This is the time of the year when I contemplate choosing my Record of the Year. A problem this year: there are just too many excellent candidates, and I do not want to have one of those competitions where everyone gets a prize, for something or other. So let me choose just three new recordings I have heard this year, and put them on the pedestal -- as equals.
First up is the Bennewitz String Quartet playing three highly-enjoyable Haydn quartets. Wonderful playing in the great tradition of Czech string playing, with a demonstration-class recorded sound and balance from Supraphon, including the first violin; all important in Haydn's quartets. It should be mandatory for all string quartet recordings to be made by the Supraphon team. The Bennewitz gets its place on the pedestal due to all-round excellence.
Second up is Kirill Petrenko and the Berlin Philharmonic in two of my favourite Shostakovich symphonies: numbers eight, and ten. Much-loved works, extremely well recorded and balanced by the Berlin Concert Hall team. Excellent playing, and conducted by someone who knows and loves the symphonies.
Third up is Marie Cantagrill, a completely unknown violinist (unknown to me) who plays the six Bach unaccompanied partitas and sonatas impeccably in interpretations that sound almost as if she is improvising the music. Ms Cantagrill also has a recording of the Brahms sonatas for violin and piano that are equally impressive; but I have to limit my places on the podium.
I am awaiting Bach's Goldberg Variations played by Vikingur Olafsson. But consideration of that will have to wait until 2024's selection.
