reach a massive audience well beyond the strict boundaries of traditional classical music. |
ERIK SATIE
Satie: Complete Piano Music Jeroen van Veen (piano) with Sandra Van Veen (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 9 CD Box Set - released 20/Apr/2016 ] This set contains the complete music for piano by Erik Satie, including the works for 4 hands. |
RYUICHI SAKAMOTO
Sakamoto: For Mr Lawrence - Piano Music; Jeroen van Veen (piano) with Sandra van Veen (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 5 CD Box Set - released 2/Sep/2019 ] "This is an interesting and enjoyable set. I would not recommend that you sit down and listen to the whole set at once...this was an enjoyable listen. Brilliant Classics should be applauded for bringing us such a comprehensive set as this." MusicWeb |
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Schubert: Piano Trios, String Quintet, String Quartets Klavertrio Amsterdam / Brandis Quartet [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 25/Sep/2020 ] "I really admire these heartfelt accounts for their warm expressiveness and sumptuous textures." MusicWeb [Quartets] |
W. A. MOZART
Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Klára Würtz (piano) [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 4/Oct/2019 ] Mozart's piano sonatas date from 1773 until 1788 - a period in which his style matured at a truly remarkable rate. The earliest sonatas are very much in the galant style of W.F and CPE Bach, and in places Scarlatti's influence can be detected. |
ANTONIO VIVALDI
Vivaldi: Complete Concertos and Sinfonias for Strings and Basso Continuo L'Archicembalo [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 1/May/2019 ] "this is surely an indispensable set for Vivaldians... it is a treasure trove of irresistible, life-enhancing music, as good and convenient a place as any to discover these underrated compositions." MusicWeb |
ALBINONI / CORELLI / COUPERIN / HANDEL / LOCATELLI / PURCELL / etc
Baroque [25 CD set] L'Arte Dell'arco, Musica Amphion, Violini Capricciosi, Amsterdam Bach Soloists, Concerto Koln, etc [ Brilliant Classics / 25 CD Box Set - released 14/Feb/2020 ] This 25CD set presents the most famous, iconic and best-loved works from the Baroque Era, including Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, Marcello's Oboe Concerto, Handel's Organ Concertos, Telemann's Tafelmusik, and Vivaldi's Concertos Op 8. |
CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
Monteverdi Edition Le Nuovo Musiche, Krijn Koetsveld [ Brilliant Classics / 30 CD Box Set - released 10/Nov/2023 ] Played and sung by leading musicians in the field of Early Music: Sergio Vartolo, Le Nuove Musiche/Krijn Koetsveld and others. |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 - 9 Leipzig Radio Choir / Dresden Opera Chorus / Staatskapelle Dresden. Herbert Blomstedt [ Brilliant Classics / 5 CD Box Set - released 20/Apr/2012 ] "Highlights of this cycle are many: a grand and glorious Eroica, a lithe and lyrical Second and Fourth, a pellucid Sixth with luminous wind playing, an exciting Ninth (with) a marvelously well sung finale." (ClassicsToday 10/10) |
MATTHIAS WECKMANN
Weckmann: Complete Organ Music Matteo Venturini (organ) [ Brilliant Classics / 3 CD Box Set - released 14/Feb/2020 ] "On all three CDs, Matteo Venturini proves himself to be an assured and perceptive guide through this enriching and deeply satisfying music. ...I don't believe that any organ lover who invests in this fine issue will be disappointed by it." MusicWeb |
ALEXANDER GLAZUNOV
MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Glazunov: Symphonies [complete] Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Fedoseyev (conductor) [ Brilliant Classics / 4 CD Box Set - released 10/Jan/2013 ] A close friend of Rimsky‐Korsakov who helped to complete many of Borodin's works and who later became Director of the St Petersburg Conservatory, Glazunov is one of those composers whose name repeatedly crops us but whose music still remains... |
J. S. BACH
