Reviews

Colourfully orchestrated, elaborate and complex; the two works here stretch tonality to its limits, but are still approachable, with memorable splashes of melodic material. the RLPO under Mr Williams are more than a match for the challenges thrown at them.

Skærved always excels not only in his playing but also in his exploration of and critical approach to the original musical sources, and this CD is no different. Some interesting choices on repeats and frequent moments of surprise… a clear sense of period style is always present.

Exemplary performances throughout, and an excellent overall view of the composer’s distinctive style and attributes.

Incredibly well filled CD. Clifford’s Tower is surely Lipkin’s most powerful work. The pensive Pastoral casts a distinct spell. The String Trio is a very fine work and should be well known and played regularly.

If future performances are of the same high quality as these then [Stevens’s] music will certainly be well served.

Certainly the natural world is central to the quartets here… an obviously contemporary sound but not completely dissonant and [which] is quite nocturnal at times. All you need to know about the performances is that Cowie says that “no composer could ever be served, illuminated and translated by better or more brilliantly insightful players than the Kreutzer Quartet”

Enjoyable mixed bag of short works… a diverting collection of music. It’s an interesting programme and fans of instruments that usually do not come to the fore will enjoy it.

I have no reservations about the quality of Artyomov’s music or the sincerity of his message. The performances all seem very good, and the sonics are excellent. This, then, is a fine introduction to Artyomov’s chamber style.

Charlston’s delivery is mostly calm and undemonstrative. It’s persuasive, emphasizing the noble dignity and intellectual rigor of the compositions. Charlston is a terrific clavichordist. Getting all of these together on a single CD is most welcome, and this is the only way to hear them all recorded on clavichord.

“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.