Reviews

Trios for piano, violin and cello as well as smaller works by Irish composer Rhona Clarke are well played by The Fidelio Trio. The musicians are acquainted with the composer and her music, and have recorded lively and expert performances.

It is difficult to understand how much wonderful music Franz Schubert wrote in his short life… No less admirable is the perseverance of Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow – their concentrated playing, the youthful freshness and even carefree spirit that they elicit from this music; a spontaneity that never subsides. Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow invested a lot of dedication and talent in this exceptional project.

The material is very well arranged, with a balance between shorter and longer works, varied musical styles, and complementary key relationships. The performances may justly be considered among the best by one of the best piano duos… every hearing reveals other beautiful musical moments. Goldstone and Clemmow take perfection of ensemble to its summit. The little things, like placing emphasis on an important chord with a barely perceptible break and minuscule tempo relaxations at the end of phrases, are all done as one… taken as a whole there is no competition.

The suites are mostly of medium difficulty and moderate inventiveness… Rowland does well to embellish the music, taking it far beyond the notation.

A triple CD of music for harpsichord in a nice presentation case and well played. Fans of keyboards need know no more. The playing is certainly fine and the music stands up well to Handel’s own harpsichord music… three hours of quality music.

Exordium, the opening piece on this CD, certainly makes for a great beginning … which pushes the organ’s and organist’s limits to their full potential. Besides the closing Veni Creator Spiritus also being a full on all-stops blazing type of piece, most of the other pieces sandwiched in between are soft, lyrical and evocative works, all great at displaying a pipe organ’s individuality and range of stops. Each and every piece on this disc has a distinct style and unique sound, unlike many other composer’s collections that bring on ear fatigue after a while.. an enriching listening experience.

Chris Gekker is a master of his instrument. His technique is impeccable: The Metier recording is so clear one can hear every detail of attack. In addition, there is a real musical intelligence at work, here coupled with a fervent belief in the music he plays. This is a most varied recital, then, caught in superb sound. The combination of technique, taste, and musicianship is remarkable.

This is a lovely disc… the performances here have such warmth and engagement that they make a delightful disc. The programme has the advantage of being full of relatively rare gems, which makes it so much more intriguing.

With all proceeds from the sales being donated to Parkinson’s charities, this two-CD set is immensely worthwhile. The performances are immaculate. Rarely have I have been so engaged in this repertoire. Production values are first-rate… this is an important release. Go buy it!

This CD, fascinatingly, covers the whole range of {Szymanowski’s] styles from the Op 1 Preludes to the later Mazurkas, Op 62…. this particular grouping of works is unique. Barbara Karaskiewicz seems to have known Szymanowski and his language for a number of years… you are in safe hands with this CD. The booklet is, for me, a model of what I like to see and read. The recording is also ideal. All in all this disc would make an ideal start for anyone coming anew to this fascinating composer.

Lydia Kakabadse writes music that speaks clearly of her non-UK roots. The music is approachable yet atmospheric. The mezzo-soprano Jess Dandy, a name new to me, has a fabulously rich voice. This is a most enjoyable disc of music, flavored with various folk musics and traditions.

This is a most impressive coupling from Irish-American mezzo Aylish Kerrigan, who has previously won plaudits from Fanfare critics. Kerrigan’s performance is impeccable in the way she moulds the melodic lines with such affection. There are songs of extreme beauty here. The recording is supremely produced and engineered.

The pairing of these two contemporary song cycles makes for an exceptionally strong program, and the works are interpreted by mezzo-soprano Aylish Kerrigan and pianist Dearbhla Collins with extraordinary commitment, skill, and style. Excellent sound and a meticulous attention to nuance and detail.”

The Fidelio Trio plays with grace, commitment, and elegance. The acoustic on the studio recording is warm and rich Clarke’s writing for piano, cello, and violin is sensitive, introspective at times, never esoteric, and always communicative in a highly personal way. This recording offers a welcome sampling of Rhona Clarke’s instrumental work and goes a long way to enhancing her reputation as one of Ireland’s most original contemporary composers.

This is an excellent release of music by two significant composers who happen to be married to each other. Mandala 3 is an extremely striking and individual piece, and this new recording is very welcome. This is important music by two master composers beautifully performed by their frequent collaborators. Recommended.

Natalie Schwaabe proves herself herein to be a piccolo player of consummate skill, and pianist Jan Philip Schulze is a most sympathetic and gifted collaborator in the pieces that utilize him. I found the entire CD to be captivating and well worth exploring, and containing works that will bear up well on repeated listening. Highly recommended to collectors, even to those who might not consider themselves particularly adventurous.

[Roe’s] style is eclectic, ranging from the serious to the comical, displaying a wonderful wit as well as a firm grasp of vocal writing and a way of providing music that seems totally at one with the texts. [The album] is a delight. These excellent premiere recordings were produced in co-operation with the Betty Roe Society.

The layout is chosen so that it forms a concert program of the piano music… it is clear that optimum contrast is sought, and that is also brought out in full. The duo now has about 40 CDs in their name and their standard is consistently out of this world. I do not think there is an integral recording of these pieces that is better than this. Here we hear perfectly produced sparkle and energy, but also poetry and intimacy. . It all runs like a clock, partly thanks to the wonderfully tuned and maintained Grotrian-Steinweg concert piano.

One minute you’re struggling with some very modern sounds, the next it’s easy on the ear and almost hummable. For the performers it’s probably a lot of fun to play, the intense moments broken up by the playful. [The Cello Suite] is magnificent… excellent sleeve notes. It’s a varied album and challenging in places, but somehow draws the listener in.

A monumental project by the marvelous husband-and-wife four-hand piano team of Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone, and the box makes a worthy companion to their three-volume collection of ‘unauthorized’ four-hand transcriptions. Clemmow and Goldstone play with seemingly effortless virtuosity and intelligence and are very well recorded.