CLASSICAL. Beethoven: Concerto No. 5, "Emperor" (Deutsche Grammophon). Maurizio Pollini's rendering is a model of vigor, precision and elegance.
Berg and Stravinsky: Violin Concertos (Deutsche Grammophon). Itzhak Perlman enhances two demanding works.
Brahms: Double Concerto (Angel). Perlman and Mstislav Rostropovich in a noble and ardent performance.
Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande (Angel, 3 LPs). Herbert von Karajan creates a lucid, lyrical recording. Frederica von Stade, as Mélisande, stands out for her exquisite French style.
Mozart: The Magic Flute (Deutsche Grammophon, 3 LPs). Karajan, again, casting singers freshly and coming up with a reading that is both...
