Music in the Round

DVORÁK: Jakobin
Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Bolshoi, Alexander Vedernikov, cond.
fone 024 (2 SACDs)

GLINKA: Ruslan and Ludmilla
Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Bolshoi, Alexander Vedernikov, cond.
Pentatone Classics PTC 5186 034 (3 SACDs)

Both of these live recordings from the opera house capture the excitement of colorful performances from a close audience perspective. Voices are up on stage and the orchestras are in the pit, with a natural balance between them.

MATT HAIMOVITZ: "please welcome..."
Matt Haimovitz, cello
Artemis ATM1229 (SACD)

This varied selection of pieces performed by the brilliant cellist Matt Haimovitz ranges from his adaptation of Jimi Hendrix's arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" to Bach's Suite 2 for Solo Cello, with lots in between. Listen for how different Haimovitz's cello sounds in different environments while always sounding great.

MOZART: Concertos for Flute, Flute & Harp
Patrick Gallois, flute, Fabrice Pierre, harp, Swedish Chamber Orchestra
Naxos 5.110055 (DVD-A)

Delightful and stylish performances, especially of the lovely Concerto for Flute and Harp. One of Naxos' most transparent recordings.

SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony 8
Güzenich-Orchestra Köln, Dmitri Kitajenko, cond.
Capriccio 71 013 (SACD)

A powerful, crunchy performance in a recording that is suitably weighty and brilliant by turns.

SIBELIUS: Theater Music
Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Joseph Swensen, cond.
Linn CKD 220 (SACD)

A close-imaged chamber orchestra with lovely ambience. Some of the best string tone yet.

STRAVINSKY: Suite from L'Histoire du Soldat, Two Concertos, other works
Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Paavo Järvi, cond.
Pentatone Classics 5186 046 (SACD)

This goes to the top of the list of realistically recorded and beautifully performed orchestral discs. Internal details and hall ambience are equally delectable.—Kal Rubinson