WHAT’S ON

Northern Sinfonia, conductor Thomas Zehetmair, Sage Gateshead, tonight. Pianist Jonathan Biss presents Brahms’ Piano Concerto No 1. Box office: 0191-384-4600.

REVIEWS

Bach: Goldberg Variations: Catrin Finch (DG4778097)

The Queen of Harps Catrin Finch extends her instrument’s repertoire with a sparkling arrangement of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. A first for the harp, Finch conveys the spirit of work in the shimmering colours. Highly recommended.

Haydn: Italian Aria, Quasthoff. (DG 4777469)

Thomas Quasthoff’s applies his artistry to Haydn’s Italian Arias. His darkhued and athletically flexible voice is ideally suited to the emotional range of this music. A champion of the composer, Quasthoff draws from both Haydn’s comic and serious operas.

Debussy: Nelson Freire (Decca 478 1111)

Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire has a natural affinity with Debussy’s music and exploits it to the full in this enchanting CD. The album includes the famous Children’s Corner and Clair de lune.

Alfred Brendel: Hadyn Piano Sonatas (Decca 478 1360)

The 200th anniversary of the death of Haydn is marked in the rerelease of Alfred Brendel’s award-winning set of 11 Haydn Sonatas in Decca Originals at mid-price.

A must for Haydn devotees.