Reviews

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.

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.