Reviews

A program of oft recorded transcriptions and organ favorites. His [Alexander Ffinch] playing is musical, well thought out, with rational tempos, making this a most enjoyable recording

This album of contemporary recorder music is full of surprises. John Turner is a true virtuoso. So consider this a mere sampling of what’s available. And a demonstration of how beautiful and expressive the recorder can sound. The album delivers both in quality and quantity.

One needs to know that Thomas Baron Pitfield was a polymath…he has been unfairly ignored on the wider stage of concert halls and recital rooms. I had noted earlier that I enjoyed, and genuinely warmed to, the pieces of his which I heard. [The performances] exude brilliance, technical competence and a sympathetic understanding of Pitfield’s music.

The discs offer magnificent performances, a splendid recording and an informative booklet. This is a rewarding exploration of music by Thomas Pitfield and his circle.

The project naturally carries with it the weight of Dibble’s passing, yet there’s nothing maudlin about Kempf’s probing and clear-headed renderings. If ever a recording deserved to be regarded as a celebration of a composer’s work, 24 Preludes & Fugues is it. At 111 minutes, there’s much to absorb, but the huge scope and high calibre of the material more than rewards the investment of time and attention required to appreciate it. Were Dibble still with us, he’d be no doubt thrilled with Kempf’s presentation.

From the outset I was gripped, both by the music and by the quality of the performance. It was wonderful to listen to music which is both emotionally powerful and at the same time intellectually stimulating and satisfying.

…splendid, integrated sound …This album is great fun, with expert playing and ensemble, well recorded in a good acoustic

Superbly played and sung, this is music to celebrate and explore.

Gemini’s playing is admirable individually and collectively throughout, abetted by sound of unsparing focus, with detailed notes by the composer and Ian Mitchell. Those who acquired NMC’s release of LeFanu’s orchestral works (11/20) should make this their next port of call.

Environments is a substantial portrait album of Northern Irish composer Greg Caffrey. The musical portrait Environments creates is of an expressive composer who is yet careful with details. Hayes and the Ulster Orchestra play with confidence and bite, giving good accounts of all the works.

There are several compelling gems here…beautifully…admirable performance and recordings

Hakim…finds in Holland an entirely committed advocate of sure-fingered technical accomplishment combined with depth of expression…Leach steers a compelling course…featuring the brilliance of John Turner’s recorder…Remarkable.

Betts-Dean’s voice is perfect…absolutely flawless…Michael Finnissy’s music is many things…but the connecting thread is an uncompromising expressivity, and it is just that facet that makes it approachable. It speaks to the heart, directly, and there are few finer examples of how this is so than this disc. This is an unmissable disc…

This is an entertaining collection of…tuneful music designed for the pleasure of recorder players and their audiences…It is pleasant and tonal

Divine Art’s release is so full of revelations and Rückblick. But for those coming to these recordings for the first time, surely no one could possibly be disappointed. The overall quality remains a testament to John Boyden’s legacy. Divine Art offers one of the most interesting, carefully thought through re-releases of recent times.

This is an enchanting disc. The notes are very helpful, including well-written summaries of each of the tales. I think general listeners will find enjoyment here, but those of Irish heritage will feel a special resonance.

…take a risk with this release. The music of David Charles Johnson is not well known but deserves to be, and Christopher Guild is a fine advocate. The recording is excellent. Recommended.

..the music and the singer are so well suited to each other….this is an enjoyable disc of attractive songs performed with sensitivity. I can recommend this release confidently to anyone interested in off-the-beaten-path British songs.

…delightful spirit…merry and grand…stately and moving…quiet and delicate..The organ of Cheltenham College Chapel, restored by Harrison and Harrison in 2017, is well recorded…Overall this is an attractive recital; recommended

The performances by the Ulster Orchestra under conductor Sinead Hayes seem to be expert, committed, and well prepared…Daniel Brownell and Craig Ogden perform with real presence. Caffrey emphasizes that this was a major project of great personal significance for himself. The outcome is a happy one, and much of the music holds definite appeal for general listeners who are attuned to the poignant border between beauty and pain.