“

Based on the music presented on this double CD, [Roy Heaton Smith] is most worthy of the dedicated work that has been put into the production of this unique retrospective. I found the ‘Pastoral’ a magical experience. It quite clearly out-Britten’s Britten in its effectiveness, colourful scoring and musical interpretation of the text. The composer has a masterly understanding of string writing. [The String Quartet] is a little masterpiece. I loved Clare Wilkinson’s voice in all the vocal works. Based on this present two-CD exploration of his music, any forthcoming performances will be essential listening.

” —John France

“

We like quirky modern classical albums like this. The music, we think, falls into three categories: music he wrote for his own entertainment, which is often playful and amusing; more serious work that is a little stark but still enjoyable and then some colder pieces that we guess are modern but which we found harder to digest. There is nothing that is really difficult, though. It’s an interesting and meaty CD. Fans of 20th century music will doubtless be attracted but anyone with an interest in modern British composers will find much to like

” —Jeremy Condliffe

“

Diversified styles of music, which could possibly be assigned to the category ‘neo-classical’. Some is certainly more associated with ‘British Light Music’, but there are also sophisticated pieces. A pleasant program, not earth-moving, but pleasant chamber music entertainment. The musicians’ presentation of the pieces is lively and impressive.

” —Norbert Tischer

“

An affectionate salvaging of an oeuvre at risk of falling by the wayside. Heaton Smith{s} work, broadly neoclassical, is not without distinction … his abstract pieces can be striking.

” —Paul Driver