CLASSICAL: NEW RELEASES

Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier Vienna State Opera; soloists/Knappertsbusch (RCA Red Seal)

Following the recent release of Hans Knappertsbusch's superb Ring Cycle comes this Radio recording from 1955, which shows him to be an equally adept interpreter of Richard Strauss. Maria Reining is on breathtaking form as the Marschallin, Kurt Bohme is a noble Ochs and Sena Jurinac enchanting as Octavian. This is a creditable rival to Karajan's famous set. HHHH

Beethoven: Compositions for Piano and Cello Suzuki, Kojima (DHM)

Centred around the two Sonatas of 1796, this well-filled disc throws up some rarities in the form of Variations on themes from Handel and Mozart. The soloists are accomplished period-instrument players, the richness of the cello perfectly matched by the brittle timbres of the fortepiano. Their next Beethoven discs should be worth looking out for. HHH