Buxtehude’s legacy, for many centuries neglected, has more recently been re-appraised and its importance accepted, not only for the quality of its craftsmanship but also for its undeniable influence on composers such as J.S. Bach. In fact, it is reputed that Bach walked over 200 miles to hear Buxtehude perform on the organ, so extraordinary was his reputation. Chaconne has previously recorded sacred cantatas of Buxtehude with The Purcell Quartet and Emma Kirkby (CHAN0691), but this is the label’s first recording of secular instrumental works of the composer. The VII Suonate, Op. 1 have now been recorded by The Purcell Quartet, an esteemed early music ensemble renowned for its artistry in music of the early Baroque. The trio sonatas are a remarkable example of Buxtehude’s beautiful chamber music and together with the trio sonatas Op. 2 are the only compositions that Buxtehude issued in print.

Partita, Four Lyrics of Antonio Machado, Dialogues, Three Questions with Two Answers

The Musica Italiana series is very close to the heart of the Principal Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic, Gianandrea Noseda, and especially the music of Luigi Dallapiccola. From the moment of his appointment to the BBC Philharmonic Noseda spoke of his ambition to record the works of this twentieth-century composer. Dallapiccola’s melodies, angular yet lyrical, unwound with rapt introversion’) and in the studio (‘Noseda understands the music’s lyrical strength and fragile sound world perfectly; the playing of the BBC Philharmonic is exemplary too’). Dallapiccola was in many respects the quintessential Italian, in love with lyricism, the Romance languages, classical antiquity, Dante, Monteverdi and Verdi. Yet a certain orientation towards Austro-German art led him to follow Busoni, Schoenberg and Webern in seeking new modes of musical architecture. Though he came to prominence in Mussolini’s Italy, Dallapiccola was a dedicated anti-Fascist, in danger of his life during World War II. Many of his works deal with the themes of persecution, imprisonment, resistance to tyranny, the importance of holding fast to civilised values. For him, art possessed moral force; it is this, combined with the refinement and perfectionism of his technique, that makes him such an abiding inspiration in a later age of cultural relativism. In this latest volume the Partita receives its premiere recording. Also available with Noseda and The BBC Philharmonic (with James Ehnes as soloist): Dallapiccola Orchestral Works Vol 1 (CHAN10258)

Vivaldi, Pergolesi, Bach, Shostakovich, Dvorak

Founded by cellist and conductor Yuli Turovsky, I Musici de Montréal is a chamber orchestra of 15 musicians that performs a vast repertoire extending from the Baroque to the Contemporary, and is among the most important touring orchestras in Canada. 2009 marked the 25th anniversary of the orchestra, also the 70th birthday of Yuli Turovsky. To mark these double celebrations, Chandos presents a 3-CD set packed full with relaxing music taken from a selection of I Musici’s Chandos catalogue (spanning over 40 CDs). From the dreamy melodies of Vivaldi, Pergolesi and J.S Bach to Shostakovich and Dvorak, the music on these CDs is a wonderful salve for our busy lives. This set is sold at 3CDs for the price of 1.

Chandos presents the world premiere recording of this theatrically and musically devastating opera commissioned and performed by Welsh National Opera. The Sacrifice, described by The Scotsman as ‘a powerful and evocative piece of music’, is a compelling and timeless story of a ruler’s ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the future of his war-torn, faction-ridden country; a story of love, revenge and reconciliation, inspired by the heightened mythical world of the Welsh folk-tales collected in The Mabinogion. With hints of Tippett, Berg, Richard Strauss and the film music of Bernard Herrmann this opera evokes the late-romantic idiom, with a 21st-century twist. Further praise came from Western Mail: ‘There is no mistaking James MacMillan has a popular hit on his hands...big, bold and audience pleasing'. MacMillan’s oratorio Seven Last Words From The Cross (Naxos 8570719) received a 5-star review in the December issue of limelight, ‘a masterwork of our time perfectly captured by a profound performance’.

