3 recently released classical albums you can listen to right now

In the mood for some soothing classical music and discovering masterfully reinterpreted masterpieces? Here are three recently released classical music records you won't want to stop listening to.

1. Javier Camarena's passionate 'Signor Gaetano'

Mexican operatic tenor voice Javier Camerena is back with a new release, Signor Gaetano, in which Camerena rediscovers his love for the works of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, including many of his more obscure works.

The album features an array of pieces that have seldom been performed or recorded, making this a real treat for any fan of Donizetti.

My main aim is to present to the public unknown — or little-known — works by this prolific composer,

Camerena said.

Theatres today normally only present between five to eight Donizettian titles, when 75 operas of his authorship are catalogued.

While Camarena is at the top of his game on every release, this project is very special to him and that comes across in each track. Take for instance, 'Il giovedi grasso' where there is so much joy and flavour within each inflexion and note.

The album includes works from the beginning of his career when he was heavily influenced by his mentor Gioacchino Rossini, to the creation of his own, solid and well-defined style,

Camerena points out.

Camarena, who in 2021 received the International Opera Award for best male vocalist and is performing at the Opéra Monte-Carlo in Monaco this month, says Donizetti has been with him ever since he discovered opera.

His music always touches my heart,

Donizetti said.

It is perhaps that love, that admiration, those feelings that are generated by singing his music that makes me feel so close to him.

This is a marvellous experience from beginning to end and for those who love Donizetti, this album is something special. Match that with Camarena, still at the top of his game vocally but adding so much love, joy and care to these pieces that it can easily be considered his most ambitious yet passion-filled record yet.

Best track - Il giovedi grasso

2. Beethoven-Liszt & Mozart-Alkan: Piano Transcriptions by Paul Wee

After his much-acclaimed previous albums 'Thalberg: L’art du chant' and 'Alkan: Symphony for Solo Piano & Concerto for solo Piano', released in 2020 and 2019 respectively, British-Australian pianist Paul Wee (who is also a successful barrister) is back with his latest album, this time taking on the solo piano transcriptions of Beethoven-Liszt and Mozart-Alkan.

Wee has been one of the rising stars of the classical music scene. His debut album 'Alkan’s Symphony for Solo Piano and Concerto for Solo Piano' released in 2019 was shortlisted for a Gramophone Award and Limelight’s Recording of the Year, with his sophomore release receiving similar praise.

This album, which is as mesmerising and astonishing as his previous ones, offers a fresh perspective on two of the greatest composers of all time.

Liszt and Alkan adopted very different solutions to the challenges posed in translating a full orchestral score across to the solo piano, and the contrast between their different approaches is another reason why this pairing is so fascinating,

Wee explained.

Wee managed to capture not just the bombastic and huge spectacle but also the softer, more subdued and even vulnerable moments that Beethoven and Mozart were known for with their orchestras with only his fingers at the piano.

Each track manages to fill the space with grandiose playing that is perfect for those wishing to put on their headphones and just get lost in the music.

Wee said an important aspect behind this recording being so compelling is that the Mozart-Alkan transcription remains extremely underplayed.

It has been very rewarding to bring the Mozart-Alkan to a wider audience, especially as this is a transcription that I have adored ever since I first discovered it as a teenager,

he said.

Wee does a fantastic job with each transcript by adding his own flair and character. He emphasises certain key notes that carry the listener through this extraordinary composition, but also that behind this clear dedication and respect is an element of fun that really resonates.

When performing or recording transcriptions of this nature, the biggest challenge always lies in taking works that are well-known to listeners in their original setting, and re-presenting them through the different medium of the piano in a manner that is as compelling and convincing as the original,

Wee added.

Best track - Piano Concerto No.20 in D Minor, K466

3. Up-and-coming violinist Lucia Veintimilla’s dazzling debut album 

This dazzling debut release by Spanish solo violinist Lucia Veintimilla features 15 tracks and makes for the perfect soundtrack to embark on a spiritual musical journey.