Classic FM's Albums of the Year 2014

11.18.14
Alisa Weilerstein, VOCES8
Classic FM

No. 5
Daniel Hope - Escape To Paradise

Remarkably, this is the third time in three years that Daniel Hope has featured in our top 5 albums of the year (actually, he's getting progressively worse - no. 1, no. 2 and now no. 5? Come on Hope, sort it out...), and this time it's a sassy set of Hollywood classics. the majority of this is delightful to listen to and Hope is clearly having a ball, but with John Williams' 'Schindler's List' he does remind us of what a powerfully emotional violinist he can be.

 

No. 7
Alisa Weilerstein - Dvorak Cello Concerto

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein has thoroughly burst onto the scene for good - after a stunning Elgar release last year, she's back in 2014 with another heavyweight concerto. She brings much elegance and power to this Dvorak, suggesting that she's not intimidated by the 'biggies' - we can't wait to see what comes next.

 

No. 12
Voces8 - Eventide

A young, impeccably tailored vocal ensemble such as Voces8 might be seen as being almost too polished, but interesting releases like Eventide show that they're destined for great things. Spaciously recorded, sensitively performed and with some sublime repertoire (always nice to see Tallis performed alongside Whitacre), this is all the evidence you need - Voces8 are sticking around.