Anna Picard: The best Classical albums of 2008
‘The Belcea Quartet’s complete Bartok was a compelling document of despair’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brilliantly coloured and highly disciplined, Mariss Jansons's 'Rite of Spring' with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has an energy beyond any studio recording.
Sir Charles Mackerras's live recording of Schubert 9 with the Philharmonia proved a remarkable antidepressant as the days grew colder, but if I had to choose just one orchestral disc from 2008, it would be Leif Segerstam's resinous 'Kullervo' with the Helsinki Philharmonic.
Among the concerto releases, Christian Tetzlaff's Brahms/Joachim pairing was fascinating, while Hilary Hahn's performance of the Schoenberg and Sibelius Violin Concertos with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra was faultlessly shaped. Quatuor Ebène's delicate Debussy, Fauré and Ravel were enchanting, and the Belcea Quartet's complete Bartok a compelling document of despair.
Carole Cerasi's elegant 'English Suites' and Murray Perahia's effortless 'Partitas' were significant additions to the library, while Trinity Baroque's 'Bach Motets' were the finest in over 20 years. Two vocal recitals were outstanding for the attention lavished on text and nuance: Bernarda Fink and Gerold Huber's Schubert 'Lieder' and Mark Padmore's dreamlike programme of Britten and Dowland with lutenist Elizabeth Kenny and guitarist Craig Ogden.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments