Reviews

Very worth reviving… [Avison] is certainly a composer not to be ignored.

The underserved Haydn fan that really wants something new and different has a full on bonanza here.  Lesser known works that are far from being of lesser quality with performances and interpretations to match.

Balances are excellent and solo vocal lines clear.. the performance of the Stabat Mater is careful and accurate. [Libera me] is exquisite. This performance captures the funereal essence of the Libera Me better than the only other one I know. The performance of the symphony is both correct and sensitive, the sound clean, almost sweet. The double Concerto is a delight; violinist Manzoni is imaginative, his instrument rich, and the harpsichord sparkles.

These readings hold up better than many recordings from the early days of the historic-performance movement. An emotionally penetrating reading of… Stabat Mater. The unique collection of all this somber Haydn… is another plus and serious Haydn buffs will find these distinctive performances.

The Stabat Mater is a neglected masterpiece. I enjoyed the performances… the work [of the Chorale] is quite admirable – as is the orchestra. Orchestra and soloists do very well here, in recordings that wear their age well. The symphony in particular is very cleanly performed. The analog sound is nicely remastered.

a most welcome disc. [Stabat Mater] is long but profoundly satisfying. The group do not use period performance practice, but the sound is crisp and lithe, Tempi are kept moving and the overall sound is slim and not overblown. The Chorale Phillippe Caillard make an equally strong contribution. [Libera Me] is a short but charming work and receives a decent performance here.

Avison’s Op. 1 are attractive Italianate ‘church’ sonatas. The playing is committed and often impassioned. The recorded sound is excellent

The rediscovery of this composer and his music has been long overdue. Played with relish and charm… ideal sound. A most desirable release.

Robert Howarth breezes through the plethora of notes in the harpsichord sonatas as if they were the proverbial piece of cake. Beznosiuk’s playing is…imaginative.. always in the service of the music. Extensive notes on the composer, the music, the performers and the instruments are provide. The recorded sound is just about ideal. Highly recommended.

The sonata movements sometimes display a chromatic daring that suggests a composer of real originality and power. Robert Howarth is here the brilliant protagonist.

Another admirable disc [in the Divine Art Avison catalogue]… the outstanding Avison Ensemble. The music is lovely, and the works are performed with insight and conviction.

Characteristic of a certain fantastical aspect in Avison’s music that’s nicely captured here… [the opus 8 sonatas] don’t sound like any other chamber music of the period, and they’re a nice find. The sound environment of the album is unique…original instruments.. a spacious, live quality. Compelling. Performance 4/5; Sound 4/5

The Avison Ensemble must be praised for its outstanding work…the double CD forms an attractive diptych portraying Avison at both ends of his career. The harpsichord writing is brilliant, even dazzling sometimes. The strings create a superb, well-balanced sound. There is much to learn from [Howarth’s] subtle articulation and phrasing.

Peter Seivewright is a powerful and obviously convinced exponent who once again shows his mettle here

Clearly and idiomatically written for the organ, the music harks back to an earlier age of church music… this is not to deny the real beauty and emotional sincerity of these finely crafted reveries, meditations and celebrations.

This new edition of the recordings with Anna Maria Bondi provides an extraordinary and impressive interpretation of the vocal works of Villa-Lobos and constitutes a remarkable record.

This is music of outstanding quality The performances are outstanding. The band is richly sonorous; the ensemble is faultless; the tempi are seemingly infallibly judged; the phrasing is subtle and expressive; and virtuoso solos are dispatched with aplomb. What more could one possibly want? They must surely be one of the finest baroque ensembles now in existence.

The performances of this immensely appealing set of concertos are outstanding… what is remarkable is the rich depth of the playing. An exceptional issue in every way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Outstanding quality… a delight from start to finish. The playing is brisk and light, the textures clear and the overall ensemble well-nigh perfect. Beznosiuk is on stunning form. Recorded sound and overall presentation are also of the utmost quality

Throughout the recording, the Avison Ensemble responds to Avison’s full 7-part texture with warmth and flexibility. Pavlo Beznosiuk’s violin playing is also impressive, with finely judged phrasing, and ornamentation that is both inventive and … some wonderfully articulate cello playing, not directly credited but presumably by Richard Tunnicliffe. The sound quality is superb too” – Robin Bigwood (The Consort)