If there is any truth whatsoever in the legend of Bach's Goldberg Variations being commissioned as a cure for sleeplessness, then insomniacs should look elsewhere: wide-eyed astonishment is a much more likely response to Pavel Kolesnikov's new recording. The pianist's 'searching originality' (Gramophone) brilliantly illuminates this peak of the keyboard repertoire, making November's Record of the Month a major addition to the catalogue. In the next instalment of their universally acclaimed cycle, Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Symphony Orchestra arrive at Vaughan Williams Symphony No 5 & Scenes adapted from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Not only is this a glorious account of this most radiant of twentieth-century symphonies, but, as throughout the series, the coupling offers another example of some fascinating and very unfamiliar RVW; here, the composer's first thoughts on a subject which was to occupy him throughout his creative life.

Tavener No longer mourn for me & other works for cello is another essential release: Steven Isserlis's homage to a composer with whom he had a profoundly personal, as well as professional, bond. This collection of late works—as Isserlis himself notes, among the most powerfully beautiful Tavener composed—is a fitting tribute, and the guest list features some particularly distinguished artists, not least Omer Meir Wellber conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra. Our releases for the year conclude with two albums from a wonderful choir new to Hyperion's roster. It is a particular pleasure to welcome The London Oratory Schola Cantorum and their director Charles Cole, who present Sacred treasures of Christmas and Sacred treasures of Spain; two programmes of predominantly sixteenth-century choral masterworks by Lassus, Victoria, Palestrina and others, repertoire routinely to be heard at the London Oratory and central to its celebration of the liturgy.

A debut album on Signum Classics this month, Between the clouds introduces violinist Charlie Siem and pianist Itamar Golan, this accomplished duo presenting a virtuosic programme which embraces music by Kreisler, Sarasate, Paganini, Elgar, Wieniawski, and others.

Three enchanting works from one of the UK’s most accomplished contemporary composers: Errollyn Wallen’s Peace on Earth & other choral works depicts the mystery and exhilaration of faith. Sir Stephen Cleobury conducted King's College Choir Cambridge for this new EP on the choir's own label.

A Schubert Journey brings together the eight Signum albums released over the last couple of years which captured Llŷr Williams' acclaimed series of Schubert recitals in Cardiff. All the composer's sonatas from 1817 are included (the earlier works surviving only in fragmentary form) as well as a collection of his Lieder as transcribed by Liszt and more.

From LSO Live this month we have an all-too-rare recording of Christus am Ölberge by Beethoven. The composer's only oratorio, this fascinating work was first performed on 5 April 1803, sharing the platform with the second symphony and third piano concerto. Sir Simon Rattle, the London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, and soloists Elsa Dreisig, Pavol Breslik and David Soar trace the narrative from the despair of Jesus' impending arrest to the glorious revelation of victory over the powers of hell.

The cantata Saint Nicolas by Benjamin Britten has been recorded many times before, but rarely with the raw enthusiasm we find here, as the Crouch End Festival Chorus joins with a remarkable primary school choir and others (over 200 voices all told), soloist Mark Le Brocq and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Under the baton of David Temple the coupling on this new album from Signum Classics is a fine performance of A Ceremony of Carols. The composer would surely have smiled. 'Music to an imaginary ballet' is the composer's subtitle to the main work on The warriors & other orchestral works by Percy Grainger. Recorded by Geoffrey Simon and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1989, this re-issue on the Cala Signum label includes several other rarities, as well as some favourites, from this most maverick of composers.

Originally released by Collegium in 1987, Christmas Night remains one of the finest Christmas albums of its kind. Always cherished by conductor John Rutter, this newly remastered version brings the glorious sound of The Cambridge Singers and the City of London Sinfonia fully to life—a classic recording to be enjoyed anew.

The Tallis Scholars’ Josquin Mass cycle may have spanned the longest period of any project in the history of recorded music, with over 33 years having elapsed between the first album in the series (which won for Gimell the Gramophone Record of the Year Award in 1987) and this final instalment. As ever, Peter Phillips conducts this most illustrious of groups.

For their own label The Hallé Orchestra and Sir Mark Elder have recorded Vaughan Williams Job & Songs of travel. This is a series which continues to win the highest praise, and this new release—featuring two of the mature composer's landmark pieces—deserves the widest audience. The eminent soloist is Neal Davies.