This is my first column in 2019, the gap because record companies were unable to send discs (or vinyl) for review.
Geoff Adams reviews Toitu Te Puero, Al Fraser (nga taonga puoro). Rattle CD.
This disc successfully mixes ancient and ultra-modern sounds, trying to portray a "slowly evolving, ethereal world, with pieces that express, reflect and explore non-linear time and memory as sound".
The Thing. GRG67 (Michael Howell, Roger Manins, Tristan Deck, Mostyn Cole). Rattle CD
This disc went straight to the top of the RNZ Classical Charts in its first week of release, and it marks the debut recording of Lixin Zhang, who is a 16-year-old pupil in his fourth year at Burnside High School.
This album has taken two out of 11 slots in the European Jazz Media Charts for this July.
This is a very entertaining and spirited performance by Affetto, the group named after the Italian word for affection or affecting.
Boston-based composer Stefan Prock is a film music scholar and freelance composer of contemporary music for soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestra and film.
This is an Australian quartet that has gained international praise.
This album was released just before the performer became internationally renowned as cello soloist at the recent Royal Wedding
It is moving to hear great Bach harmonious invention.
Dunedin composer Dame Gillian Whitehead has received a further honour by becoming one of 20 Arts Foundation Icons.
From twins Christine and Michelle Naughton playing Mozart on two pianos with the NZSO and the piano duo Anderson and Roe using their four hands on one piano earlier in the year for a Chamber Music NZ recital, Dunedin has been treated to brilliant keyboard performances.
Preludes and Romances for Solo Harp. Carolyn Mills. Atoll CD
Bernstein on Broadway. London Symphony Orchestra, Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano), etc. Deutsche Grammophon CD
Leonard Bernstein must not be under-rated as an important composer and conductor of the 20th century.
Leonie Holmes.... when expectation ends. NZ musicians, Atoll CD
Boston-based composer Stephan Prock is a film music scholar and freelance composer of contemporary music for soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and film.
This is an original motion picture soundtrack comprising 19 brief tracks from the film Hostiles.
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas No.29 Hammerklavier and No.14 Moonlight. Murray Perahia (piano). Deutsche Grammophon CD