Reviews

Baines is shown here as a miniaturist with harmonic and expressive orientations similar to those of other composers of the early 20th century, such as Debussy and Ravel. His ability to evoke a scene within a few minutes is impressive…expressive and heartfelt, clearly exemplifying its time period.

This album is a wonderful introduction to the imagination, originality and genius of William Baines, brilliantly illuminated by Duncan Honeybourne’s compelling performance. Honeybourne is very much at home in Baines’ picturesque, atmospheric music. And then there is a glittering clarity and multi-layered textures coupled with a gorgeously warm, yet transparent piano sound.

The purpose here is to showcase the clarinet’s capabilities in this music; to bring Prorvich’s work to light; and to present well-known works in a way they have not been heard before. All this is fine, and certainly the warmth of the clarinet fits much of this music very well indeed. Everything here sounds good and is played well, and the CD is an enjoyable curiosity that will be of special interest to clarinetists and to listeners who have become somewhat jaded by the original Prokofiev scores and will welcome the chance to hear portions of them in a new guise.

What is heard here will likely be unknown to virtually anyone who does not play the recorder, and even to many people who do. This is therefore an exploratory release that should be of considerable interest. The admirable way that Turner and pianist Peter Lawson handle these works provides them with as much individuality and differentiation as possible. There is a lot to enjoy here.

Trandafilovski that he can compose for both traditional and experimental aural sonorities – and can do so for familiar instruments and familiar instrumental combinations. Trandafilovski [has] a strong how-it-sounds orientation.

Alastair White offers a score and a sensitive libretto served by a committed interpretation. The fashion-opera offers a new artistic form, more total, more immersive, full of meaning and connections. If the disc offers only one of the facets of the great show that must be the fashion-opera (we would like to attend a live performance!), it constitutes a beautiful gateway to the musical universe of Alastair White too unfamiliar in the French-speaking musical world.

All the performances are top of the range. The recording is perfect. The liner notes are essential reading unless the listener just wants to allow the music to wash over them. The entire booklet is a masterclass of design.

A notable CD. This is a very fine new release of music by William Baines (and Robin Walker). It is perfectly executed by all concerned. There is definite enchantment here.

Clarke writes with a strong sense of the choral tradition, frequently setting Latin texts, and the sound reflects this, often sounding like choral music from the 15th century or somewhere equally dim and distant but also with a very modern feel. It’s Clarke at her peak, and is breath-taking in parts.

Chai’s fascinating manipulation of her instrument is just so admirable… her inimitable and meticulous finger acrobatics make for a very exciting listen. Her unparalleled attention to detail and mesmerizing ability make for interpretations that warrant repeated listens.

Mr Honeybourne’s playing on this disc is an absolute revelation. Baines’s harmonic language is even more unsettled and searching than the Frenchman’s {(Debussy)}, and at times Scriabin will come to mind. The Five Songs, performed with sensitivity and clarity by Gordon Pullin, are quite a find and in addition this new disc includes a lengthy homage to Baines by Robin Walker in a brilliant and dramatic essay entitled At the Grave of William Baines. This then is a disc which anyone with an interest in British music should snap up.

When I first saw this album was due to be released,, I knew I had to get my ears exploring. Sarenilo stood out for its energy which grabbed my attention from the opening gesture, and Sandglass was a mesmerising and hypnotic work. Overall, there is a really personal and curious musical voice… this music is truly inviting.

I can say here without the slightest hesitation that this is a rather indispensable offering, exceptional piano music of its time by one we should now re-remember and rejoice to hear… a very original and bold brush of beautiful exceptionality. Bravo.

The music of William Baines: fleeting, evanescent, enigmatic, shadowy, suggestive, full of tenderness and longing that leaves one wishing there was so much more of it. The positive recommendation for this CD can only be wholly enthusiastic.

This is a precious album. Duncan Honeybourne’s gripping performances reveal a composer of genuine fibre. Regard for nature and belief in inspiration’s flow makes Baines’s music so special.

Every piece on the disc is well-crafted and designed to showcase the skill of the performer, and Skærved certainly has skill to spare in this repertoire. The combination of Skærved’s performance excellence with the very high quality of the violins he uses here and the well-composed music make this disc a pleasure to hear.

This fine disc is a tribute to the late Sir John Manduell. There is much variety on this disc, and much to be treasured. Extensive notes seal the deal. Recommended.

Sir John Manduell (1928-2017) was highly revered by people in the music and broadcasting professions… These are strong and radiant performances.You will find this very nicely performed and expertly recorded.

A fine second release from British pianist Beville that gives us a good picture of his keyboard abilities. A a wide range of tempos, dynamics, and articulations, all exceptional on this disc. The recorded piano sound is good, and along with the pianist’s detailed booklet essay, it completes a quite satisfying recital.

Beautifully compiled disc. The individual pieces on this disc all have their own fine, individual qualities. Sir John’s has individuality of a remarkable and personal kind. There’s a gentle humour, a special sense of timing, a harmonic language which is rather more modal than tonal within phrases but with a hint of key at cadences, and an elegant shaping of the phrases overall. The playing and singing on the whole album are completely compelling, showing a very strong and convincing sense of engagement.