Lorenz Duftschmid is one of the most celebrated gambists of our time. Here he has selected a group that highlights some of the most original and beautiful compositions of Telemann’s compositions for the viola da gamba: a double concerto for recorder, viol, strings and continuo, two solos with basso continuo, a sonata for solo viol and two quartets.

Tchaikovsky's Trio has become more popular of late, with the newest Gramophone Classical Catalogue listing 13 groups whose versions are currently available. This is one to take its place in some very august company, and that in particular offers new insight into the nature and structure of the long, difficult opening movement. Partly, this is achieved through a flexible approach to tempo. The work is dedicated ''To the memory of a great artist'' (Tchaikovsky's mentor Nikolay Rubinstein), and the movement is entitled Pezzo Elegiaco. The players treat it with considerable flexibility of tempo, which works extremely well when their understanding of its unusual structure is so acute.

The peak of the band's industrial-gone-mainstream fusion, and still one of the best electronic music albums yet recorded, Some Great Reward still sounds great, with the band's ever-evolving musical and production skills matching even more ambitious songwriting from Martin Gore. "People Are People" appears here, but finds itself outclassed by some of Depeche Mode's undisputed classics, most especially the moody, beautiful "Somebody," a Gore-sung piano ballad that mixes its wit and emotion skillfully; "Master and Servant," an amped-up, slamming dance track that conflates sexual and economic politics to sharp effect; and the closing "Blasphemous Rumors," a slow-building anthemic number supporting one of Gore's most cynical lyrics, addressing a suicidal teen who finds God only to die soon afterward…

Conductor Domingo Hindoyan introduces us to a selection of beautiful orchestral works by his countrymen from Venezuela. Most, if not all the composers will be new names to many, but their music is extraordinary. Spanning the 20th century, the works are tonal, romantic, colorful, and, in places, the rhythmic vitality of the Venezuelan countryside, towns and cities is unmistakeable. This album is a voyage of discovery, and Domingo Hindoyan and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are the best of guides on this extraordinary journey that will leave listeners captivated and beguiled.

Canadian hard rockers Harem Scarem are finally back with their anticipated return album "Chasing Euphoria", their first new album in 5 years. Their new record is an absolute belter for all Melodic Hard Rock fans and shows clearly why, when a discussion arises on who are the current heavyweights of the melodic hard rock scene, the list of names being bantered about cannot avoid a mention of Harem Scarem.
"Chasing Euphoria" brings back the band’s classic sound and shows a band at the top of their game. A cohesive unit still able to deliver a power-rock-packed punch, swaggering riffs, and hooks to die for. Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance, without a doubt, show the world that their partnership still works!

This recording of chamber works by Ravel performed by Renaud and Gautier Capuçon and Frank Braley may not be the most electrifying, but it has a richness of feeling and movement that draws the listener along for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. The opening of the Piano Trio is delicately ethereal and atmospheric, but then it builds to grand heights. The second movement sways and flows in continuous waves, and the third arcs in a way similar to the first movement.

This CD is markable reissue of very rare first LP of Somei Satoh. Like several other composers of his generation, Somei Satoh has an affinity for mysticism and meditation, and he attempts to convey stillness and timelessness in his extremely slow music. His works may be described as ambient, but their minor key harmonies and step-wise melodies seem more conventional than the blurred, unearthly sonorities usually found in that atmospheric genre.

It is a joy to have access to these two performances of the Goldberg Variations. Choosing between the American interpreters is not an easy task. Edward Aldwell is not a name familiar to many in Britain, but the fact that historical specialists Biddulph have chosen to record a new disc with him should alert us to the fact that here is something of rare quality. At times, Aldwell’s interpretation feels like one long meditation: his tempi are somewhat slower than most, he observes every repeat and no note is touched with less than total care.

Recording the “Seis libros del Delphín” has been a long-held wish of the Argentine guitarist Pablo Márquez, who came to Europe almost twenty years ago to study renaissance repertoire and to delve into contemporary treatises on performance practice. “Troughout my artistic development, Luys de Narváez has remained a passion of mine, never failing to move me with the mystical nature of his music and the crystal clarity of his discourse”, he writes in his performer’s note to the present album which marks his debut on ECM New Series.