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By Jacob Stockinger
The monthly Gramophone magazine, based in London, is probably the most respected classical music periodical.
In addition to feature stories — such as, in the May issue, a remembrance of Maurizio Pollini, an interview with Korean piano phenom Yunchan Lim, a roundup of summer festivals and an assessment of Edward Elgar’s choral music — it offers well-informed reviews of recent recordings.
Here is the latest collection of critics’ reviews that cover recordings released so far in 2024.
You will find an impressive variety of artists, some only being rediscovered — such as the songs of Louis Beytds in the YouTube video at the bottom — and genres among the 50 selections.
Still, this selection seems to be heavier on piano music than is typical.
The choices are also noteworthy for the number of small labels that are singled out for high praise.
Plus there are bonuses.
Don’t forget to check out the links to the full reviews for more information about the music, the performer and comparisons with other recordings.
And at the bottom you will also notice links to Gramophone stories about the Top 20 Recordings of Haydn, Ravel, Verdi, Bartok, Debussy and Stravinsky.
That is a lot of music to explore and check out, especially if you have a streaming service.
PLEASE HELP THE EAR. IF YOU LIKE A CERTAIN BLOG POST, SPREAD THE WORD. FORWARD A LINK TO IT OR, SHARE IT or TAG IT (not just “Like” it) ON FACEBOOK. Performers can use the extra exposure to draw potential audience members to an event. And you might even attract new readers and subscribers to the blog.
By Jacob Stockinger
Gramophone magazine, based in the UK, is probably the best and most influential periodical about classical music for the general public.
Every month, the editors pick a recording of the month with 11 others to make up a dozen great opportunities for listening. The reviews — which often favor British performers and composers — include links to excerpts on streaming services.
Would you like to hear the prolific super-virtuoso pianist Marc-André Hamelin play his own compositions, including his Variations on a Theme of Paganini? See the YouTube video at the bottom for an astonishing display of pianism.
Or an obscure opera by Leos Janacek?
Or historic recordings of the violinist Joseph Szigeti?
Or the contemporary composer Nicola LeFanu?
Maybe a spring bouquet of songs about flowers?
Then check out this month’s choices for the Best Of.
And if these reviews interest you, check out the other stories and reviews at the bottom of the Gramophone webpage.
The Well-Tempered Ear 