Rivals’ - David Hansen’s debut recording for SONY / DHM explores and celebrates the music of Farinelli and his castrato rivals: Caffarelli, Carestini, Bernacchi and others. These singers dominated the stages of Europe and it was not always Farinelli who reigned supreme… David Hansen’s album features nine world premiere recordings. He is accompanied by Alessandro de Marchi and his orchestra Academia Montis Regalis. Recorded at the famous Academia at Mondovì in Piemont with Alessandro de Marchi and the musicians of the prestigious Academia Montis Regalis, the choice of arias demonstrates the remarkable breadth of David Hansen’s phenomenal technique, his musical versatility and expression.

"What’s the matter with them Billy? They sit there like a lot of stuffed pigs!" Elgar commented to his friend W.H Reid, the leader of the Queen’s Hall Orchestra after the chilly reception given to the 2nd Symphony at its premiere in 1911. More emotionally complex and ambiguous than the first symphony, the 2nd seems to hint at the apocalyptic events that would be unleashed just three years on. "Be like a woman dropping a flower on a man’s grave" wrote the composer of the ‘Spirit of Delight' theme in the coda of the second movement.

The eagerly awaited Tchaikovsky Symphony cycle from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko gets underway with Symphonies 1, 2 & 5.

For those wanting to explore the chamber music of 20th-century master, Alfred Schinttke, this CD is the perfect place to start. The disc ends with a highly personal musical memorial to Schnittke by Leonard Elschenbroich as both composer and performer, who has had since his early years a deep interest in both the man and music: arguably the greatest Russian composer since Shostakovich.

Katherine Jenkins, the nation’s sweetheart, returns to her classical roots celebrating the music that launched her international career.

The Doobie Brothers is the debut album by American rock band The Doobie Brothers, released in 1971. The album was re-released in 1974 on the Midi record label with colourised album artwork.