Reviews

a dandy solo piano set in which Goldstone serves up a tasty tour de force where he doesn’t just take a spin through a handful of opera classics, he puts his own spin to them as well. Goldstone proves he can play anything with such absolute mastery, subtlety and style… a great talent on top of his stride

[Goldstone’s] talent is evident. I would heartily recommend this CD to lovers of piano music in general and of opera melodies in particular. Snatch this one up right quick!

This disc contains some of the finest, and strongest, most purposeful, cello playing I’ve heard in a long time. Indeed so forthright is the playing, and so intense her interpretations, that I was immediately reminded of the young Jacqueline du Pré. Ms Beer can stand that extravagant comment for she proves it with every note she plays .It was a real pleasure to report on this disc for everything about it – performance, recording etc. – commands our attention. Susanne Beer is a fine artist and we should hear much more of her. RECORDING OF THE MONTH

Susanne Beer draws a fine ribbon of sound from her instrument, all the while informing the music with the most engaging lilt. There’s excellent double stopping here. Brahms’ Sonata is given a model performance.

Very interesting and pleasing disc… all in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable disc from beginning to end

Susanne Beer… is a complete musician. I loved this performance and the marvellous contrasts of sound the cellist makes. Some of her soft playing is so beautiful that it is beyond praise. This is not a performance but an experience. Her playing is exquisite and lacking in mannerisms. She has a wonderful capacity to communicate. Her tone is ravishing and she puts the music first. This disc cannot be recommended highly enough. It conjures up all the best life has to offer.

A tour-de-force program… easily essential listening

Beer has a warm, pliable tone that is fully alive to the wit and dynamic shading of Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne and Debussy sonata ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[This CD] is full of good tunes and fine playing, and exemplifies the best in light music, even if two of the works are titled Sonata. The whole disc is a delight and I cannot imagine anyone willingly being without it.

A colourful evocation of Britishness… a recording of considerable interest and sincerity. Kenneth Smith is capable of wonderfully nuanced tone-colours. He is sympathetically partnered by Paul Rhodes at the piano. Playing of flawless deportment.

This is an engaging CD that is both well-planned and beautifully played. The two soloists have contrived an important and interesting programme of British flute and piano music that ought to be in the repertory. The programme notes are helpful and the sound quality is excellent

An engaging set of romantic music…you can hear the English countryside pouring out of the playing

An evocative performance of Harty’s In Ireland… Smith and Rhodes successfully paint a lovely picture of the title subject {By the River in Spring]. Good performances of charming works

This disc (which includes six première recordings) rediscovers a very special individual piece of the [Chopin] jigsaw. Goldstone’s long, detailed but always readable booklet note provides immaculate documentation. Chopin lovers: please do not hesitate to acquire it

The violinist applies her highly lyrical technique…and succeeds admirably in recreating the atmosphere of this bygone era.

Madeleine Mitchell has promoted much contemporary music, but now her violin turns wistful and melodic, wrapped in early 20th-century reveries. The seven charming Frank Bridge selections show her at her best. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a valuable and enterprising release… to be able to listen to two such fine performances side by side by a player who obviously possess a strong affinity with this style lends this release a compelling authority. [The Reubke Sonata]’s importance in the repertoire is not fully appreciated, and such as recording as this will win it many converts. The CD notes are informative and detailed and the recording is clean and truthful.

He is a remarkably gifted artist… a superb leggiero touch and a beautifully even, silky sound. This account can hold its own with some of the finest.

Anthony Hewitt’s performance is exemplary in all respects. A beautifully presented album which is worth having just for the Reubke work alone.

The young British pianist Anthony Hewitt puts himself firmly on the map… I would certainly recommend this disc wholeheartedly for the Reubke which receives a magisterial performance. The recorded sound is excellent