REVIEWS: Terezin/Theresienstadt(DG 477 6546) Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter interprets pieces written in the Theresienstadt concentration camp by a group of Jewish composers who were imprisoned but managed to foster a rich cultural life even under those extreme conditions. All the composers were later murdered in Auschwitz. The music, at turns haunting and beautiful, is conveyed with touching sincerity by von Otter, and eminent lieder singer Christian Gerhaher, and their longtime pianists Bengt Forsberg and Gerold Huber, respectively. I Wander Through Theresienstadt by Weber encapsulates the awfulness of the time.

Beethoven: Hammerklavier Mitsuko Uchida (DG 475 8662) Uchida's album is released to coincide with her appearance at the 2007 Salzburg Festival in August.

Compelling listening.

Sibelius: Tone Poems, Neeme Jarvi 3CDs (DG 477 5522) Leading Sibelius exponent Neeme Jarvi has a touch that gets to the heart of this composer's works.

These three CDs are an exploration of works such as Karelia Suite, the Oceanides, Finlandia and Tapiola. The rendition of a Scene With Cranes is quite exquisite. A must.