Bach: Famous Concertos [Includes 'Brandenburg Concertos'] Thomas Zehetmair (violin), Amsterdam Bach Soloists / Pieter-Jan Belder, Musica Amphion / Erik Bosgraaf, Ensemble Cordevento [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 22/Jan/2021 ] "This is a most rewarding reissue. Even those lovers of baroque music who usually avoid modern instrument performances, should consider this disc at budget price." (MusicWeb Sept 2013 Violin Concertos) |
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Tchaikovsky: Complete Ballets [Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker] Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicolae Moldoveanu, Barry Wordsworth & David Maninov [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 22/Jan/2021 ] All three ballets by Tchaikovsky in one release! Tchaikovsky's ballets, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, are by far the most popular ballet music ever written, and count among the master's most famous works. |
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Shostakovich: Complete String Quartets Rubio Quartet [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 11/Oct/2019 ] "The Rubio performances are refreshing, emotionally satisfying within the parameters of their smooth-edged approach, and highly accomplished." Fanfare |
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Schubert: Complete Symphonies & Rosamunde Staatskapelle Dresden, Herbert Blomstedt, Willi Boskovsky [ Brilliant Classics Quintessence / 5 CD Box Set - released 4/Oct/2019 ] "The playing of the Staatskapelle Dresden is quite excellent, with fine work from the strings and commendable clarity of wind textures. This may be "big-band" Schubert, but never once did I sense a heaviness to the ensemble." (MusicWeb) |
BEDRICH SMETANA
Smetana Collection Stamitz Quartet, Joachim Trio, Roberto Plano (piano), Antonin Kubalek (piano) Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Staatskapelle Dresden, Theodore Kuchar [ Brilliant Classics / 8 CD - released 1/May/2023 ] Bedřich Smetana was a Czech composer born in Bohemia and later became a national symbol of Czech culture. Smetana's musical style was influenced by Czech folk music, classical traditions and romanticism. He is best known for his cycle of six... |
ARVO PART
Part: The Collection Ulster Orchestra, Hungarian State Opera, Leeds Cathedral Choir, Elora Festival Singers, Benjamin Hudson (violin, viola) Jurgen Kruse (piano), etc [ Brilliant Classics / 9 CD Box Set - released 17/Dec/2021 ] The most comprehensive collection ever issued of Arvo Pärt's music, surveying the full range of an output from one of the most distinctive voices in late 20th-century music. |
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF
Rachmaninoff: Complete Piano Music Zlata Chochieva, Lukas Geniušas, Alexander Gavrylyuk, Nikolai Lugansky, Alexander Ghindin, Elisa Tomellini [ Brilliant Classics / 8 CD Box Set - released 12/Mar/2021 ] This 8-CD set contains the works for piano solo by Sergei Rachmaninoff, 20-th century romantic, one of the greatest pianists of all time himself. |
David Bowie
Brilliant Adventure (18 x LP Box Set) [ PLG UK / Vinyl Box Set - released 26/Nov/2021 ] The latest in an award-winning and critically acclaimed series of box sets, Brilliant Adventure (1992 - 2001) includes newly remastered versions of some of Bowie's most underrated and experimental material: Black Tie White Noise (1993), The Buddha of... |
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Piano variations and Bagatelles Alfred Brendel (piano) [ Brilliant Classics / 5 CD Box Set - released 14/Dec/2006 ] A truly historic document: some 40 years ago Alfred Brendel recorded Beethoven's Bagatellen and Piano variations. Here the eminent pianist already showed his idiosyncratic self. Some people consider his playing dull; others find it refreshingly... |
ANGELO GILARDINO
Gilardino: Complete Music for Solo Guitar 1965-2013 Angelo Marchese (guitar) [ Brilliant Classics / 14 CD Box Set - released 14/Aug/2015 ] Angelo Gilardino is one of the most important guitar composers of the last half century. His unique style is a blend of the old and new, folk art and contemporary music, from Mozart to Messiaen. |