Sometimes an early music release comes along which gets everything right – the playing, singing, research and sound are just spot on. Just such a release is Joel Frederikson’s “The Elfin Knight”, a rapturously delightful recital of English, Irish & Scottish folk songs. Some of the material will be familiar to many; some will come as unique surprises – but in both cases, Frederikson’s gorgeous baritone voice carries the day. Supported by the sheer magic of the “Ensemble Phoenix” (whose recording debut this is) Frederikson can do no wrong, and the first-rate engineering and presentation provide you with no excuse not to hear this remarkable recording; don’t pass this by!

All right, all right – this release is on a major label and has been receiving lots of press, but I just couldn’t resist getting my own two cents in here. Upon playing this recent recording, I was prepared for an enjoyable experience – but not for the revelatory performance I found here. Grimaud’s crisp, clean articulation, and poetic approach to the score (with just the right amount of rubati) is nothing short of amazing. Vladimir Jurowski, making his Deutsche Gramaphon debut here, proves that everything you’ve heard about him is true – this is a masterly conductor in the making, and the joy that he and Grimaud find in their collaboration is palpable. You may think you need another recording of the Beethoven 5th concerto like a hole in the head – think again!