Piano Trios Nos 1-2, Clarinet Quintet, Trio for Clarinet Cello and Piano, Cornish Boat Song for Piano Trio

Chandos has championed the music of English composer Cyril Scott in its acclaimed orchestral music series. While still in his twenties, Scott was perceived as one of the pre-eminent avant-garde musicians of his generation, referred to as ‘the father of modern English music’ by Eugene Goossens and as ‘the English Debussy’. Scott wrote more than two dozen substantial chamber works and although some of his early chamber music has been revived from time to time, with the exception of the Clarinet Quintet this selection receives its premiere recording. The earliest work on the programme is Piano Trio No 1 of 1920, but the disc significantly celebrates music composed after the Second World War, exemplifying Scott’s late style. The Second Piano Trio dates from 1951 as does the one-movement Clarinet Quintet, while the largest work, the Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, is in three movements including a beautiful Intermezzo labelled Adagio espressivo. The Gould Piano Trio is joined by clarinettist Robert Plane, recognised for his ‘outstanding musicianship’ (The Musical Times).

Recognised as a young and incredibly gifted contemporary composer, Guillaume Connesson brings together an imaginatively diffuse range of influences, from the riches of the musical traditions of his native France to John Adams, Steve Reich and even the funk of James Brown. He is acclaimed for writing ‘bright-toned and imaginatively scored…crowd-pleasing, colourful music’ (The Guardian). During the composition of the works making up the Cosmic Trilogy Connesson drew inspiration from such sources as the paintings of Kandinsky and the physics of Stephen Hawking. After first discovering Connesson’s music in 2001, Stéphane Denève remarked on its ‘amazing orchestration…the quality of writing for large orchestra on the level of a Ravel or Stravinsky’, going on to champion Connesson’s works and commission two parts of the Cosmic Trilogy, ‘Aleph’ and ‘Une lueur dans l’âge sombre’ for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The Cosmic Trilogy evokes three moments in the history of the universe: the Big Bang in ‘Aleph’, the appearance of light and the stars in ‘Une lueur dans l’âge sombre’, and finally the explosion and death of a star in ‘Supernova’.

For its fourth recording, Stile Antico spotlights the work of a neglected Tudor master: John Sheppard. The programme displays his genius across the range of genres in which he composed, including Catholic liturgical responds and hymns alongside simple English anthems written in the reign of Edward VI. As its centerpiece, the great antiphon 'Media Vita' is a reflection on the frailty of human life and the hope for salvation. Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, now established as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. The group's most recent release, Song of Songs(HMU807489), won the 2009 Gramophone Award for Early Music and reached the top of the US Classical Chart. Stile Antico met with acclaim as the vocal group touring Australia for Sting's Dowland concerts.

Rather than mere technical studies, Béla Bartók's 44 Duos for 2 Violins are studies in musicianship and the integration of folk song into the composer's personal idiom. All but two of the themes are traditional - culled from the 'peasant' tunes Bartók gathered in his fieldwork. For this spirited recording, Angela and Jennifer Chun have prepared a new grouping of these colourful miniatures.

The indispensable keyboard: Gabriel Fauré was a remarkable pianist who included his instrument in almost all his compositions, but seldom as a soloist, preferring to combine it with chamber ensembles to produce the intimate atmosphere he so favoured. With the instrumental formula of string trio + piano, he set out in his own way to follow in the footsteps of Schumann and Brahms. On previous acclaimed recordings, Trio Wanderer have excelled in the French chamber music of their homeland, from Saint-Säens and Chausson to Debussy and Ravel.

An irresistible energy irradiates the sound world of Thierry Pécou's orchestral music, right down to the silences. This almost spiritual celebration of rhythm is extremely rare in contemporary composers. Impelled by their rhythmic drive, the Symphonie du Jaguar and Vague de Pierre explore the mysteries of the pre-Coumbian mythologies of Maya Mexico and the literary painters of ancient China.

