Reviews

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

These five trios will strike many listeners as surprising and pleasurable discoveries, with the bonus of outstanding performances.

This is that rare beast: uncompromising music of our time that will raise a smile. Hughes’s achievement is to carve something perfectly crafted from a wide-ranging harmonic vocabulary. His ear for sonority is remarkable… proof positive that modem music can convey joy. Superb notes by the composer himself add to our appreciation of this beautifully recorded, fascinating music.

Rachmaninoff’s titanic First Piano Sonata is a test for any pianist; Alfonso Soldano passes convincingly. One of the more compelling versions of this sonata.

The three composers have created something almost elemental that grabs and holds one’s attention… Heartily recommended, but only to the most adventurous listeners.

Enchanting… astoundingly fresh and utterly devoid of cliché. [Hughes’s] voice remains defiantly identifiable The performances of all these pieces are superb. Métier’s sound is first-rate and perfectly tailored to the specific needs of Hughes’ singular pieces.

Cowie’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2 turns out to be up there among the handful of really worthy such works from the later 20th century… excellent dramatic dialog and a superior harmonic-melodic advancement and expressive daring. The Concerto for Orchestra stands out for its continuous sectional lucidity, its ultra-Modern inventive expression and extraordinary group interplay. Bravo to all concerned!”

An entertaining and varied programme of piano music. It’s robust, and powerfully played. It sounds very modern, in the sense of freshness and energy. we’d like to hear more from Badgerow, and his powerful, confident playing.

This is a quiet backwater of classical music, but one in which all those who wash up there have a thoroughly good time.

A hinterland between jazz and classical, with a bit of brass banding thrown in. a hinterland between jazz and classical, with a bit of brass banding thrown in. Varied in sound and ranging from moments of more outthere modernity to jolly melody.

Highlights include the majestic Musica da processione, the impressive Suite in F Major, a sparkling Invocazione brillante, and two evocative Nantucket Sketches. Magnificent 2013 Link-Gaida organ at Pauluskirche, Ulm.

Odyssey is a very appealing work and it’s extremely well served here by Rupert Gough and his excellent choir. The singing is fresh, eager and full of vitality. Well worth hearing; the recordings have been well engineered and the booklet is comprehensive.