Reviews

Laura Chislett and Edward Cowie…have technique that astonishes. All the eight improvisations are so polished that one could easily think that they are fully notated compositions. There is much beauty…it makes the listener want to hear more. This is a CD that will find favour with many listeners…

This wonderful recording is distinguished by many things, Hammond’s imaginative compositions, of course, but also terrific playing by Capparelli and arresting recitations by Weir and Urwin. While the release earns its recommendation from Tales from the Sea of Moyle alone, the solo piano pieces accompanying it add greatly to the project’s value.

The songs vary in mood, from the haunting and powerful to gentler and even humorous. …intimate and very listenable.

John Turner, now in his early 80s, keeps recording rare and little-known works by rarely heard or little-known composers. His rate of learning is phenomenal, and his tone quality and virtuosity still shine through. He is a giant in the recorder world, as this twofer clearly demonstrates. All told, the entirely admirable project offers us an opportunity to discover music and composers who have largely gone under the radar. John Turner, aided brilliantly by Stephen Bettaney, has again done us all a great service.

…there is definitely something to suit all tastes in this generous recording as well as offering a serious contemporary take on the structure and concept of the Prelude and Fugue. Kempf is adept at capturing the essence and distinctive features of each individual piece, reflecting an appreciation of shared musical values. The result is a warm tribute to the late composer.

It has been only a few months since this marvelous woodwind orchestra was last heard from…5 new works are heard in their first recordings. All tell a story or are about something. My favorite is Turkish-American composer Kamran Ince’s haunting Domes (1993), inspired by the skyline of Rome. Harmonies are doleful, timbres hushed, phrases very brief, chord progressions enigmatic.

Woodley pours his soul into the entire program, shaping each phrase with a wide range of dynamics and executing all requested extended techniques…His diffuse sound has roots in the British clarinet dialect of the past…West is a first-rate keyboardist, handling the demands of each score with marvelous dexterity.

James Gilchrist shows again why he is so widely admired as a singer…His voice is warm and supple; his phrasing is keenly nuanced; his varied use of dynamics illuminates the texts knowingly. Nathan Williamson’s collaboration is on par. It would be hard for me to imagine a better rendering of these songs.

I applaud the thought that went into the program. The results were worth the effort. Woodley’s choice of composers is also spot on…some fine emotive performances.

Pritchard combines planning and spontaneity quite beautifully…different groupings of instruments…form this fantastic ensemble, showcasing the technical and lyrical extremes that these instruments are capable of.

The performers…are convincing in their confident handling of the often serial works. With their commendable commitment, they help us to discover not only the medical side but also the musical vein. Their interpretations certainly provide an incentive to take a closer look at the composer…

Their counterpoint is lucidly articulated; their cantabile, compelling; and Chiahu Lee has picked up the compositional gauntlet…All in all, an invigorating and beguiling spring clean for the ears!

Schliessmann’s performance shows he is well cognizant of…beauty. Robert Schumann’s famed Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17, is notable for the composer’s mastery in blending, contrasting, and superimposing timbres. Schliessmann takes all these issues in stride, making this an eminently satisfying account of one of the most difficult works in the repertoire…choice…encores…handled superbly by the present artist.

Dan Evan’s new album “A Waltz Through the Woods” flows like a book that sparkles and dances across ancient, polished stones. This conceptual masterpiece prompts reflection and warm memories. It can lift your dinner party or turn an anxious tot into a dancing sprite. I crave music that delivers what Dan Evan has gifted us…

My initial impression was…the pure beauty of Shaw’s voice…all is impeccably tasteful, immaculate

If the music inhabits a somewhat circumscribed sound and emotional world that puts him in good company with others outside the mainstream: and on first acquaintance it is definitely rewarding…This…is contemporary music that comes highly recommended.

The stories are all surprising and hugely entertaining. The accompanying piano music, played with considerable virtuosity and depth of feeling by Anthony Capparelli, takes us back to childhood into that extraordinary dream-world of Celtic imaginings.

…the music itself, expertly crafted, tonal and accessible, has the potential to engage listeners who do not know the composer yet but are willing to open themselves up to a welcome set of new musical experiences.

It is very difficult to find fault with any aspect of this disc, from performance and recording to selection of repertoire. This is absolutely not for clarinetists only…

As with his other recordings, Schliessmann contributes an extensive, thought-provoking essay. Without hesitation I recommend this recording…there are many, many moments all through these pieces that repay careful listenings. This will certainly be my reference recording for all of the works here.