Reviews

John McCabe gives lively, loving performances of Scarlatti and Clementi – playing the latter with special feeling for a still underappreciated figure.

Attempts to describe this unique and compelling music are going to do it less than justice. It has to be heard. . Basil Athanasiadis is developing a body of work that is very special, lasting and repeatedly rewarding… precious, gentle, deeply beautiful attention to detail. A wonderful follow up to ‘Soft Light’ and is highly recommended. Congratulations, blessings and thanks to all concerned.

Wonderful to see John McCabe finally being recognised as a pianist. McCabe’s use of sustaining pedal and generous sound offer a full-fat experience… an indispensible release.

Mostly wonderful: McCabe does not overdo his pedal use, performs each work with care and clarity, and does not make the pieces sound as if they belong in the Romantic era. McCabe’s pianism on these works certainly stands the test of time – and, for that matter, so does the sound, which has greater warmth and richness than did most digital recordings from this time period. McCabe’s sensitivity to the music’s structure and his willingness to downplay the piano sound rather than emphasize it lead to a highly enjoyable listening experience.

The whole set is a stunner and well worth having. McCabe with his fingers sings, we mentally and musically dance along and we are all the better for it. Strongly recommended for the repertoire and performances! Bravo!

Miss Milan has the full measure of the expressive and technical demands of these works, and is to be thanked for giving us a stimulating recital which will, it is to be hoped, encourage other players to seek out and champion British music of this quality.

When you have players as excellent as those of London Myriad, it [the wind quartet] can be a delightful medium. A captivating disc with an expertly chosen programme plus outstanding playing from this young and talented London-based ensemble.

This disc does truly bring together Eastern and Western musical ideas and performers resulting in a credible and convincing artistic whole. I derived a good deal of pleasure from this disc, both because of the engaging repertoire and the considerable skill of the performers. Recommended with enthusiasm.

Reumert’s technical mastery is never once in doubt. Stamina, technical excellence and, importantly, pure belief, qualities Reumert has in abundance. Reumert is a paragon of excellence. His vitality and commitment are inspirational; recommended.

Gorgeous throughout, a characteristic enhanced by the spot-on intonation of the performers. The music of Robin Walker is engaging and effectively written, and will provide enjoyment to anyone who will give a listen.

Ythier’s technique is magnificent. Fresh, imaginative programming, superb per¬formances, and stimulating documentation all contribute to an unmissable experience,

Performances of Bach of the most remarkable concentration. Boyle throughout gives the impression of carefully sculpting the music from a most interior place… accents are perfectly judged, and a sure sense of rhythm forms the backbone of these fine readings. This 2018 recording is superbly realized.

A handsomely designed production, well laid out, with composer biographies and all texts given in full – Richard Carder’s initiative has yielded a tangible benefit for those drawn to English art-song… drawing attention to a range of repertoire from a period that is only just making its way into public awareness. It is even in that respect a valuable service. The whole cycle benefits from the appearance of Johnny Herford, a baritone of attractive timbre and excellent, pure enunciation, who engaging personality – like Sarah Leonard’s – enhances many of the settings on the disc.

This is not a Christmas album. This is Christmas music played on a church organ, a different thing altogether. It can be played any time, as what’s popular elsewhere is new to English ears.

Odyssey and some of the songs featured on this disc do look to the musical cultures of the countries that gather around the Mediterranean seaboard. Always melodic music [that] is thoroughly approachable.

Joyful and brilliant performances of music that includes beautifully textured quartets. Tuneful, exciting, peaceful, humorous, fascinating music for woodwind,

You don’t come across much that is genuinely unique, and as enchanting and interesting as this. Östlund is ethereal in a misty woods sort of way; he is inspired by nature… the sense of feeling that some of the music is in another dimension.

The standard of playing is very high indeed, with some crisp articulation, appropriately added ornamentation in the repeats and a subtly convincing application of inégalité … this is a most enjoyable recording.

Rowland is an evenhanded and intelligent player, His ornaments are always tasteful, but it is his changes of texture that add interest and variety. Lovers of Handel’s music will appreciate Rowland’s commitment to the rich musical world of these suites.

Fascinating and surprising. Majd’s technical skills go hand in hand with a warmth of expression that’s winning. This disc succeeds in part because the performances are so vivid…outstanding.