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I am in the process of a fairly major change of mind with regard to the quality of the music of Franz Lachner. What has spurred me on to explore him further is the 5th Symphony (on Marco Polo). This is a giant symphony (around an hour) which takes its time in a Schubertian manner and which clearly stands in line of descent from Schubert 9 and points forward to Bruckner (and Rufinatscha). I am also mightily impressed by the String Quartets available on the Amati label.

I know that John White has always been keen to promote Lachner (and his brothers): now I can confirm that I am a fully paid-up member of the fan club!

If only the other symphonies (apart from 1, 5 and 8 which Marco Polo have done) had been recorded. John: I believe you have a high opinion of No.6 - can you give us any hints as to its character at all?

I can now confirm that Rufinatscha's Piano Concerto in G minor of 1850, until now only available in a recording of the version for two pianos, will be recorded in Stams, Austria in mid-July. The performers will be:

Michael Schöch (instrument: Hammerflügel by Conrad Graf, Vienna, ca. 1838, from the Music Collection of the Tiroler Landesmuseum, Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck)
Orchester der Akademie St. Blasius
Karlheinz Siessl (conductor)

Judging by other recordings made in July or August of previous years, this recording should be out around Christmas time. Watch this space!

Edition Silvertrust have published Berger's String Quintet in E minor, Op.75 - and have some enticing samples on their website...

http://www.editionsilvertrust.com/berger-string-quintet.htm

Jim L is right: in July Hyperion are planning to release Julius Benedict's two piano concertos, coupled with the Concertstück by Macfarren. Details and excerpts here:
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDA67720

Friends will be interested to know that firm interest in recording Rufinatscha's 6th Symphony has now been shown by one of the major independent labels. More news as it happens - and as and when I am able to reveal it!

I see from jpc.de that the Violin Concerto No.4 in D major, 'Concertstück' (1864), by Hubert Léonard (1819-90) is due out on the Pavane label, although the recording appears to date from 1972...

http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/SESSIONID/fb2168f227aec203db41480801eeeed3/classic/detail/-/art/Hubert-Leonard-Violinkonzert-Nr-4-op-26-Concertst%FCck/hnum/1045882