Reviews

The performances by [Anthony] Goldstone and his wife, Caroline Clemmow, are absolutely right in terms of rhythmic feeling and musical nuance. Yet more importantly, this recording says a lot—but not all—about the early cross-pollination of classical music and jazz, a crossbreed that flourished sporadically, almost spastically, one might say, over the next century. The particular arrangements [of the last two items] are highly inventive and sparkling. Overall, a highly recommended disc. – Lynn René Bayley

What an excellent idea, and what fine execution. And not only these two qualities, but a third one too – real listening pleasure. This is a sparkling and vivacious disc, marvellously played.

It is easy to recommend this unique disc that shows the widespread … influence of jazz on world music, and that contains several world premiere recordings. For many the Milhaud alone would make it worth acquiring.

I am such an admirer of the duo piano recordings of Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow. What a treat! [I] was delighted to see the works contained [on this CD]. Much recommended to one and all

Maybe the first two-piano album devoted to jazzy-sounding works. The… works are of great interest, and the special arrangements that close out the program are a total delight.

Hugely enjoyable

Confident… rewarding listening

Some super pleaser material but a varied program… listening that takes you back a century or so … but sounds modern as well. Expertly played and a gasser to listen to. Well done.

Jaunty jazzy studies and sonatas get a new lease of life in this engaging selection

The experiment (to mix and match different styles and epochs) succeeded. The classical works and the pieces by Alicia Grant set each other off nicely. I did not feel the urge to skip anything even on repeated listening, The music by Grant is beautiful and evocative, and I found the entire concept of the album interesting.

The ensemble blends and balances well, playing with a nice style and spirit. The finest playing here is in the two concertos for sopranino recorder. The color is varied and rich and the virtuoso playing delightful to hear.

The two concerti by Facco are as attractive as many by Vivaldi and Corelli. Played with delicacy and fluency… delightful virtuosity. The soloists are excellent. Plenty to enjoy on this CD… a hint of how European music might have been interpreted in the New World in the 18th century.

Based on these two concertos, Facco makes Vivaldi sound almost stale… so vigorous, so high-spirited and so infectious,,, the Mexican players and their performances on this disc are outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed this disc and recommend it.

Mexican Baroque Orchestra doesn’t need gimmicks. [They] carry the day with the verve and accuracy of their playing. The MBOs enthusiasm for the pieces on this CD translates into a combination of melodic interest and rhythmic drive that makes the CD enjoyable throughout. The star of this CD is Miguel Lawrence playing recorder. Lawrence turns the recorder into something magical, a unique voice that it would be shameful to replace with a flute or piccolo. In short, [this] is a release of which Divine Art should be proud.

This new recording may well be your cup of tea. Pianist Robert Melling and the Edinburgh Quartet mirror the music’s clear intent and deliver a focused account.

Anthony Goldstone is no slouch when it comes to performing rare and difficult music. Excellent notes and sonorous recorded sound.

Goldstone has proved himself to be one cool cat. If you love classical music with a flourish, this is right up your alley. With never a dull moment, you’ll fall in love with something you should have heard a long time ago. Well done.

An attractive programme. One wonders why we don’t hear more of this romantic composer? It’s a feast for piano buffs.

Many of the 38 pieces on this fine CD acquire the status of gems. Salon music in the best sense, such writing is raised by Anthony Goldstone to a still higher level. Short in length but often sizeable in virtuoso demands, all this music is played by Goldstone with unflagging musical energy and brio. Admirably recorded and presented.

Goldstone performs all of this music in fine fashion, with a connoisseur’s appreciation for its elaborate traceries…plenty of color here, and expressiveness that never sounds forced. Sound quality is good. Divine Art deserves a nod of thanks for bringing this release… back into print