Reviews

compelling and imaginative, and… genuinely original. The evidence at hand shows him [Seán Doherty] to be one of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary composers.

Pianist Antony Gray has assembled a fascinating and enticing issue, generously filled with rarities spanning Williamson’s career. All are impeccably delivered and well worth exploring. 

I have always thought highly of his [Robert Saxton’s] music, and with this…continue to do so.

The performers are marvellous and committed to the vision of the composer…This is a marvellous tribute

As a representative sampling of his chamber writing…these five pieces provide a thorough and thoroughly rewarding account. No commentary on the release would be complete without mentioning the superb performances delivered by his sympathetic interpreters, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, Burvill, and Small.

The music on The Tyndall Effect is always interesting and…wonderful

Clarisse Teo plays with sensitivity and expression. Her interpretations explore the emotional depths of these works. Highly recommended.

Four contemporary composers with four totally unique approaches to composition. Another fine album by the Kreutzer Quartet.

It is a wonderful idea to combine the virtuosity of the Kreutzer Quartet with the fine talents of students from the Royal Academy in these totally brilliant performances.

In no way is this ‘easy-listening’ music, a first hearing can leave you open mouthed with shock and awe, but with each new listening, you are drawn into music that is not just pictorial but because of its irresistible virtuoso impetus, is brilliantly filmic.

perfect…awe and emotion encapsulated in this recording…The music beautifully envelops this quest to tell the stories of galaxies both known and unknown. Find a new story in the night sky with this intoxicating music.

The commitment and dedication of these recordings are as one would expect from these performers but there are flashes of brilliance, too…Anthony Gilbert wrote years ago that Connolly’s music was largely inaccessible to listeners…this album is a notable first step in redressing the situation. Do listen. 

Schliessmann’s interpretations open up completely new, surprising and unexpected horizons and lead into fascinating spheres of poetry, tone colours, expression and agogics. All in all, this album is not only highly recommended, but really a MUST!

full of strong ideas, imaginatively developed. Clarisse Teo’s performance is excellent…a substantial body of work…[charting Alexandrov’s] evolution from Medtner disciple to his most striking. Connoisseurs…should not hesitate.

a musical journey…performance art [not] just a collection of tracks. Fans of classical and folk should check this out…compulsive listening.

Kawamura plays beautifully on this collection…

This is an excellent album, modern and edgy enough for people who want something new but traditional enough for those who like what they know.

Stephens approaches the…material with both skill and delicacy in a manner which tends to demonstrate his individuality as a composer…There is both passion and lyricism in the writing and the music is both contemporary and yet grounded in the best tradition of British chamber music.

The only fault one might find is that it leaves the listener wanting more. This is an interesting release which provides much food for thought

A modern ‘Lark Ascending,’ a contemporary ‘Land of Lost Content,’ a ‘Paradise Postponed,’ or the paintings of John or Paul Nash, Evelyn Mary Dunbar, John Piper, Eric Ravilious – all of these thoughts and associations came into my mind in this strongly modern setting