Best Recordings of 2010 (# 1)

High time for a review of classical CDs that were outstanding in 2010. Our lists for the previous years can be viewed here.

# 1 - New Release

“I dreamt I was passing by a water, so deep…” R.Schumann, Introduction & Allegro, Ghost Variations et al., T.Barto, C.Eschenbach, Ondine 1162

R.Schumann, Introduction & Allegro, Ghost Variations et al., T.Barto / C.Eschenbach / NDRSO (Ondine)

Tzimon Barto’s Haydn last year was on the “Almost” list. Nothing “almost” about this release for the Schumann anniversary. Talking with Wolfgang Rihm about the disc (which takes the two “Introduction & Allegros” for piano and orchestra (opp.92, 134) and joins them—literally—with the “Ghost Variations” to form sort of a piano concerto) we discovered and admitted that we both cried listening to it. I’ve heard the program on this disc (minus the wonderful Six Études in Canonic Form) a few times in concert as well and it never fails to move. Perversely, I’ve found the experience of the recording even more moving, but be that as it may, this is a stunning disc and my obvious top choice for 2010 (ionarts review here, originally reviewed on WETA).

# 1 – Reissue

J.S.Bach, English & French Suites, Klavierbüchlein, C.Rousset, Ambroise (naïve) 196

J.S.Bach, English & French Suites, Klavierbüchlein, C.Rousset Ambroise (naïve) 196

The finest sounding harpsichord recordings I know, my greatly beloved favorites with Christophe Rousset! (Ionarts review here.) Distribution issues removed them from the North American market after a spurt of brief availability of the French Suites and the Klavierbüchlein (the English Suites may never have been available)… and getting them from Europe was extremely expensive. Now they are back. The superbly luxurious digi-packs are replaced with three slim 2-CD jewel cases inside a slipcase… but that was to be expected at the much reduced price for these six stupendous CDs. In any case, availability is the main issue and a reason to celebrate. Even if the English Suites somehow don’t reach the elated heights of the other two sets, all six are mandatory for the harpsichord-interested Bach-lover… and in fact anyone who is even remotely interest in how rich, blooming, juicy the harpsichord can sound.

-> Best Recordings of 2010 #2
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #3
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #4
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #5
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #6
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #7
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #8
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #9
-> Best Recordings of 2010 #10