Reviews

The whole set reflects very well the stylistic trajectory of the composer.

There is a strange alchemy at work here. Clearly virtuosic work requir[ing] considerable concentration to perform. There is a magic about this music that I cannot put my finger on. Sometimes it is profitable to push beyond one’s comfort zone.

Quirky and upbeat, mesmerizing works… true artistic alchemy.

Balances are fascinating: she makes pleasant effects. Pianism that sounds both old-fashioned and fresh. Worth investigating – spontaneous pianistic journeys through these pieces.

Sound quality is a major attraction. These works exhibit a degree of seriousness that takes them beyond the “salon music” of their time into a realm with a greater sense of drama. And what a violin it is: a 1629 instrument by Girolamo Amati (1561-1630), with the warmth and splendidly even tone for which Amati instruments have long been renowned. Skærved is more than a virtuoso performer of these works: an exceptionally interesting CD.

Hayden’s piano music is formidably complex but Ian Pace proves an exceptional interpreter, clarifying every element of Hayden’s contrasting demands. This is music of fearless intensity performed with exceptional technique and perception from one of Britain’s leading exponents of contemporary piano music.

Pace performs with grace and conviction, and, most importantly in this repertoire, without any obvious sense of virtuosic display. The music is clearly under his fingers, and the excitement and tension, extreme as they often are, result from compositional choices rather than a virtuosic high-wire act. Pace, to his credit, always provides a satisfying aural experience.

Fantastical, dystopian, highly poetic. The music is excellent. The entire cast has a firm grounding in contemporary music and it shows.

The playing is tidy and well phrased.

I would highly recommend this CD. The music makes an important point; an intriguing blend of complex melodies and harmonies performed exquisitely by the Ebonit Saxophone Quartet. The quartet has an excellent blend as well as impressive individual sounds, and all of the players demonstrate fantastic technique.

The recording is exemplary and reliably communicates the score’s tensile strength and its exploration of the extremes of dynamic. These three orchestral pieces occupy a flighty avant-garde niche. Messiaen’s influence can be heard, from time to time, affluent in atmospheric effects. There are also some very frank echoes of the orchestral Debussy. Lyrical impulse given treasured expression amongst the thorny conflicts.

Impressive.. an intellectual challenge.

Both as clarinet soloist and as leader of the Gemini chamber ensemble, Ian Mitchell does a fine job of introducing audiences to seven little-known chamber works, by six composers. Pleasurable, and all are very well performed by soloist and ensemble alike.

These various clarinet-led works prove both novel and enriching. What an attractive programme it is, stuffed, too, with world premiere recordings. Wholly delightful, brilliantly played.

Garcia writes music that aims to suspend time. His syntax has a personal originality that sets it apart from other composers. A special thing, serious and expressive, thoughtful; sincere, intimate and a musical world unto itself. The Amernet String Quartet perform all three quartets with care, precision, and understanding. Recommended.

Well, now, here’s another interesting composer and some very interesting music. What I like most about Cowie is his lack of predictability; he clearly relies on his own impulses and reactions to the natural world, and thus tries to “compose” that natural world in his scores. He is inspired by the moment, yet he knows how to tie those moments together to produce music that is coherent.

The work of Metier Records and of instrumental groups such as the one here, Gemini, should be universally lauded. They keep the music of today alive, ensure its circulation, and present it in the finest possible performances, always impeccably documented and recorded. Here we have a beautifully varied collection of works. Ian Mitchell is the connecting thread, his clarinet ever-eloquent. It is clear that he, and his group, give each and every piece their all; all is couched in a fine recording and presentation that is both beautiful and comprehensive.

An engrossing listen… these quartets maintain a steady and methodical course akin to a thawing out or loosening up of emotions audible from the outset. It helps that the Amernet Quartet is so attuned to this music’s understated intensity. Is it recommended? Indeed. The sound is well-nigh ideal in its balance and focus. this release should help pave the way to greater coverage [for Garcia’s music].

25 miniature gems. The pieces revel in the sheer pleasure of their sounding. The music evokes with a bright, vivacious charm. Happily the pianist rises to the challenge and gives us the kind of poetic, interpretive readings that Maestro Craven no doubt appreciates. This one is a lot of fun. Do not miss it. Hurrah!

One of those happy surprises… the piano music of Sam Hayden, as played extraordinarily well by Ian Pace. the adventuresome sort of High Modernism dash that keeps the listener challenged and well rewarded with exciting fare. Hayden is the genuine article and I hope we can hear more of his music in future releases. Good show!