CLASSICAL: NEW RELEASES

Friday 23 April 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

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.

Poulenc Piano Music Vol II Olivier Cazal (Naxos)

The centenary year of Henri Poulenc's birth is producing a plethora of recordings of the Frenchman's endlessly intriguing music. This budget- price release can hold its own against the fiercest full-priced competition. Cazal's selection is nicely varied and his keyboard enunciation and bravura is evident throughout. HHHH

Handel Ombra mai fu and other Arias, Scenes and Instrumental Music Scholl, Akademie fur Alte Musik, Berlin (harmonia mundi)

With his reed-like purity of tone and brilliant phrasing, Andreas Scholl must now be regarded as the world's greatest countertenor. He certainly shows off the full beauty of his magnificent voice in this choice selection of Handel arias, including material from Xerxes, Giulio Cesare and Radamisto. Sumptuous vocal presence is augmented by no less precise period-instrument accompaniment. This is already one of the discs of the year. HHHHH

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in