Reviews

The title of this rich disc alludes to England and its music. The technique recalls Peter Maxwell Davies; the sensibility is different.

With this album of archive experimental recordings, “not at all unpleasant” would seem to be a decent review, given the circumstances of its recording. It’s remarkable it even works. Not for everyone but interesting nonetheless.

It’s got a contemplative feel to it – meditative, atmospheric and thoughtful, while not being too heavyweight. Organ music is probably not to everyone’s taste but this programme of work is most un-organ-like in many places, a contemplative CD.

Östlund’s 2019 double CD Voyages and 2020’s Mistral elevate him to the status of the 21st century’s Debussy.

Östlund’s 2019 double CD Voyages and 2020’s Mistral elevate him to the status of the 21st century’s Debussy.

Première recordings of five works full of interest, splendidly played and recorded, with the Waldo Warner a particular highlight. Throughout this fascinating and engaging recital programme, I can’t fault the playing of the Trio Anima Mundi who impress with their directness and level of expression, so consistent in teamwork. Beautifully recorded, the sound is clear and well-balanced.

The many years of experience in making music together produce a flawless result, based on instinctive understanding and full trust between musicians. The presentation is characterized by fine lines and lively structure.

Another outstanding CD… Violist Alan George’s outstanding booklet notes once again add immensely to our understanding of these almost symphonic works and the performance questions they raise – questions superbly answered by the FSQ. The resulting performances consequently have a feeling of authenticity that is quite remarkable and perfectly exploits the emotional range of these visionary works.

English soprano Sara Stowe is a versatile and inventive musician… Stowe does us a favour, presenting her recital of songs by seminal later-generation high modernists with virtuoso verve. She committedly follows their demanding performance instructions and groundbreaking aesthetics, by the end winning over those who care to listen with her exhilarating musicality.

Soldano’s playing left me both impressed and amazed. Alfonso Soldano is brilliant in every way. RECOMMENDED…

This eminently worthwhile release opens the window on a neglected corpus of English chamber music. The Stanford/Elgar/Bantock/VW example wasn’t the only English one.

Östlund’s style is romantic and impressionist, but with a unique voice that keeps it interesting. This is essentially a concept album… The music moves from one aesthetic environment to the next—from fresh spring waters and moonlit nights to twilit autumn trees and stark winter winds.”

This is a great disc of spectacular performances; Lon¬don Myriad has done a tremendous job here of programming: all of these pieces are classics in their own right.

This is very difficult music per¬formed at a very high level. Byzantine Doxology is a magical and moving piece.

This new release from Divine Art is typically very enjoyable… [a] diverse and variable selection of wind music… excellent introduction to Robin Stevens’ music. I cannot fault the sound quality here and the playing in every case is enthusiastic, committed and technically convincing.

Two of Schubert’s great mature string quartets, which look forward to the heights of the Romantic period, are superbly performed here by the excellent Fitzwilliam String Quartet on period instruments with gut strings. Both Quartets are given compelling, authentic performances.

This work is far from difficult.. seeks to create a mood rather than offering melody. Thoughtful, stark beauty.

[McCabe’s] gifts as interpreter at the keyboard were very much equal to his abilities as composer. It is evident that McCabe delights in this piano music yet never indulges, electing for efficient lines and tasteful embellishment, reflective of both style and substance with accuracy and intellectual rigour.

This is a crisp and capable ensemble… the playing is elegant and the ensemble finds admirable unity of pitch and articulation, no small task among such diverse voices, and they play the spirited small works with great verve. I really like this group.

Considerable learning as well as freshly accessible music. Odyssey dominates the set and could have stood alone. A fine addition to Kakabadse’s Divine Art catalogue.