Prokofiev wrote two superb violin concertos, highlighted here in outstanding performances by Georgian superstar violinist Lisa Batiashvili. I'm not sure whose idea it was, soloist, conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin or the bright sparks at DG, but they added three highly musical but aimless fillers and created a 'concept album', Visions of Prokofiev.

So, let's get the fillers out of the way. The three 'hits' plucked from Prokofiev's' ballets and opera are well played and expertly recorded, but are adrift from any musical connections. You'll enjoy them as an aperitif or digestif before, in between or after the two main courses, the concertos. 

By aged 43, I figured Daniel Harding would be at or near the top of the conducting heap—his reputation so well manicured (by a brilliant talent and very close associations with Rattle and Abbado), that a major post in Europe or the US would have been offered by now. A pleasant surprise was the music directorship of the Orchestre de Paris, the rough and tumble band that can, at times, be encouraged to provide top class music making. No happy ending, though. Harding decamped this year after only two years on the job citing, I think, artistic disagreements 'You are a supreme expression of a musical culture that is not mine.'. A nice way of saying I can’t be arsed to fix what's wrong [full statement here]. 

I've heard of other problems on podcasts of his working relations with US orchestras (LA and Chicago, specifically). Yet, through correspondence on social media, the excellent relations with many players of London Symphony as its Principal Guest Conductor, and from concerts I've attended, Harding seems to be a very charming guy as well as a superb musician. 

This is the second release of a projected Bruckner Symphony cycle by one of classical music’s star conductors with his newest orchestra, the vaunted Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig, Germany (named after the hall in which it plays).

The Gewandhaus was for many years under the direction of Kurt Masur, who by title, was the 'General' music director of the entire city. He raised the orchestra's international profile with many fine recordings on Philips. Happily, the 'east' German orchestra did not suffer the same wobbly horn problems that its sister orchestra in Dresden experienced—a hold over from Soviet influence. Masur was asked by the New York Times upon his appointment to the city's Philharmonic, the difference between the Phil and his Leipzig band. 'The New York Philharmonic never makes mistakes. The Gewandhaus sometimes makes mistakes, but what beautiful sounding mistakes'. 

Legendary American pianist Murray Perahia continues his Indian Summer of recordings on the prestigious yellow label. Other DG house star pianists in their twilight recording years have not been so successful. Perahia's first release was a marvellous musical achievement. This new Beethoven recording is also very fine, but here, the competition is fierce. 

Perahia has recorded the Beethoven Sonatas before on Sony (or Columbia before Sony). They were always mainstream views of Beethoven's towering works; very well played and recorded. Though they did little to supplant Stephen Kovacevich, Schnabel, Gilels and several other Beethoven luminaries and their giant, universe striding interpretations. Want in on ALL the secrets, better get Artur Schnabel.

I wrote a review of a new Trout Quintet CD recording a couple of weeks ago. In my research for that disappointing release, I searched Audiophilia for my review of a Decca LP reissue of the Trout.  I thought I reviewed it last year. Nothing there, which leads me to this very pleasant task—reviewing a classic performance and reissue recording of one of Schubert's most endearing works. 

Schubert usually wrote chamber music with specific musical friends in mind, which may be the reason for the quintet's odd instrumentation; piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass. No matter, because typical of Schubert, his genius for exquisite melody and concomitant harmony is in full swing here. It's called the Trout because the 4th movement is a set of variations on his song Die Forelle (The Trout). 

I am a big admirer of Seong-Jin Cho’s piano playing and Debussy’s spectacularly beautiful piano music. As recorded by DGG, this new recording of both may be a perfect musical match.

Cho is the recent laureate of the International Chopin Piano Competition [2015]. I followed his progress with greta interest on the MediciTV live webcasts. His runner up, Canadian Charles Richard-Hamelin gave him great competition, but ultimately, Cho won over the jury with his exquisite touch and innate musicality. When you reach that far into the world's best piano competition, it's assumed one has the technical chops. Cho does. 

Cho was signed quickly by DGG, a label synonymous with the greatest pianists, and with some heavy duty Debussy recordings already in the catalogue. 

I recently paid $50 for a 180g vinyl reissue of Schubert's effervescent Trout Quintet. The joys of vinyl are all there in the great performance by Sir Clifford Curzon and members of the Vienna Octet on Decca. It's the only work on the album. That's where the CD shines—up to 80 minutes. Well, that, and capturing much needed new performances of old masterpieces. On this new DGG album, we get the best of CD logistics, plus the crackerjack promise by stars of the DGG house.  

The Trout Quintet is the given name to Schubert's Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, composed in 1819, but published only after his death in 1829. What a musical crime—only friends, family and admirers were to experience this chamber masterpiece during the composer's lifetime. 

As chosen by Audiophilia's Publisher, Anthony Kershaw.

Images link to Audiophilia review for your information.

Available at most online sites. Reviews have to be published in Audiophilia during 2017 and the recording released internationally in 2017. Media and label noted under the image.

I'm often asked what's my favorite LP. I always respond with it's too difficult to choose. Yet, to myself, Bill Evans' Waltz for Debby sometimes shoots to the front of my cerebral cortex or Dorati's LSO Firebird on Mercury. Muddy Waters Folk Singer on MoFi, too. Reiner/Chicago has to have a couple of LSCs in there, right? But, you know, there is one, no matter the year, the month, the day, the mood, which always places itself first among equals, pushed to the front of my line by its brilliance and unquantifiable musical kismet. A perfect musical storm. Arnold: Overtures with the composer, Malcolm Arnold conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra on Reference Recordings. 

The primary reason I'm writing this article is to give a copy of this brilliant album (newly remastered and pressed by Reference Recordings) to one of our readers, not simply to give you my nominee for heavenly vinyl status. That said, I'm sure many of you have one for stardom. Please comment below. I would like to read your choice. 

Sony Classical asked me if I was interested in reviewing a comprehensive set of Glenn Gould's seminal recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. There have been quite a few 'collections' over the years as Sony cash in on one of its most valuable classical assets. As recording technology improves, especially digital restoration, out come the reissues. Being a huge fan of Gould, 'sure', I said, expecting the typical chubby box of remastered (yet again) CDs.  

What I received at the office was a large package from Sony Classical with a very heavy box inside. I was surprised and thrilled at the same time. Next time, I'll read the email requests more carefully. The box was so heavy, I thought it was a set of LPs. It's actually 7 CDs, a large poster, the original LP in a new, 180g pressing, and a book (280 page, hard cover, coffee table book with 45 newly discovered photos). The major weight comes from the very comprehensive book discussing the recording legacy of this 1955 mono release in great detail. Seemingly, no information is left out. We even see how much Gould (and Steinway) were paid for each side of the LP. Charming.