The brilliant violinist Lisa Batiashvili has once again captivated audiences with her latest recording, “Secret Love Letters,” featuring an exquisite selection of works by Franck, Szymanowski, Chausson, and Debussy. Published by Deutsche Grammophon, this album showcases Batiashvili’s exceptional artistry, complemented by the skilled piano accompaniment of Giorgi Gigashvili and the Philadelphia Orchestra led by the renowned conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

The album opens with Franck’s  Violin Sonata in A, a piece that captures the essence of romance and emotion. Batiashvili’s heartfelt interpretation, with its tender phrasing and seamless transitions between movements, makes for an unforgettable listening experience. Each note seems to carry a secret message, resonating with the listener’s soul.

A hidden gem of the recording is Szymanowski’s mesmerizing Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 35. This one-movement wonder showcases the violinist’s virtuosity, as well as her ability to evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions. The concerto’s exotic and sensuous melodies weave a spellbinding atmosphere, transporting the listener to distant lands of mystery and passion. Batiashvili’s skillful command of the violin, coupled with the Philadelphia Orchestra’s sumptuous accompaniment conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, creates a magical synergy that will leave you breathless.

Chausson’s Poeme, Op. 25, originally conceived as a violin concerto, adds another layer of elegance to the album. Batiashvili’s soulful playing, infused with delicate phrasing and nuanced dynamics, elevates the piece to new heights. The deep emotional connection she establishes with the music is felt in every note, making it a standout performance.

Debussy’s “Beau soir” serves as a delightful interlude, displaying Batiashvili’s ability to express tender sentimentality. In this brief yet charming piece, the violinist and pianist Giorgi Gigashvili complement each other flawlessly, creating a moment of serene beauty.

One cannot ignore the personal touch in the CD notes, where Batiashvili shares her views on love and emotion, connecting each piece with heartfelt insights. This adds an intimate dimension to the album, drawing the listener into the artist’s own world of musical interpretation.

Recorded in the historic city of Philadelphia, the album boasts exceptional audio quality that captures the subtleties of Batiashvili’s performance and the orchestra’s lush accompaniment. However, some listeners may wish for a slightly more pronounced presence of the solo violin in certain moments.

“Secret Love Letters” is a remarkable addition to Lisa Batiashvili’s discography, showcasing her versatility and artistry as a violinist. The carefully curated selection of works, from Franck’s passionate Sonata to Szymanowski’s enchanting Concerto, demonstrates Batiashvili’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her music. With the stellar support of Giorgi Gigashvili on piano and the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this album is a must-listen for anyone seeking an unforgettable journey through the realm of romantic classical music. “Secret Love Letters” will leave you entranced and longing for more, just like the secrets of a love letter yet to be revealed.

Charles Koechlin’s orchestral music may have been overshadowed by his chamber works in the past, but this captivating album by the Sinfonieorchester Basel, under the direction of conductor Ariane Matiakh, proves that his orchestral pieces are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Featuring two stunning compositions, “The Seven Stars” Symphony and “Vers la voûte étoilée,” this record brings to light Koechlin’s brilliance and offers a delightful listening experience.

At the heart of this collection lies “The Seven Stars” Symphony, an imaginative and evocative masterpiece that astoundingly weaves together celestial movie stars of the past. Contrary to its celestial name, the “stars” in question are the iconic movie legends: Douglas Fairbanks, Lilian Harvey, Greta Garbo, Clara Bow, Marlene Dietrich, Emil Jannings, and the whimsical Charlie Chaplin. Each star receives a distinct and vivid characterization, capturing their essence and personalities through the music. The lively and perky “It Girl” portrayal of silent cinema’s charm or the icy and distant rendition of Greta Garbo both showcase Koechlin’s exceptional ability to depict individual personalities through his musical language. What’s even more intriguing is how Koechlin cleverly structures some of these variations based on the letters in the stars’ names, adding a creative layer to the symphony’s concept.

“The Seven Stars” Symphony resonates beautifully with any film event, making it an ideal companion for multimedia performances. Furthermore, its accessibility to a wide audience is a testament to Koechlin’s masterful composition style, which can be enjoyed by both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The symphony’s emotional depth, coupled with its imaginative storytelling, ensures a captivating journey through the golden age of cinema.

The album concludes with the rich and mesmerizing tone poem, “Vers la voûte étoilée” (“Toward the Starry Vault”). This piece, akin to a celestial dreamscape, exhibits Koechlin’s affinity for impressionistic colors and textures. It bears a kinship to the works of Debussy, allowing for a seamless pairing in a concert program. Through the skillful interpretation of the Sinfonieorchester Basel, the performance is precise and subtly radiant, immersing listeners in the wondrous cosmic journey painted by Koechlin’s musical brush.

Special mention should be made of the Capriccio label’s exceptional sound engineering, which beautifully captures the orchestra’s artistry within the resonant walls of the Basel Stadtcasino. It comes as no surprise that this album has climbed the classical best-seller charts, as it unveils Koechlin’s genius and provides a truly enriching and delightful listening experience for all classical music enthusiasts. A major find indeed, and a must-have addition to any music collection.

