Reissues

Marais Le Labyrinthe: Pieces de caractere

Glossa Cabinet GCD C 80404 (1999) 66:54 mins Stunning, highly virtuosic performances by Paolo Pandolfo and Alba Fresno of music by a Bach contemporary who almost single-handedly held out against the rise of the violin family with da gamba works of dazzling invention. ★★★★★

Rachmaninov Russian Rhapsody

Harmonia Mundi Gold HMG501301-02 (1989) 130:36 mins (2 discs)

Rachmaninov’s output for two pianos and piano duet, including the two suites and Symphonic Dances, in Brigitte Engerer and Oleg Maisenberg’s imposing, impassioned performances. ★★★★

Shostakovich Piano Quintet; String Quartet No. 2

Vanguard Classics OVC 8077 (1960) 62:05 mins Boldly engineered and fresh-minted performances by Shostakovich and the Beethoven Quartet, the Piano Quintet particularly probing emotionally. ★★★★

Weiss The Dresden Manuscript

Glossa Cabinet GCD C 80024 (1998) 64:11 mins Another contemporary of Bach’s, Silvius Leopold Weiss wrote beautifully crafted works for lute into the 18th century, played here with consummate style and expertise by Roberto Barto and company. ★★★★