STRING QUARTET NO.

Beethoven: String Quintets Opp. 4 & 29

AVE MARIA ANCILLA TRINITATIS

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas

Macmillan: String Quartets Nos.1-3: Royal String Quartet - The string quartet has been an important medium for Sir James MacMillan since his formative years. From the autobiographical to the abstract, each of his three numbered works, performed by the Royal String Quartet, is a major addition to the repertoire.

CHORAL WORKS

Simon Callaghan - Nicod�: Ein Liebesleben & Other Piano Works (CD) - Felix Draeseke's description of Jean Louis Nicod� (1853-1919) as 'more a moderate progressive than a cacophonist' - in contrast to his younger contemporary Richard Strauss - may have been intended as a compliment, but doesn't begin to do justice to this profoundly enjoyable music, it's several influences (most notably Schumann) never far away.

Performers: Laurence Perkins (bassoon), Sarah Watts (clarinet), Martin Roscoe (piano), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Sian Edwards (conductor) - The Duet-Concertino is one of those lyrical, bittersweet scores from Strauss's Indian summer. Laurence Perkins argues that behind the notes lies a hitherto little-known programme-whence the album's title-and that this misunderstood work has good claims to be regarded as Strauss's final tone poem.

WORKS BY CLARKE, BRIDGE, VAUGH

The magnificent Christopher Purves performs a recital of Handel's bass arias. This unique collection demonstrates the range and brilliance of Handel's writing for this voice, featuring a selection from Italian and English operas, English classical drama, Biblical oratorios, literary odes and a masque. Handel's endlessly imaginative gift for characterization is fully explored here, with Purves commanding an extraordinary emotional and technical range from the buffo blustering of Polyphemus in Acis and Gatalea to the loving musings of Abinoam in 'Tears, such as tender fathers shed' from the oratorio Deborah. 'With his acting chops and weighty bass-baritone, Purves in full cry is a splendid and fearful spectacle' (The Times)

PRELUDES

V4: NEW DISCOVERIES

FINZI, BAX & IRELAND: CHORAL M

MISSA GRECORUM & MOTETS

KULLERVO