Reviews

Stevens’s music is richly expressive. Christine Townsend plays beautifully, flexible when required and staunchly determined elsewhere; Stephen Robbings is the perfect partner, and both are caught in a fine recording. Divine Art continues its valuable documentation of the music of Robin Stevens in style. Townsend and Robbings are a brilliant duo. Recommended.

Although I knew none of these works prior to hearing this disc, the performances of each one sound absolutely compelling to my ears, and surely will to other listeners who are well tuned to the advanced music of our era. To such aficionados I give a hearty recommendation of this very generously filled and well-recorded disc.

A superb release from all angles. Roger Reynolds’ music continues to enchant, and to challenge from a baseline of sonic beauty. The performances are faultless, as one has come to expect from Reumert and his associates. Magical.

[Zaytoun] will certainly subvert some listeners’ expectations.… its standing within the timeless global tradition of the “artist in search of self” brings forth universal themes that any listener can latch on to.

An entire, complex and sympathetic personality is on show…Rowland is a fluent guide, discreet though not entirely self-effacing and above all, as befits this music, elegant. Add to this a precise and atmospheric sound recording and you have a serious statement about a composer who deserves even wider recognition. **Editor’s Choice August 2025**

Hicks has studied the nocturnes in depth and seeks the most impressive interpretations possible. The playing is extremely clear, immensely imaginative, incredibly fresh, and spontaneous. There is alert rubato, unexpected accents, unusual articulations, and fine nuances of color and dynamic shading. Hicks allows us to share in the mystery of these Chopin compositions, thereby stimulating our imagination. *Supersonic Award*

Williamson’s a dissonant Poulenc with an attitude.

beautifully performed anthology…There are many lovely moments in this always interesting, chameleon-like collection. What comes across is the exceptional quality and musicality of Williamson’s diverse material.

Bowyer has no technical difficulties…the unknown, the surprising, the unfamiliar. Cook offers plenty of this, and Bowyer’s creative skills can be expressed unbroken.

An excellent introduction to Dufourt’s piano works.

Individually, each selection on the Tranquillity album is a moonstone of clairvoyance and spirituality in Phillips’ interpretations. As a whole, the set transports the listener beyond consciousness.

…the sheer virtuosity of these three sonatas is palpable. There is beauty here, as well as passion, energy and ferocity.

…the project impresses…the album reflects his playfulness…teeming with joy, abandon, and abrupt twists and turns

…highly controlled playing and ideal control of dynamics.

This is vast, swirling music for a dense and dowdy landscape – the music of quiet resistance and brutal victory. Somehow there is both defiance and acceptance. It is…deeply inspiring. Do yourself a favour and spend an hour immersed in this stunning performance by the Sonoro Quartet and the wonderful soprano, Dr. Sylvia O’Brien.  

…there’s substance in spades…Chadwick’s account of these physically and musically demanding works is masterful…this is an album that will yield up more of its secrets on repeated listening, yet also holds enough immediate appeal to draw in the first-time listener.

…Full of Grace stands as a landmark work. This new album…James Woodhall…offers a selection of choral pieces of great expressive maturity and profound spirituality…James Woodhall confirms his place as one of the most promising voices on the current choral scene.

“it’s good… [these] are seeing the light of day. … Brittenesque exuberance in the faster music, and the sound of birdsong and long melodic lines redolent of Messiaen in the slow… [in] Pas de deux… clarinettist Neyire Ashworth plays a beautifully long-breathed line over Antony Gray’s rippling piano accompaniment…” 4 Stars

I was left rather captivated by this collection of works…There’s a sense of introspection throughout, some sadness, but all of it with a reassuring vein of glimmering light.

an intriguing collection from Nathan Sherman exploring the versatility of the viola, its sound refracted through and around electronic effects. The music is certainly intriguing… offering something
truly original.