Debussy String Quartet in G minor, Ravel Violin Sonata No 2 in G major, String Quartet in F major

The Dante Quartet continues its award-winning exploration of the French string quartet with this disc which includes two of the greatest works of this genre. Both quartets dazzled and disturbed at their first performances. Debussy’s fantastic, spiralling variations, resisting orthodox ‘development’ of ideas, is described as reminiscent of Monet’s in recording the variations of light on the façade of Rouen Cathedral. Traditionalist commentators were shocked, but the exotic beauty of the writing excited many, including the young Ravel. Ravel’s Quartet is to some extent an hommage to Debussy, but, typically, also a work of startling originality. Also included is Ravel’s Violin Sonata No 2 in G major, an intriguing, jazz-influenced work, energetic but with a dark undertow of pain; written, as Ravel said, with the aim of ‘exploring the basic incompatibility of violin and piano’.

Suite de Lorca, Cancion de nuestro tiempo, Canticum Mariae virginis, Magnificat, Our Joyful Feast, In the Shade of the Willow

Einojuhani Rautavaara’s reputation as one of the greatest living Finnish composers is assured. Once Sibelius’s protégé, over his long career he has achieved success in a great number of musical genres, particularly that of opera. But it is his choral works that have made him a household name, both in his native country and internationally. Recorded here is a fascinating selection of works, including the Suite de Lorca—one of the most popular Finnish choral works of all time—and all demostrating the unique style forged by the composer on his travels through the musical fashions of the twentieth century. His rich and sonorous neo-Romantic textures have a steely modernist edge and the resulting voice is one that is deeply attractive and approachable, yet endlessly captivating. He sets texts of great passion and complexity and does not hold back from expressing deep emotion. Rautavaara’s music is performed by the Schola Cantorum of Oxford, described in The Times as ‘Oxford’s classy intercollegiate choir’ and highly acclaimed for their two previous recordings for Hyperion. The choir is conducted by James Burton.

A delightful blend of slapstick and highly allusive banter, Cesti’s comic moral opera mocks the pagan gods and the morally reprehensible excesses caused by amorous passion. Antonio Cesti was, along with Francesco Cavalli, the most illustrious representative of the 17th-century Venetian school of opera composers. Like many Seicento artists, he had an eventful life embracing multiple activities, as singer, actor, composer and maestro di cappella; like Vivaldi he took holy orders; and, like the murdered Stradella, he died in murky circumstances (probably by poisoning) after an outstanding musical career. He was an itinerant composer, dividing his activity between Venice and the courts of Florence, Vienna and Innsbruck. The work recorded here dates from his period at the Viennese court, and the opera is characteristic of Viennese opera’s synthesis between the comical, parodic register typical of the Venetian aesthetic (of which Cavalli’s La Calisto is a remarkable example) and the moral, edifying dimension inherent to court opera.

Praeludium in G minor, Canzona in C major, Te Deum, Mensch willt du leben seliglich, Toccata in D minor, Ciaccona in E minor

Christopher Herrick’s acclaimed series of Buxtehude’s complete organ works continues with a selection of praeludia, toccatas, ostinato works, and canzonas, interspersed with chorale preludes and variations. For this disc he turns to the magnificent organ of Trondheim Cathedral in Norway, originally built by Joachim Wagner (1690–1749) and restored to its former baroque glory in 1994. Highlights from this disc include the brilliant, flamboyant Praeludium in G minor, BuxWV149. Here, as so often in Buxtehude’s organ works, one can picture an organist seated at a console completely free of music and giving his imagination full rein. Also, the Chorale Fantasia on Te Deum, BuxWV218, the only plainsong-based work on this CD and one of Buxtehude’s longest and grandest works for organ.

Among Handel’s vocal works – from the early, operatic solo cantatas to the full-blown operas and the oratorios of his London years – the Nine German Arias hold a special place. Possibly composed around the time that the composer made a final journey to Germany to take leave of his ailing mother, they were Handel’s last settings of texts in his native language. It seems likely that these circumstances contributed to the intimate character of these highly personal works, in combination with the texts themselves. Emma Kirkby has chosen to combine these arias with the much earlier Gloria, discovered in 2001 and given its première recording – by Emma Kirkby herself – in the same year. As a result of the smaller forces (two violins, cello and chamber organ) employed on this re-recording of the exuberant work, the performance has a more intimate atmosphere, giving an interesting perspective on a piece which although written 300 years ago, is still a new addition to the repertoire. Emma Kirkby and London Baroque share a musical relationship of long standing, and appear together on two previous Handel recordings on BIS. ‘Emma Kirkby presents these pieces with a deep insight into human thought and feeling… her interaction with London Baroque is an impressive demonstration of how a common musical understanding has matured and strengthened throughout a collaboration of many years.’

