Bbc Music Magazine 2019

The recorder played a huge part in 18th-century European music, so it’s strange that this beautiful instrument doesn’t command the attention it deserves today. Enter Dutch player Lucie Horsch with a Baroque feast of thrilling arrangements and wonderful, original works for recorder. Dive into the magical, virtuosic worlds of Castello, Naudot, and Sammartini—whose Concerto in F Majoris a sparkling discovery—and relive famous pieces that shine anew. The voice flute used for “Erbarme dich” from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion has a breathtaking vocal quality, while Horsch joins fellow recorder player Charlotte Barbour-Condini for a joyful, energizing performance of Handel’s “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.” Utterly inspiring.

Gianadnrea Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic have the work’s measure and their performance has a full-blooded intensity and fire. Tempos are well judged and orchestral textures well blended. Noseda balances a strong sense of the piece’s architecture with its expressive eloquence and rich nostalgia it is a reading that can rank alongside the classic Ormandy and Pletnev accounts, both of whom bring a special authority to the Symphony.

In the latest chapter in Sir Andras Schiff’s ongoing documentation of Franz Schubert’s music, the great pianist plays the Four Impromptus D 899, and compositions from 1828, the last year of Schubert’s too brief life: the Three Pieces D 946 (“impromptus in all but name” notes Misha Donat in the CD booklet), the C minor Sonata D 958 and the A major Sonata D 959.

On the 'Sony Classical' label - The sensational, Classic BRIT winning saxophonist Amy Dickson returns with her exquisite new album "In Circles" . This album explores the connections between classical composers and folk music. This stunning new album features breath-taking works by celebrated composers Ralph Vaughan Williams, Brahms, William Bolton and many more.. Dickson began playing the saxophone at the age of six. She made her concerto debut at 16 and has since gone on to perform at prestigious venues throughout the world including the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Konzerthaus, Vienna. Named by BBC Music Magazine as one of the world’s six best classical saxophonists, Amy Dickson has won numerous prizes including the Gold Medal at the Royal Overseas League Competition, the Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Competition and the Prince’s Prize. Dickson will tour the UK alongside the acclaimed Aurora Orchestra.