In this outstanding album featuring Liszt’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, as well as the Piano Sonata, Alexander Ullman, accompanied by Andrew Litton and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, delivers a performance that stands out for its remarkable musicality and finesse. Unlike some interpretations that veer towards bombastic tendencies, Ullman’s approach showcases an exquisite sense of characterisation, making this album a true gem in the realm of Liszt’s piano works.

From the outset, Ullman’s pianism in Concerto No. 1 captures the essence of this fantastical and glittering creation. His delicate touch and nuanced phrasing give life to the solo triangle, allowing it to shine with subtlety, blending harmoniously with the orchestra. As the album progresses to Concerto No. 2, Ullman masterfully handles the high-stepping and flamboyant moments, infusing them with just the right amount of swagger while maintaining an underlying elegance and poise that ensure the work retains its essential musical integrity.

Ullman’s control over the piano is simply magnificent throughout the album. His clarity of touch and finesse in handling the delicately rhetorical fioritura is awe-inspiring, and his ability to control dynamics within a trill or a run, as demonstrated in the conclusion of the First Concerto’s first movement, is nothing short of exceptional. At times, it almost seems as if he can create the illusion of a sustained note, displaying a level of technical prowess that is truly remarkable.

The B minor Sonata receives an equally impressive performance, though it may lack the same edge of originality present in the concerto interpretations. Nevertheless, Ullman’s command of the piece is admirable, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with his expressive and emotive rendition.

The orchestral accompaniment by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Andrew Litton is solid and supportive. The ensemble delivers strong performances, allowing Ullman’s piano to take center stage and shine. Special mention goes to cellist Susan Monks and leader Stephen Bryant for their commendable solos that add depth and beauty to the overall sound.

Recorded sound quality is generally excellent, capturing the nuances and subtleties of Ullman’s piano playing. While the piano might appear slightly forward in the mix during the concertos, this only serves to accentuate the splendid details of the soloist’s performance, allowing every intricate element to receive its well-deserved spotlight.

This is a truly captivating album that brings out the best in Liszt’s challenging works. Ullman’s remarkable pianism, characterized by a fine sense of characterisation and unparalleled technical prowess, ensures that these sometimes problematic pieces are presented with elegance and brilliance. This recording is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts, as it exemplifies the art of exquisite pianism and masterful orchestral collaboration.

Samuel Mariño’s Sopranista, accompanied by La Cetra Barockorchester under the direction of Andrea Marcon, presented a unique and intriguing exploration of the higher vocal range in classical music. Like a rare gem, Mariño’s soprano voice shines with light, brightness, and grace, offering a distinctive auditory experience that captures the listener’s attention. The album, released under the Decca label, unveils a collection of arias from various operas, some of which have been relatively unexplored, making this musical journey a fascinating one.

Mariño’s vocalism is characterized by its delicacy and expressiveness, creating an enchanting sonic landscape. His ability to convey emotion through his singing is evident, although at times, a touch more clarity in diction would have heightened the dramatic impact further. Nevertheless, his performances are consistently captivating, drawing the audience into the intricate emotions and narratives of each piece.

A standout feature of Sopranista is the inclusion of arias from lesser-known operas. Two arias from Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ L’amant anonyme (1780), are presented for the first time on disc. The overture and arias from this opera offer a glimpse into Saint-Georges’ unique artistry and musical expression. Additionally, an aria from Domenico Cimarosa’s Oreste (1783) adds further depth and variety to the repertoire. The inclusion of these rare gems highlights Mariño’s commitment to unearthing hidden treasures from the classical canon.

One of the album’s highlights is Gluck’s “Che farò senza Euridice?” performed in the composer’s own soprano edition from 1769. The performers take a brisk tempo, infusing the aria with a sense of urgency and fervor. The decision to present Cherubino’s aria “Voi che sapete” from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro in the male soprano range is both daring and successful. Mariño navigates this well-known piece with finesse, adding a fresh perspective to a beloved composition.

Mariño’s vocal range and dynamics are showcased throughout the album. His voice, often ethereal and delicate, is particularly captivating in the higher registers. The Oreste aria, in particular, allows Mariño to showcase his virtuosity and command of the soprano range. However, some moments in the L’amant anonyme arias could benefit from a touch more vocal presence.

Andrea Marcon’s direction of La Cetra Barockorchester complements Mariño’s performances admirably, creating a harmonious interplay between voice and orchestra. The ensemble’s period-instrument approach adds authenticity to the overall sound, transporting listeners to the era in which these works were composed.

Sopranista by Samuel Mariño is a noteworthy addition to the world of classical vocal recordings. Mariño’s soprano voice, with its distinct brightness and grace, offers a fresh perspective on familiar and lesser-known arias alike. The inclusion of rare repertoire, coupled with Mariño’s expressive delivery, ensures a captivating listening experience. While there may be areas for refinement, the album remains a testament to Mariño’s unique artistry and dedication to bringing hidden treasures to the forefront of the classical music landscape.