Reviews

Charles Avison lived from 1709 to 1770 and was a native of Northumberland, spending his musical life in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he was the organist at that city’s Cathedral for over thirty years. Much in demand as a teacher and organiser of musical events he still found time for composition. Had he lived in […]

The works brim with elegance and intelligence, The Georgian Concert gives excellent performances

Plenty to charm the ear………. Performances are spruce and spirited, with stylishly turned obbligato contributions and a nice feeling for Avison’s dance rhythms. Performance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recording ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Some very interesting works… The Georgian Consort play all the works with consummate skill

I certainly hope there are further recordings planned…..an especial pleasure…..utterly natural sound………… Highly recommended.

The Georgian Concert give polished and technically perfect readings. The recording is texturally very clear. Performance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Recording ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This group produce a rather unusual intimate sound. This works really well in the slow movements…… The playing is extremely good and the recording presents no problems…..it is good to see such faithful servants of music like Duncan Druce still giving of his talent, experience and dedication.

pleasingly polished and stylish performances… the recording is natural and the ambience just right

I would rate these almost the equal of Handel…..The Georgian Concert…have a real feel for this music, – the pizzicato accompaniment to the aria ending of op.9 no.4 is beautifully done, to cite but one example….excellent recording… very high marks to both Avison and the Georgian Concert.

Most of the songs and sketches have not been sung for nearly a century and not only are pleasant in their own light but also gives a fascinating insight into Victorian Concert Parties. The final two items on the disc are not by the modern artists listed above, but are … sung by George Grossmith III recorded in 1909. Apart from the recording, one would have thought this was the same singer as the other items — a good illustration of how well Leon Berger has caught the Grossmith way of singing. The accompaniment is very important in this material and Selwyn Tillett’s playing sounds just right. The recording and notes are up to the usual high standard of Divine Art Records. An unusual disc, interesting and entertaining.

If you like Gilbert & Sullivan, then I am sure you will enjoy this CD… anyone with the slightest sense of humour will find much here to enjoy. Thanks to Leon Berger’s superb diction, every word comes across clearly and he does a wonderful job of infusing great personality into these songs. Selwyn Tillett accompanies on the piano with both sensitivity and virtuosity. Very nostalgic and enjoyable – go and buy this wonderful CD.

shows the Victorian and Edwardian ages at their most humorous… sprightly tunes, funny lyrics, and the need for excellent enunciation…here Leon Berger excels… Great fun

[Leon Berger’s] remarkably versatile voice with wide compass provides much variety of character and colour from track to track. It is generally for this reason that this disc so successfully holds the listener’s attention…Unobtrusive accompaniment is sensitively and competently provided by Selwyn Tillett who has much experience of studying and playing Victorian music. His light and nimble fingerwork is a joy to listen to and is always closely married to the voice… The disc is likely to be highly appreciated

Originally issued on cassette in 1992 to fund the restoration of the organ on which it was played, Henry Wallace’s recital at St. Mungo’s Church in the Northumberland village of Simonburn is now out on CD. Ranging from Sweelinck in the 17th century to Reger and Dubois in the 20th, Wallace demonstrates the finely tuned […]

Well done Simonburn! [Wallace plays] a well-balanced and enjoyable programme with refinement, projection and imagination…[the organ] only possesses fourteen ranks, but each is a gem.

This is a rather good CD. The organ has some exquisitely charming sounds and the playing is at all times skilful and accurate. Listening to this recital is an enjoyable experience.

“’Softcore’ with Terry Johns and Barry Booth is a most tasteful, beautiful and relaxing record.. I strongly recommend it”

A must for fans of the French horn…stunningly inventive…Terry Johns gives the melody a vocal quality…the perfect accompaniment to a large gin and tonic

“I can’t think of a more perfect combination of instruments to evoke the feeling of the unsung words of that masterpiece [referring to Cole Porter’s “In the Still of the Night]. Beautiful mood music”

earnest dedication to authenticity…..Donald Francke is genuinely funny…