Reviews

This is one for those of you who like to turn the stereogram up loud and listen to cracking tunes to which you can hum along. The four-handed playing gives it the energy that a 50% reduction in hands to a lone collection of digits would struggle to do.

[These works] embody a diverse range of treatment — perhaps the fullest and profoundest compendium of keyboard counterpoint before J.S. Bach. [The clavichord’s] sound and capabilities are remarkably well-suited to Froberger’s textures. The playing is exemplary. Each piece is taken on its own terms, grounded in deep and patient understanding of its characteristics. This is very fine playing, beautifully recorded.

The four pieces on this release unfold with a powerful sense of inevitability and they all benefit from the Kreutzer Quartet’s outstanding technical skill. Intricately constructed work of considerable refinement, rendered here with immense concentration and inventiveness… great sensitivity and expressive subtlety.

Five Stars: Malcolm Lipkin was a fine composer and this generously filled disc presents a rich selection from his chamber and instrumental output. This satisfying, carefully planned composer portrait is warmly recommended.

The wide dynamic palette echoes a Schubert who wanted, with these two works, to “clear the flight towards the great symphony”. The texture captivates, suggests individualities and unfolds beautiful lines, swinging between mystery, worry and melancholy.

Assembled in exemplary fashion.. The comparatively limited instrumental complement is employed skillfully by all the composers, and both the singing and the playing are very fine. A considerable number of well-thought-through settings that provide listeners who have a taste for modern British chamber music with the chance to hear quite a few interesting examples of it.

The performers are very fine throughout this well-made recording which provides an interesting chance to hear an accomplished composer’s way of handling woodwinds in a modern chamber-music context.

Strong recommendation … simply outstanding.

Vivid inventions.

Chadwick takes an unusual approach to Messiaen’s music, more angular and “wide-awake” and less softly impressionistic, but this is an approach that I liked very much, as it brings out the structure in the works. Gorton’s Ondine is a fascinating work, an early piece by this composer and very interesting. Chadwick’s performance of the Szymanowski Piano Sonata No. 3 is absolutely superb. A good album, then, well worth exploring.

A very fine and enjoyable CD. If you don’t have the Szymanowski and Panufnik pieces in your collection, this is clearly a disc you will want. Well done!

The music is very interesting and Dullea plays it with passion and drive. I really liked Farhat’s music and Dullea’s playing.

This CD holds within some extremely heart-rending, joyous and emotionally infused music, played by some wonderful individual players.

Imaginative and inspiring in its concept, ethos, and stunning performance. This is an album to savour. Much that is beautiful, with each piece demanding our full attention. The liner notes are exceptional.

Sparkling performances of a selection of popular and well-loved miniatures and transcriptions, bookended by major works from Liszt and Milhaud.

Exploring modern techniques, the music is predominantly tonal, remarkably light and clear-textured, though never facile or shallow.

Magical performance. This is an album to simply enjoy. … superb playing by Zeynep Ucbasaran and Sergio Gallo. Helpful liner notes and exceptional and vibrant recording.

Walker’s aesthetic draws on melodic contours and rhythmic gestures evocative of English folk song. The music is tranquil and glistening indeed, and is a satisfying tour de force.

There’s real grace and easefulness but also excitement. The booklet does contain some fascinating reflections on the implications and effects of performing these sonatas on a square piano. Contrasts are observed, nuances offer interest, but Classical balance and lyricism generally prevail. In the final reckoning, Skærved and Perkins let the music do the talking, and it speaks confidently and compellingly.

This new record is a fine specimen of expertise and craftsmanship, with each of the above components keenly harmonized. . In the hands of Charlston, his clavichord soars and expands before our very ears. Charlston reveals a depth of humanity on par with the great polyphonic achievements of J.S. Bach.