The alternative classical record of the year (and the worst)

Lebrecht Album of the Year:

Most critics pick their album of the year from the ones they reviewed over the past 52 weeks. This year, I’ve decided to choose from the ones I haven’t, the ones that for one reason or other failed to make the weekly cut….

Aha…..

Much to discuss before we get there, but here’s the shortlist:
Joyce DiDonato: In Peace and War (Warner) — a signature baroque program from an indispensable singer (no need to review the obvious). (iTunes)

Jerusalem Quartet: Bartók (Harmonia Mundi) — like it says on the tin: the harmonies of the world. (iTunes)

Daniil Trifonov: Transcendental (DG) — the title is no exaggeration. (iTunes)

Anna Netrebko: Verismo (DG) — believe it. (iTunes)

Carolin Widmann: Mendelssohn/Schumann violin concertos (ECM New Series). (iTunes)

And the winner is….

See here.

Oh, and the worst of the year….?