Reviews

Langdown is an accomplished and polished artist who, I would submit, possesses the musical intelligence and sensitivity to hear the voices of a number of different composers and to speak to us in their individual tongues. With [Deo Omnis Gloria], Langdown demonstrates his considerable talent for composition as well as for the piano. Strongly recommended.

This CD… presents to us a young pianist whose versatility could lead to a bright future. Christopher Langdown seems to feel right at home no matter which composer he tackles. The variety of the pieces on this recording is enough to satisfy any piano lover’s appetite, and might even present new discoveries to some and shed some new light on old favourites. The recording fully captures the recital’s atmosphere and nervous energy, and delivers a focused and solid sound throughout.

Once you get used to the slightly recessed but very clean sound from Wigmore Hall, this recital becomes very impressive. .. A mind that considers every detail, yet carefully avoids any feeling of the ordinary or academic.

Christopher Langdown has a lovely tone, smooth legato and a technique equal to the pianistic challenges in this programme. A really good pianist.

The young pianist and composer Christopher Langdown’s programme at Wigmore Hall on June 9 th was certainly a demanding one, but a challenge to which he rose admirably. The range of repertoire appeared on paper to be particularly wide, but in practice subtle threads ran between the pieces, from Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata (Opus 31 No […]

These modern recordings are cleanly and most listenably played … the music is conveyed with impeccable fingerwork and an admirable sense of style. This series could and should run and run. Meanwhile, snap up these albums without delay and bask in some unfailingly delicious playing.

A fine instrument, with silvery, bell-like timbres in the upper register and a richly sonorous bass. Rowland’s changes of registration for repeats are judicious and tasteful, revealing fully the beauties of his instrument. A highly satisfying version of Handel’s Suites… as the final notes die away, one is simply left with a strong temptation to shout Bravo!

[Rowland] combines amazingly graceful virtuosity with original filigree and huge experience to give readings that all listeners should respond to. The two-manual period replica harpsichord (1750) has a sweet, rounded sound and action that react superbly to Rowland’s texturising touch and Handel’s illuminative imagination. Rowland et al have sensitively used not only the same venue but recorded at the same time of year, giving audio that is consistent as well as generally pleasing.

It is impossible to praise this new release too highly. Fabulous playing.The combination of Handel, Gilbert Rowland, Wooderson’s fine harpsichord, the recording and the recording engineer John Taylor is unbeatable providing, as it does, a collection of these wonderful suites that I will return to again and again.

The sound is robust and powerful, and Rowland uses every inch of the keyboards, generally with bright and decisive attack.The articulation and ornamentation in particular are precise and clear. I found much to admire in the robust performances and sometimes sensitive interpretations. In short this is a worthy sequel.

The playing is exciting and eloquent throughout, and Rowland thoroughly understands the subtle effectiveness of Handel’s panache

This is an unusual CD of music by Haydn which is rarely heard. Both groups of young performers give enjoyable renderings of these works, with their elegant slow movements, delicate minuets and lively allegros. The tone of the Trinity Haydn Ensemble is particularly crisp. Congratulations to Divine Art Recordings for bringing another page of musical history to life.

If not for this recording, I don’t think I’d have ever heard these charming pieces. What these young players may lack in experience, they make up for in enthusiasm, and the soloists get quite a workout. The very detailed notes probably include everything there is to know about these works.

This double disc is a delight, especially the sonatas for two violins and bass which are full of invention… the set is an excellent and timely commemoration

This is a captivating collection of sonatas, which is given outstanding and expressive performances. The ensemble is excellent, and the balance between the instruments is just right. An enjoyable set with music which varies from expressive to entertaining, The Avison Ensemble is once again an eloquent advocate of the oeuvre of this master of the English baroque.

This is a captivating collection of sonatas, which is given outstanding and expressive performances. The ensemble is excellent, and the balance between the instruments is just right. An enjoyable set with music which varies from expressive to entertaining, The Avison Ensemble is once again an eloquent advocate of the oeuvre of this master of the English baroque.

Here is evidence of [Avison’s] mastery of sonata form; a vast array of effects and techniques, all crafted with elegance. The players are steeped in the Tyneside master’s output and deliver with panache. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am thrilled beyond measure; not only are [these sonatas] fully professional, gloriously melodic pieces of great imagination, but they do not shy away from rhythmic complexities and extraordinary flair… superbly crafted melodic gems. We can be grateful to the Avison Ensemble for giving us this set, played with great authority. The sound is clear, very close, and detailed. Wonderful stuff!

[Avison’s] provincial isolation may explain his considerable originality, exemplified in these two sets of six sonatas. Performance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recording ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Avison’s] standing as a composer is significantly higher than might be supposed. Fortunately recordings such as this have begun to show how adaptable, personable, imaginative and clever is his writing. Not only is Avison’s writing broad-minded and full of thematic interest, but Gary Cooper and his eminent cohorts fully worthy of it; the combination is outstanding in every way. Recording quality (first class), performances and music come together in a wholly splendid way.