Two of the twentieth century's symphonic peaks make a thrilling pairing in January's Record of the Month. With Martyn Brabbins and the BBC Symphony Orchestra in complete command of both scores, Vaughan Williams Symphonies Nos 3 & 4—the next instalment in what Classical Source has hailed 'an inspired VW symphony cycle'—is required listening. And if the Bartók & Korngold Piano Quintets appear at first sight a more unexpected coupling, the two composers' names rarely seen together, this is just the sort of creative programming at which Piers Lane and the Goldner String Quartet excel, with exciting performances to match.

Any solo recital from Stephen Hough promises abundant musical insight, and the four sets of Brahms's Final Piano Pieces have seldom sounded so affectingly beautiful as here, their confessional, reflective mood perfectly judged. Turning once more to their spiritual and musical homeland, Stephen Rice and The Brabant Ensemble present Hellinck Missa Surrexit pastor and Lupi Te Deum & motets. As always where these artists are concerned, this is no mere archaeological dig but a convincing revivification of two important figures from the Renaissance.

For their first recording on Signum Classics, conductor Richard Nance and The Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West have chosen a diverse programme of Choral works by Ēriks Ešenvalds. Multi-award-winning both, composer and choir/conductor make an ideal pairing.