Reviews

“I find something refreshingly Neo-Classical about it all, essentially often unabashedly tonal, very vivid, extraordinarily well constructed and inventive, well scored and well played. The sound of the music stands out as special. It is most of all “good music,” which of course should be what we seek in the end. That and musical talent. Gimme Twelve satisfies by providing and abundance of both. Something new and very good. Bravo.

Remarkably varied and imaginative and I can’t help but hear landscape in every note. The composer could not have wished for a more committed and dramatic performance and this applies to all of the performances on this disc.Superbly recorded with useful essays, photographs and reproductions of Cowie’s paintings.

This is a big programme of music to take in, the works themselves ambitious, with a big sound and big ideas. Mr Whitbourn is used writing music that needs to be both quickly absorbed and emotional or even inspiring. The album will please singers, as well as those who love the sound of a good choir.

Fowler is late night radio, on a specialist section for people who like their music rare.. [but] this is modern music that’s not too difficult… worth a listen.

Terence Charlston brings to us this abundant program nicely from a specially constructed period clavichord that gives out with a most distinctive tone. The music is masterful, lucid; this is a carefully detailed reading of some gems from 1649, music that maintains high levels of contrapuntal brilliance. It is music any thorough explorer of Early Music should be happy to immerse self in.

Music making of a particularly high order. This CD provides a useful overview of James Whitbourn’s choral output… , these eminently practical works demonstrate a thoroughly accessible musical style. The quality of this disc is further enhanced by first rate performances and recording.

Seivewright is an extremely assured pianist, with a light, confident and colourful touch; he explores the virtuosity of the music and the tonality of the instrument with a generous use of the sustaining pedal. His playing is clean, neat and well-toned. Seivewright’s fleetness of touch is excellent.

A systematic collection of twelve of Froberger’s suites: Handel and Bach studied his music, and Mozart copied out his Hexachord Fantasia. Rowland’s detailed notes on each suite were very helpful, pointing out interesting features in each suite. This set is expertly recorded.

It is good to hear a composer who works in the traditions of the Second Viennese School and its successors and is not afraid to admit it. Thomas Fortmann is not tied to any one aesthetic. Jazz, ragtime and even hints of pop music feature in these scores. [Grafeneck 1940] is a superbly written piece, but downright scary and troubling as befits the subject. The seriously impressive Gimme Twelve is a superb piece of organ music. The playing of this music is excellent by the multifarious performers. And the sound quality is superb.

[Froberger] paved the way for J S Bach’s elaborate contributions to the dance suite genre and influenced almost every major composer in Europe. On this new album is the first recording all 14 of his Canzonas and Fantasias. These are amongst his most beautifully crafted yet most neglected works. This is a welcome exploration of the work of a composer who has been called the Chopin of the seventeenth century.

These CDs make a wonderful addition to our stock of German Baroque solo violin music on record. Skærved’s playing is unfailingly pure and beautiful.

A contemplative, often ethereal, mood dominates, no bad thing; if you enjoyed some or all of the earlier volumes, you will not be disappointed; otherwise, new listeners start here,

This is an astonishing display of vocal virtuosity. Of course, there is Berio here, and Cage, but also so much more… dispatched with consummate mastery by Sara Stowe. Stowe manages beautifully the registral demands placed upon her… dispatched with consummate mastery. Wholehearted recommendation.

A previous release of music by Lydia Kakabadse was very impressive; this present release offers further thoughtful, imaginative music. Clare McCaldin’s rich mezzo is perfect. The choir is well schooled, with pure-toned sopranos and fine tuning from all concerned, while the harpist Cecily Beer is simply superb. The music here is cleverly constructed without wearing its sophistication on its sleeve; the musical language is everywhere approachable.

A pleasant and diverting collection of music, stimulating.

Peter Sheppard Skærved gets to play on a great violin. The album contains 96 short tracks. Violinists may enjoy raptures at the sound… Sheppard Skærved obviously plays well and enjoys himself.

This has to be star disc for me – playing, instruments and music combine to provide a wonderful panoply of sound for the listener… such a vibrant recording. Exquisite – a wonderful pairing of instruments! The disc is complemented by extensive programme notes, including biographies and a note on the organ used.

An excellent recital of organ music… an exciting and welcome addition, an interesting collection of pieces, exhilaratingly played. I particularly enjoyed his performance of the Jongen, and the Dove is wonderful. The organ is captured at its best by the recording, and the notes are also very good.

The Kreutzer Quartet play well; its members include violinist Peter Sheppard Skærved, always a safe pair of hands. Modern in that it’s not big on melody but not so fragmented or jarring to render it un-approachable.

The perfect way to hear Froberger’s outstanding keyboard music in new and refreshing ways. A deliciously intimate experience. Such a beautifully made and decorated keyboard instrument