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Schiff, BRSO, Shostakovich (10/85) (PHIL) 412 526-2PH Maisky, LSO, Tilson Thomas (4/95) (DG) 445 821-2GH

First impressions were favourable. With the RPO on their toes, Seaman's spirited, good-natured account of The Wasps Overture makes an infectiously enjoyable curtain-raiser. It was an attractive idea to include the two extra items from VW's "Aristophanic Suite": again, the playing has agreeable...

A pleasing programme, although I do wish that Decca (or Dohnanyi) had traded the 'dangling carrot' of "Vltava" for extra helpings of rare Smetana — more orchestral/choral excerpts from the operas, perhaps, or the late Prague Carnival "introduction and polonaise". As to what is on offer, pride...

The oboe was an instrument for which Telemann wrote unfailingly well. It was one of many in which he himself acknowledged a proficiency but on the strength of his writing for this instrument (as with the recorder), we may imagine that his skill exceeded mere proficiency. One of the finest...

If any parallels existed between Bach and Brazilian idioms, they were largely in Villa-Lobos's mind — even the Fugue in No. 8 of these Bachianas Brasileiras is totally un-Bach-like; so anyone coming fresh to these exotically coloured, rather sprawling works should not be misled by false...

The album is described as Vol. 1 of the "Complete Works for Guitar" but "with guitar" might be more appropriate since several are for various ensembles in which the guitar merely plays a part; one of these latter is the first item on this disc, enjoying its maiden recording. In 1929 (the year of...