Reviews

The story of this delightful and quirky CD is as interesting as the music. It’s a charming idea and an equally charming album. The narration is not intrusive and the music is both exotic yet at the same time familiar.

Walker is a meticulous craftsman… Collectively these seven works constitute a rounded portrait of a truly multi-faceted composer. Performances by all the contributors on this disc are both committed and convincing. The recording is intimate yet detailed throughout. I fervently hope that there is more music by this superb composer in the pipeline.

There’s a lighter and cleaner balance than on [the Steinway disc also reviewed here], with perhaps a touch more tonal nuance. The final encounter is Murail’s recent instrumental re-interpretation of Schumann’s piano work (Kinderszenen) Op. 15, Murail using a range of instrumental techniques to make the orchestration sound larger than a trio.

[Artyomov] writes music that’s galactically huge, by which we mean it gives the impression of space and endless time; the music of the spheres. It’s imposing, but it’s not hard to listen to… enervating and uplifting,.. it also contains many moments of beauty.” (joint review with DDA 25164 and 25176)

It was the poetry of Murail’s music that inspired Ythier to link it with Schumann’s and she brings out this quality especially well.

Walker wants people to sit and listen to his music for pleasure, and not sit admiring how clever he is… all in all: an outstanding album that’s a real gem.

[Cave’s] playing convinces me that all of these works are worthy of repeated attention. Refracted Resonance is not predictable… all of the music here is challenging, not just for the performer but for also the listener. The documentation that accompanies this release is exemplary, as is the engineering.

[A] challenging but infinitely rewarding disc. Eloquence seems to be the very heart of this release… highly atmospheric, electrically virtuosic, and utterly compelling. Fascinating, stimulating fare, beautifully performed and recorded.

The objective and dispassionate approach feels very much in tune with Ustvolskaya’s uncompromising aesthetic. The performers rarely exaggerate the dynamic extremes and seem as concerned with maintaining tight ensemble and careful balances as with exploiting the music’s Expressionist drama. Sorkin plays with a controlled vibrato, which adds color, but without tipping the music over into overtly Romantic expression. And the fact that Andreeva is the guiding force behind the project is apparent from the amount of detail and commitment in the piano playing.

Both of these works demand much from the listener, and should not be taken lightly. [The Sonata] is a harrowing work, but still a human one. The Duet [is] even more fragmented and confrontational… Tone clusters, extreme dynamics, extreme registers, and violent gestures converge to create an alienating environment. I like Sorkin’s wiry sound in the sonata, and also the way both players work to ex¬tract expressivity from the music’s frequent cul-de-sacs.

Rowland performs with care and excellent tempos. The registrations are all calculated to provide the necessary contrast, while the ornamentation is done with exquisite taste and a deft touch. All in all, this is an excellent disc and one that should be in any collection. It does Froberger proud.

[Artyomov] writes music that’s galactically huge, by which we mean it gives the impression of space and endless time; the music of the spheres. It’s imposing, but it’s not hard to listen to… enervating and uplifting,.. it also contains many moments of beauty. (joint review with DDA 25164 and 25176)

[Artyomov] writes music that’s galactically huge, by which we mean it gives the impression of space and endless time; the music of the spheres. It’s imposing, but it’s not hard to listen to… enervating and uplifting,.. it also contains many moments of beauty (Joint review with DDA 25184 and 25176)

This is a very accessible collection. Habershon is inspired by the natural world and it is the main source for her music. Enjoyable and easy to listen to.

The sequencing of pieces on this disc creates an engaging flow of sound. The musical languages are tonally centered, and the affect largely contemplative (but not mournful). The timbral combinations capture the listener’s ear. The recording quality of the disc is excellent.

Works from perhaps less familiar composers are strong pieces that deserve inclusion in performance and courses of study. For anyone interested in the recorder as a central part of 20th-century and later chamber music, [this is] essential listening.

Marie Ythier is a discovery for me: a musician of exquisite subtlety and charisma, whose every phrase is alive with penetrating intelligence. The [album] is an iridescent sonic weave which lingers long in the ear. Five stars awarded.

The warm tones of the cello are what make this CD a pleasure to listen to. We’re not trying to write clever reviews, just tell you whether the music is enjoyable and worth a [piece] of your hard-earned wages. In this case, yes.

[Jaunpuri] is by far the highlight, featuring a searing beauty, serene lushness and calm so akin to its influence from Hindustani music.

Artyomov pushes the wind instruments to their limits — and it pays off. The stark contrast between the energy and intensity of the soloists with the self-effacing string sound creates works of exceptional beauty. Highly recommended.