Listen to a sound clip: o Süßer Blumen Ambraflocken … (No.3 of Neun Deutsche Arien)

Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied BWV225, Komm Jesu Komm BWV229, Jesu meine Freude BWV227, Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden BWV230, Furchte dich nicht ich bin bei dir BWV228, Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf BWV226, O Jesu Christ meins Lebens Licht BWV118

Masaaki Suzuki and his Bach Collegium Japan have taken a short break from Bach’s cantatas in order to record the Motets. Although few in number, these include such well-loved works as Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied and Jesu, meine Freude. Remarkable for their expressiveness and beauty as well as for Bach’s virtuoso choral writing, most of the motets leave it open to the interpreters to perform them either a cappella or with instruments doubling the vocal parts. Masaaki Suzuki has opted for the latter, and accompaniments range from a single organ to strings and different combinations of strings and wind instruments. But nevertheless it is the singers of the Bach Collegium Japan that stand in the limelight here – and as followers of the Cantata series will already know, it is a marvellous choir, ‘a choir to dream of’ (Diapason). Included on the disc are the six motets BWV 225-231, as well as BWV 118 O Jesu Christ, mein’s Lebens Licht and BWV Anh. 159 Ich lasse dich nicht. Watch the mini-documentary .

Valse Triste Op 44, Finlandia Op 26, Karelia Suite Op 11, The Wood Nymph Op 15, The Swan of Tuonela Op 22, Spring Song Op 16, Scene with Cranes Op 44 No 2

Regularly described by reviewers as ‘the pre-eminent Sibelius interpreters of our day’ (American Record Guide) and ‘the Sibelius orchestra and conductor of the moment’ (International Record Review), Osmo Vänskä and the Lahti Symphony Orchestra have become synonymous with idiomatic, pioneering and authoritative interpretations of the music of Jean Sibelius. In fact the team’s very first Sibelius recording in 1991, caused a sensation: juxtaposing the final version of the composer’s famous Violin Concerto with the original version – never before recorded – made for a disc that was of supreme interest to the world of classical music, as witness the Gramophone Award that it received upon its release. But the recording, with soloist Leonidas Kavakos, was also praised for its artistic quality, and is still, almost twenty years later, considered a classic account of the work. The Lahti / Vänskä team went on to record the well-known Sibelius works – the seven symphonies, the tone poems, Kullervo – as well as a large amount of music that had hitherto been all but ignored. The fruits of their long involvement with the composer now form the orchestral back-bone of the ongoing Sibelius Edition on BIS, and have been of great interest to Sibelius specialists and music-lovers alike. The present programme unashamedly glories in some of the composer’s most popular pieces including Valse Triste and Finlandia. The performances are truly spectacular – and some of the last Sibelius recordings by a legendary team.

After twenty-six years at the forefront of British music performance, the Schubert Ensemble is firmly established as one of the world’s leading exponents of chamber music for piano and strings. In 1998 its contribution to British musical life was recognised by the Royal Philharmonic Society which presented the group with the Best Chamber Ensemble Award. The group is passionate about the music of Fauré and in recent years has championed the reflective and highly individual Quintets at its many concerts across the UK. Fauré was taught by Saint-Saëns, a lifelong friend, and Fauré in his turn taught Ravel. He broke new ground: in fusing the pre-baroque modes with the traditional tonal system, he created a fluid sense of constantly shifting harmony which is inimitably his own. The fluidity is apparently effortless, but if you listen closely to his Piano Quintets you will hear great drama, tension and profound emotion, all skilfully demonstrated. ‘Chamber music’, wrote Fauré, ‘really is… true music and the most sincere expression of a genuine personality.’ And in his chamber music he achieved something remarkable.

