Christmas Stories

“… Antonella Ciccozzi has the measure of the music, a warm sound, technical and rhythmic security, and requisite flair. The recorded sound has just the right perspective to give us the full color of the instrument without being too close. Ferando Scafati’s notes, idiomatically translated by Mike Webb, are very informative. Warmly recommended.”  Henry Fogel

“… All of the Salzedo compositions on Iridescence are melodic, colourful, engaging, and filled ith virtuoso opportunities. Harpist Antonella Ciccozzi plays with pristine technique, ravishing tonal quality, and keen involvement. The recording is rather close-miked, but Ciccozzi’s artistry withstands such scrutiny. Fernando Scafati is the author of the informative liner notes. A lovely release.” Ken Meltzer

“… Its [Reinhold Quartet] performances of the Rubinstein quartets are excellent. These musicians produce a rich, luminous, tonally ingratiating sound and play with energy, intensity, engagement, and secure intonation and ensemble. Their style of playing emphasizes linearity and continuity; on occasion, one wishes for more incisive articulation. In sound quality, this recording leaves little to be desired, with a spacious acoustic, detailed texture, and freedom from harshness. I find these two Rubinstein works to be worthy additions to the string quartet repertoire, and I hope that the CPO label and the Reinhold Quartet will find it possible to record more of this composer’s quartets. In the meantime, this release is enthusiastically recommended to lovers of 19^th-century chamber music.”

“… (Rolnick is clearly an exceptional pianist as well as an exceptional composer). Kathleen Supové, the pianist, is imbued herself with Lisztian diablerie; Jennifer Choi fiddles as if possessed (quite fitting, really). This is a great piece, very varied, superbly written and performed with real inspiration. A whole new world of sounds is present here, beautifully realized in both execution and recording. Rolnick is a fabulous musician and his own best advocate. A very rewarding indeed.”

“… The SACD sound quality is all it should be, consistent across the different recording venues. Both Kellerman and Karlsen are thoughtful, creative musicians, and if ever a music program amount to more than the sum of its parts, this is it.”

“… This release does not include the most important works of the Russian piano trio repertoire, but it does contain some enjoyable music, in excellent performances, and this merits a recommendation.”

“… If this program appeals to you, there’s really no reason to not give this disc a full recommendation.”

“… it’s great to see that Respighi is getting the championship that he deserves from Salvatore di VIttorio and the Chamber Orchestra of New York, and I look forward to future releases in this vein.”

“… Much of the program is indeed astonishingly beautiful … One certainly does look forward to more recordings from this partnership.”