Reviews

Chisholm was a master of the piano miniature… five Elegies, quasars in piano form… Suites are jam-packed with inventive, subtle and tantalising rhythms, harmonies and effects. [an] outstanding piano series.

Murray McLachlan has done a very fine job in his seven CDs of Erik Chisholm’s piano music and the music world should be very grateful to him. It is time that people started listening to [Chisholm’s] piano music. Much of which has the essential quality of greatness which is originality… I would say that his is an independent just as Janacek was. In Chisholm’s music there is sometimes an uncompromising virtuosity which McLachlan is certainly equal to. If music is about communication, then both the composer and performer have succeeded.

Of tartan clichés and petty-coat shortcake there is thankfully none. Music quaffing deep from the authentic Celtic aquifer

Smith brings … evenness of tone and an individual singing quality throughout the register and always with flawless intonation. [His] wonderful clarity in the high register is exceptional… [his] ability to make seamless, dramatic shifts in colouring is simply inspiring. These tunes may be well-known old warhorses but you could not better their performance.

The first word that comes to mind when listening is ‘singing’: the title is chosen perfectly! Smith plays in a smooth and silky French style with the most beautiful legato. His playing is elegant and graceful, even when playing high in the third register! In addition, Smith is a fiery virtuoso. A special flautist and a special CD

A complement to the remarkable triple CD (DDA21371). The title, ‘Beloved Concert Classics’ speaks for itself. [Smith and Rhodes] deliver a veritable lesson in style.

Beautiful and sensitive renditions of what is now regarded as standard flute repertoire. Paul Rhodes is the ideal accompanist, never overpowering and always follows the soloists’ every nuance. The performances seem effortless, always the signature of great performers.

A varied, extended and delightful treat for jaded ears.. Smith is effortlessly superb in his coloratura technique and expressive phrasing, filling these works with clean summer oxygen and a sprightly skip. This is a recital to savour enhanced by good quality audio.

Spectacularly fine playing … beautiful flute phrases and idiomatic piano part … performance of such care and sensitivity … there is much to enjoy on this beautifully played and produced disc.

[Katin ] performs with so direct, so honest a perception, that the music unfolds quite naturally and very beautifully. Technical assurance and musical understanding… exceptional dexterity and a sure sense of colour… the utmost conviction, concentration, buoyancy and command. Katin keeps one spellbound through his utterly magnificent reading. I can only repeat that the performance throughout this disc are magnificent

The Op. 116 pieces are not as familiar as they might be, but this is a performance to remind one just how good they are. [Katin’s] rubato is of the best kind that one doesn’t notice as such… we also get the richness that is characteristic of the music, We must also than the chosen piano and location as well as the engineer for the very natural sound. [In the Variations].. this is an attractive performance… satisfying too and beautifully recorded.. splendid value at mid-price and nearly 80 minutes of music.

Any disc by Katin is warmly welcome. He is, without doubt, our finest pianist. The late piano music of Brahms is melodious, intimate, sensitive graceful, often beautiful, nostalgic, lyrical and perhaps full of yearning.It calls for a pianist of impeccable understanding and in Katin we have that pianist. The playing is articulate, accurate, reliable, glorious, serene, intelligent, masterful, superlative and it is unequalled playing,… you will not have to think twice about buying this CD.

It is good to be reminded now and again how skilful [Brahms] could be as a miniaturist. Katin is in his element, moulding the … phrases with complete mastery. The sound has concert-hall freshness. Katin on magnificent form.

A well balanced programme and clean, clear studio performances… sung and played with understanding care. Sadly Geoffrey Stern died in 2005… we are left with a taste for more. The CD is an appropriate memorial.

The Seven Songs of James Joyce are some of Moeran’s most impressive songs. Paul Martyn-West and pianist Nigel Foster perform them with keen intelligence and musical shape. They also bring a lighter, more questioning intimacy to the complex Three Songs [of Warlock]. Geoffrey Stern’s songs are attractive… finely done and well worth getting to know. This engaging recital should find a receptive audience among lovers of British song.

The Seven Poems of James Joyce (1929) is a minor masterpiece. It is once again an ideal combination of words and music. The sound quality of the vocal line on the CD is crystal clear – although sometimes sounds a little bit distant. Paul Martyn-West has a lovely voice apt to interpreting these songs. He is well able to imbue each song with its own character. Niger Foster is a sympathetic accompanist. This is a really interesting CD… I feel that it is an essential addition to the library of anyone who loves the ‘English School of Lieder.’

This is a fine disc. Paul Martyn-West has a gentle voice – soft-toned, evocative and uniquely pleasantly. He has excellent enunciation, well-controlled vibrato and a deep love and knowledge of English solo song that shines through. Martyn-West is extremely good at bringing out the emotions, nuances and meanings of the texts. The disc contains a rewardingly extensive programme note by Martyn-West that is informative, interesting and well-written. The texts to all the songs are provided. This disc contains a good range of songs, from dreamy and melancholic through to dynamic and lively, thus demonstrating the versatility of the artists. Definitely a disc for lovers of English solo song.

The material is extremely interesting, the performances are lively and musical, and pianist Nigel Foster is superb. Paul Martyn-West … does have exemplary diction and his interpretations are quite good. Excellent music sung with affection, musicality … Therefore I recommend this disc for the music and the interpretations

Spirited early 20th century British songs. This vocal/piano combo have their fingers on the pulse of the material.

[Williamson’s] unflinching dedication to composition has helped him develop his own individual style through palindromic techniques of rhythm, harmony and melody together with modal and pentatonic characteristics. Baritone Mark Rowlinson, sympathetically supporter by pianist David Jones, sings with meticulous and exquisite delicacy… superb artistic ability. First rate sound and notes complete a truly fine addition to the English song Canon. Recommmended.