CSO principal conductor Bernard Haitink leads a moving and noble performance of Mahler's immense Second Symphony, continuing his and the orchestra's successful exploration of Mahler's symphonies. The legendary CSO brass are at their finest, with stellar solos and esemble playing from the woodwinds, strings and percussion. The Chicago Symphony Chorus sounds glorious in Mahler's triumphant finale, singing with a sumptuous sound and immaculate diction. ‘While being ever loyal to the score, Haitink made each choice of tempo, rhythm, volume, massing and colour seem almost shocking’ –Chicago Sun-Times. A musical force in Chicago and around the world, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the finest international orchestras.

This reissue of Alexandre Tharaud's best-selling Chopin Waltzes disc celebrates the bicentenary of Chopin's birth in 1810. 'All these performances suggest a fastidious musical intelligence with an immaculate technique…Harmonia Mundi's sound is as crystalline as the playing, and these scrupulously modern and sensitive performances are among the finest available.' -Gramophone

Valses, Polonaises, Mazurkas, Ballades, Sonatas and Concertos

Idealised by romantic myth, Frédéric Chopin is one of the most celebrated composers in history. This virtuoso pianist devoted his whole output to his instrument and developed a unique style which made him 'an extraordinary artist' (Berlioz). Here the musicians of harmonia mundi present some of his most famous pieces, a glimpse of the inner world of this genius who 'made use of art solely to fulfil his own tragic destiny' (Liszt).

LSO Live celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010. The label's first release of the new year features Prokofiev's spectacular score for the ballet Romeo & Juliet conducted by Valery Gergiev. Gergiev is a tireless champion of Prokofiev's music. In 2004 he conducted the complete cycle of the composer's symphonies with the LSO which then won a Gramophone Award. Shortly afterwards Gergiev became Principal Conductor of the LSO and spent much of 2008 and 2009 touring Prokofiev's symphonies with the orchestra in Europe, Japan and the USA. 'Most concert conductors only take bites out of Prokofiev's virile but lengthy ballet. Not Valery Gergiev. He knows that the complete score is a treasure chest of musical characterisation, orchestral colour, soaring melody and blasting drama: manna from heaven for himself and the London Symphony Orchestra' -The Times

Fuga Sopra Il Magnificat BWV733, Prelude and Fugue BWV541

Continuing their exploration of the sacred vocal music of the great Johann Sebastian Bach, Philippe Pierlot and his Ricercar Consort couple the Magnificat with the Mass BWV235 for their latest release on Mirare. They are joined by the distinguished soloists Maria Keohane, Anna Zander, Carlos Mena, Hans-Jörg Mammel and Stephan MacLeod, all of whom appeared in the same programme at La Folle Journée in Nantes and Tokyo in 2009. Rather than employing a massed choral sound, this performance accentuates the heart-wrenching intimacy of a small ensemble of solo singers in Bach's great choruses. The accompanying bonus DVD shows the singers and Pierlot recording their solos while the orchestra relaxes!

Arias from Orlando furioso, Griselda, La Fida Ninfa, Credo in G Major

The latest release in Naïve's awe-inspiring Vivaldi Edition focuses on the artistry of velvet-voiced Canadia contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux, a stalwart of the acclaimed opera edition, joined in stunning Vivaldi arias and duets by an all-star cast including Philippe Jaroussky, Sandrine Piau and Australian-born tenor Topi Lehtipuu. Such richly expressive voices are rare. Vivaldi!features famous arias including ‘Nel profondo’ and ‘Aure lievi’. Watch Marie-Nicole Lemieux and cast in conversation and in the recording studio for the Vivaldi opera La Fida Ninfa.

Arrieta Marina, Breton La verbena de la paloma, Vives Bohemios, Dona Francisquita

Zarzuela is the national music theatre or light opera of Spain. This exciting 2-CD set (for the price of a single CD) brings together outstanding examples of the genre from the 19th and 20th centuries performed by a star-studded lineup of Spanish soloists including Placido Domingo and Maria Bayo.