Antal Doráti in London: The Mercury Masters Vol. 1 (Decca Eloquence)

This album Firedove (Sony Classical), surely, has to be seen as part of a bigger story: that of organist, choir director and broadcaster Anna Lapwood, who, still in her twenties – just – has become an essential part of the (often cautious and conservative) classical music fabric of this country at a pace which defies belief. She works punishingly hard and has thoroughly earned her pivotal position both as performer and as advocate.

Brahms: Lieder Christian Gerhaher (baritone), Gerold Huber (piano) (Sony)

Jürg Frey: Voices EXAUDI Vocal Ensemble/James Weeks (Neu Records)

All We Imagine as Light focuses on the lives of three women in contemporary Mumbai; as shown by director Payal Kapadia, the city is arguably the film’s fourth major character. Kapadia eschews convention, her metropolis painted in muted colours with dark skies and heavy rain a constant.

Thomas Adès: Orchestral Suites London Philharmonic Orchestra/Thomas Adès (LPO)

Vox Feminae: music by Barbara Strozzi, Antonia Bemba,  Hieryonymus Kapsberger... Les Kapsber’girls/Albane Imbs (Alpha)

Donizetti: Songs Vols. 3 & 4 Michael Spyres (tenor), Carlo Rizzi (piano) – Vol. 3, Marie-Nicole Lemieux (mezzo-soprano), Giulio Zappa (piano) – Vol. 4. (Opera Rara)

Quartets Through a Time of Change: music by Ravel, Durey, Tailleferre and Milhaud Brother Tree Sound (First Hand Records)

Snow Dance for the Dead: Choral Music by Seán Doherty New Dublin Voices/Bernie Sherlock (Voces8 Recordings)