REVIEWS: Osvaldo Golijov: Dawn Upshaw (DG 477 6426)

Osvaldo Golijov is fast becoming one of the most sought after composers. His third album features his muse, the soprano Dawn Upshaw, with Three Songs, evoking the strains of Strauss.

Oceana, with its exotic scoring of Latin American and African percussion instruments, is taken up by the dazzling Brazilian jazz singer Luciana Souza, to create music with a heady vibrancy.

Tenebrae, performed by the Kronos Quartet, is derived from old Roman Catholic services.

Eternal Light: Elin Manahan Thomas (Heliodor 4765970)

Heliodor, a label just revived by Universal Classics, issues its first new release, the solo album from Welsh Baroque soprano Elin Manahan Thomas.

Richter: The Master. For the first time Philips and Decca recordings are brought together for a new definitive mid-price Richter series. Volume 4 (Decca 475 8613) spotlights Beethoven favourites, including the Piano Trio No 7, with the Borodin Quartet. Volume 5 (475 8616) covers Schubert, including his Piano Sonata in G. These two-CD sets represent excellent value for money.