Classical Companion

Bream, Monteverdi Orch/Gardiner
Sony/RCA G010002996334T (download only),
Dutton CDLX7333 (SACD)
Cosy 1970s stereo, natural musicianship and intense rapport solve the balance problems.

Sainz de la Maza, NOS/Argenta
Doremi DHR7804
Still one of the best, despite the unreliable orchestral balances, for its attention to detail and absence of false sentiment.

Tarragó, Madrid Orch/Alonso
Artemisia ARTEMISIA0027 (download only)
A hidden gem: much better (mono) sound,
exemplary accompaniment and a self-effacing but considered account of the solo part.

Garcia, Toulouse Capitole Orch/Glassberg
Warner 9029523571
The most lyrical of recent versions: soft-focus sound and accompaniment placing Garcia's keenly conversational poet front and centre.

Kellermann, LPO/Karlsen
BIS BIS2485
Rodrigo the modernist manqué: probably the best-engineered recording of all, in harness with a down-to-earth musical approach.

Yang, Orq Sim de Barcelona/Oue
EMI/Warner 6983612
Distant and resonant engineering doesn't obscure the neo-Baroque solo detailing and piquant local orchestral colouring.