Reviews

“I have always enjoyed Chris Gekker’s warm sound. Quite the list of credits; numerous excellent recordings. Poignant works [treated] lovingly.

A light but not lightweight approach imbues this with a sense of wonder… a fascinating and stylish approach to the score. The exemplary recording replicates well the intimacy and delicately subtle nuances of the music making.

13 of Carson Cooman’s compositions, all really good music. Great disc!

Carson’s music is always good to listen to… interesting.

This is genre-bursting creativity. Wonderfully played, sensationally restored, all of this music deserves to be much more widely known outside Russia. Heartily recommended.

the perfect ‘sweet spot’ between mood and method… holding the listener’s attention every step of the way… with some very good pieces

Two vivid scores. Concerto for Orchestra bowls me over, searing with energy and intensity. I was gripped throughout. Clarinet Concerto No.2 is a suspenseful and dramatic work… excellent playing from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

delicious, and deliciously done… The performance [of Naboth’s Vineyard] is miraculous, graphic in its depictions and superbly alive. … [Interplay] is superbly effective and brilliantly realized by Turner and Trygstad … [Pastorale] is a deliciously evocative miniature in the English Pastoral tradition… a revealing portrait of a composer whose name should be better known; lovers of English music will not be disappointed.

This CD is my record of the year, so far. This amazing CD presents music that is in the ‘premier division’. Edward Cowie’s work is required listening. The performance of both these works are first-rate. This must be one of the most demanding clarinet concertos in the repertoire: it is certainly one of the best. – recommended.

I enjoyed this CD of varied and interesting music… enjoyable and rewarding. Lipkin’s Clifford’s Tower, which is written for wind quintet and string trio is a masterpiece. Naboths’ Tower is an incredible work. The String Trio never flags, interest is maintained, and stylistic and formal unity is satisfied and Pastorale is a beautiful piece that deserves to be well-known.

Striking music… raw and exciting… you sense the passion and commitment of the players. Two famous and much loved pieces played well and with gusto.

Vibrant, fiery. The brass and percussion sections don’t hold back, making for an exciting whirlwind of a listen.

This is stunning playing! The insatiable curiosity of the players, their use of carefully-chosen instruments, their consideration of Schubert’s wide dynamics, of tempo and so on mean we hear these works anew.

This recording is a resounding success. Charlston’s joy in bringing this music to life shines through and I can strongly recommend this recording.

Much thought, care and affection has gone into this project… a CD that deserves the attention of anyone interested in historical instruments and an intelligent approach to playing them.

“A thoroughly appealing release. A survey of mostly 20th-century solo piano music from Brazil, the selections want nothing for stylistic diversity, melodic invention, and rhythmic verve. Stylish, sympathetic performances of ingratiating and engaging repertoire. Badgerow clearly has the measure of the music and a strong understanding of how to convey its subtleties: you’re in excellent hands here. A finely curated and played survey of some wonderful music.

Philip Hartmann does a fine job. [The music is] tranquil and creates an ambience We used to find organ music hard going but repeated exposure to Cooman has given us appreciation. Damn it, Cooman, you’ve made us fans of organ music.

A high level of musical imagination, combined with skilled and involved performances from all participants and a clean, well-balanced recording. Stevens’s musical grammar is relatively conservative, but it is not lacking in originality or personality … very enjoyable.

A most enjoyable addition to my Cooman collection. [Cooman] may well be the most significant currently active composer for his instrument. Erik Simmons plays as well as ever, with finesse and imaginative registration. Strongly recommended.

Engaging, energetic, and lovely. The performances of all three works feature admirable precision, energy, and relishing of Hughes’s rich and varied instrumental palette…. the work of an intriguing, compelling, and inventive contemporary voice. Recommended