Shostakovich: Symphonies 2-4. USSR Ministry of Culture SO/Gennady Rozhdestvensky (Melodiya, 2 CDs)

How might Shostakovich have developed in the absence of official public censure in Pravda in 1936? It's tempting to see the Fourth Symphony (withdrawn before its premiere, and succeeded by the "artist's creative answer to justified criticism" of the Fifth) and the opera, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (which offended Stalin), as pointers. The sprawling Fourth, more stream of consciousness (oddly abstract) than symphonic, vaults the listener this way and that with the violence of a fairground ride, especially in the shambolic opening movement. The even rarer Symphonies 2 and 3, both choral, provide constructivist surroundings for fervent revolutionary texts, sadly not provided in this otherwise excellent two-for-the-price-of one set.

By Michael Dervan

Library of Congress Mozart Recordings (1940-45). Budapest String Quartet (Bridge, 2 CDs)

The all-Russian Budapest String Quartet was quartetin-residence at the Library of Congress in Washington from 1938 until 1962. The enterprising Bridge label has been issuing selections from their annual concerts there, broadening our picture of a famous ensemble whose later recordings didn't always seem to explain the depth of their reputation. Some works here, the Divertimento for string trio and the Quartet in A, K464, show signs of impatience, with angular point-making and emphatic articulation. But the Clarinet Quintet (with mild-mannered Gustave Langenus) is magically tender, and George Szell is a sensitive partner in the E flat Piano Quartet. The recordings are generally acceptable considering their provenance.

By Michael Dervan

Angela Gheorghiu: My World (Decca)

The more cynical among us might be forgiven for expecting a selection of tenor arias on this CD - when was the last time Angela Gheorghiu recorded anything without husband Roberto Alagna in tow? - but no, she's actually wrapping her voluptuous vocal cords around a collection of songs from around the world. From a Japanese pop song on a "long and winding road" theme to a charming Romanian trio to familiar stuff like Mattinata and Be My Love (Hah! see? tenor arias) with a bit of Greek, Czech and Korean material thrown in for good measure, this is a feast for Gheorghiu fans, so devour it while you can. The piano accompaniment is by the ever-tasteful, ever-characterful Malcolm Martineau.

By Arminta Wallace