The great South African pianist is 74, but the passing years have done nothing to diminish the majesty of his playing, as this lovely new CD demonstrates. It's a solo recital, in which Ibrahim ruminates on favourite themes. This is music of tremendou
s heart, and the song-like qualities of Ibrahim's playing have rarely been better demonstrated. There's a stream-of-consciousness feel about the programme as Ibrahim segues from one tune into the next. Some tracks last barely a minute, while others are full-scale explorations, but Ibrahim makes this musical journey absorbing throughout. AV
Bobby Wellins: Snapshot (Trio Records) £13.99Here's another old master demonstrating that he's still at the top of his game. The great Scots tenorman delivers jazz of terrific invention and exuberance. These six extended performances are a joy. In the company of his regular quartet, Wellins spins out breathtaking improvisations. He's never predictable and delivers his solos on the likes of Old Folks and Love For Sale with absolute authority. Wellins has a formidable foil in pianist Mark Edwards, whose soloing is not far behind the leader's in terms of quality. AV
Strauss: Symphonic Poems, Pentatone PTC 5186 310 £13.99Marc Albrecht, one of today's most highly acclaimed Richard Strauss conductors, combines with his Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in performances of Don Juan, Tod und Verklarung and Till Eulenspiegel with emotional commitment stamped on every bar. These are readings that satisfy, with every phrase moulded with a deftness of touch that avoids that over-blown feeling these works often endure. The playing is a model of elegance and the sound quality is a long way above the norm. DD
Tchaikovsky: 'Manfred' Symphony/The Voyevoda Naxos 8.570568 £5.99With their new young superstar Russian conductor, Vasily Petrenko, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic are reaching new levels of stunning virtuosity, their account of the neurotic Manfred burning with an intensity and fervour that will fill Russian orchestras with envy. The brass play as if their lives depend on it; the woodwind bite into the music, while the strings dig deep into their sheer physical strength. It is absolutely riveting, the Petrenko's feel for the theatrical continues into the symphonic poem, The Voyevoda. DD
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