The vulnerable young woman at the heart of Janacek's breakthrough opera is a signature role for the English soprano Amanda Roocroft. Here, in Stéphane Braunschweig's clear but deeply affecting production, she is partnered by the Slovak tenor Miroslav Dvorsky, as the man through whom she finds redemption, love and hope. The complex figure of the Kostelnicka becomes both tormentor and tormented in this fearless interpretation by the great dramatic soprano Deborah Polaski.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Tiffany Poon, “classical pianist of the new generation”, who makes her Pentatone debut with her album Diaries: Schumann. Through her vivid interpretation of Robert Schumann’s masterpieces, Tiffany invites us on a journey through her musical diary.

Following her critically acclaimed coupling of the Britten & Barber Piano Concertos with the London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Joy Roe enlightens the extraordinary world of John Field. Field, an Irish composer, is regarded as the "Father of the Nocturne" who predates Chopin. This release is the first recording of all 18 Nocturnes on a single album.

[Villa Lobos] ‘incorporates nationalistic musical elements of Brazil along with melodic, lullaby-like themes, to make a truly contrasting and interesting three-movement work.’ (Classic FM) ‘Brazilian sonorities and rhythms are a perfect match for the saxophone’ (WFMT) [Glazunov] ‘persistence paid off for Raschèr, who badgered Glazunov to write him a concerto. The Russian relented and the result – three short, pleasingly lyrical movements – was premiered by Raschèr’ (BBC Music Magazine) ‘Glaznov’s Quartet is a foundational piece for the instrument’ (WFMT)

Mixing well-read indie rock with joyful, Afro-pop-inspired melodies and rhythms, Vampire Weekend grew from one of the first bands to be championed by music bloggers into a chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning act that helped define the sound of indie music in the late 2000s and 2010s. After establishing the foundations of their bright, intricate style with 2008's Vampire Weekend, the band soon became hugely successful; they're the first indie rock act to have two consecutive albums (2010's Contra and 2013's Modern Vampires of the City) enter the Billboard 200 at number one. With each release, Vampire Weekend's music grew more diverse, incorporating ska, hip-hop, and '80s pop influences that nevertheless complemented their signature style. Similarly, the band weathered the loss of founding member Rostam Batmanglij to deliver some of their most polished and ambitious work with 2019's Father of the Bride, their third chart-topper.

While 99.9 F° is not the techno album that Suzanne Vega was rumored to be making, it does offer a significant departure from her previous contemporary folk albums. Vega uses more synthesizers and drum machines, often evoking a bizarre carnivalesque atmosphere on the album. Still, 99.9 F° is a folk album at heart; every song is steeped in traditional song form, and Vega's writing is strong. Fans of Vega's previous work might be taken aback, but those willing to listen to the album will find that she has produced one of her strongest yet.

The Swedish melodic power metal formation Metalite is back! In their luggage they have their fourth studio album "Expedition One", which tells the fictional story of life on our planet in the year 2055.
"Expedition One" is a nuanced and varied offering with a strong melodic backbone to the music that shines not just in the catchy choruses that abound on this record but also in the instrumental interplay between the guitars and drums, or in how the vocals come across. However, it is the way they calibrate the heaviness (especially when it comes to the guitars) and the free-flowing melodies that is the ultimate selling point of their music and the reason for this album’s playability (despite its length). Fans of Amaranthe, Temperance, or Delain will find plenty to enjoy on this record.