Best Recordings of 2013 (#3)

High time for a review of classical CDs that were outstanding in 2013. My lists for the previous years: 2012, 2011, (2011 – “Almost”), 2010, (2010 – “Almost”), 2009, (2009 – “Almost”), 2008, (2008 - "Almost") 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004.

# 3 - New Release

Francis Poulenc, Mélodies on poems by Paul Éluard & Louise de Vilmorin, Holger Falk (baritone), Alesandro Zuppardo (piano), m|DG 3071815

F.Poulenc, Mélodies v.2 H.Falk / A.Zuppardo m|DG

Dramatic and nuanced, impeccably articulated, honey-toned, sweeping and musically partnered. The Lied recital disc of the year. See review here: Dip Your Ears, No. 158 (Le Travail du Peintre)

Made possible by Listen Music Magazine.

# 3 – Reissue

Joseph Haydn, Select String Quartets, Quatuor Mosaïques, naïve 5357

J.Haydn, String Quintets Quatuor Mosaïques naïve

The Quatuor Mosaïques have been ionarts’ Haydn favorites from when we first heard their groundbreaking recordings. They converted hard-boiled modern instrument insisters to the HIP-cause… or at least their potential for sublime beauty. That beauty is so pure (but also very lively and engaging), that they’re sometimes looked down upon by the other extreme, the tightest among the HIP-proponents, for “playing too beautifully and too accurately”. Bollocks. Their Haydn is the measure—well, one measure certainly—of how these quartets can sound at their very best. To see them re-released, for the first time in one place and after repeatedly being out of print, is great. If you don’t already have them, shame on you. Here’s your chance.

See also: Dip Your Ears, No. 11 (A Mosaïque of Haydn), Quatuor Mosaïques Worth the Wait, and Dancing Boots with Quatuor Mosaïques.

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-> Best Recordings of 2013 #9
-> Best Recordings of 2013 #8
-> Best Recordings of 2013 #7
-> Best Recordings of 2013 #6
-> Best Recordings of 2013 #5
-> Best Recordings of 2013 #4