Winter Daydreams: Romantic Orchestral Favourites

ABC 481 1112 Delving into the vaults, the ABC Classics team has compiled a lush array of music that should appeal to most listeners.  Featuring the best orchestras and ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestras of Queensland, Tasmania, Melbourne, and Sydney, along with Orchestra Victoria and the Australia Ensemble, the choices are indeed, well-honed favourites. Included … Read more

Cello Romance

ABC 476 5162 Anthologies of famous cello music abound, but this latest 2CD release from ABC Classics deserves to be heard. It is a compilation of recordings made mostly by Australians, including Janis Laurs, Li-Wei Qin, Sally Maer, Louise King, Michael Goldschlager, Julian Thompson, Suzanne Wijsman, Noeleen Wright, Daniel Yeardon, Anthea Cottee, Fenella Gill and … Read more

A Romantic Christmas

Stephanie McCallum (pianist) ABC Classics 476 4689 This selection of piano music really can be heard at any time of the year, but pianist Stephanie McCallum has chosen a lovely anthology of music which is directly related to the Christmas theme, or would suit the festive season. Amongst the glitter and fake snow that comes … Read more

Johann Sebastian Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Pianist: Albert Landa, ABC Classics 476 4556

I never tire of listening to the “48” for they hold an incredible spiritual sense, deriving, I suspect, from Bach masterfully working in all 24 keys (12 major and 12 minor) with inspired polyphonic intricacy. Listening (and playing) these works can give an experience, not only to the soul and intellect, that is profound. Australian … Read more