JiÅ™í BÄ›lohlávek (1946-2017)

“The excellent soprano Camilla Tilling brings us a fascinating program contrasting Gluck and Mozart arias. Tilling’s vocal competence is never in question: she has a lovely, floating tone that she uses exquisitely in this music... The Musica Saeculorum is an excellent period orchestra that adds color to the proceedings, and Maestro von Steinaecker leads with authority and flexibility. Excellent sound with enough space around the voice to make it glow.” 

“...The entire album is performed with blazing conviction and close attention to the text and dramatic situation. These are arias of determination, desperation, and desolation; and Stoyanova helps me believe in each heroine’s specific crisis. Her beautiful pianissimo nigh notes, which reviews of her earlier recordings greatly appreciate, ind apt applications in many of these excerpts as well...”

“... these performances are distinguished by their sincere musical an emotional commitment. This is inspired music-making and a must-have for your English choral collection. Excellent notes on the music by the conductor.”

“This is a refreshing and eclectic collection of Italian baroque concertos and sinfonias... The soloists and ensemble are superb and Adrian Chandler is very effective both as leader and as soloist in the Tartini concerto. As has been noted in the earlier reviews for this group ... they play with precision and passion, both readily evident on this new release.”

“...  Here we have the opportunity to explore unfamiliar music in the hands of Simon Linne, an expert and sensitive interpreter. Polyphony is clear, the dances are lively, the instrument’s internal resonance is used to fine effect, and it is all captured well in the recording. The program clearly reveals the beautiful art of the theorbist...” 

“... this is a very enjoyable sound picture of that lost world of the English masque.”

“... The performances themselves are of the highest order. The vocal polyphony is sung by one voice to a part to give the intimate feel of vocal chamber music. I would guess that this recording will appeal as much to students of the history and culture of the period as to admirers of the music for its own sake.”

“...Performances are first-rate, with interpretations that capture the spirit as well as the letter of these carried and satisfying works.”

“... The performances of these carried works are excellent. The players grasp their aesthetic aims completely. Especially praiseworthy is their superb dynamic control – an asset that consistently enhances both the atmosphere and the structure of all this music.”

“... highly enjoyable... These are all world premiere recordings, except the Casella. They’re played with both vigor and refinement. Maestro Iorio’s interpretations are just right for this music, with good balances and nuanced shadings of colors.”

“...The performances are very spirited, and Kaunzner’s attacks, vibrato, and tone colors are exceptionally varied. She brings more variety of mood to these works than nearly all other performers. You can sense that she has thought long and hard about them and come to her own conclusions about interpretation. I even sense some of Ysaye’s own contrasting dreaminess and impulsiveness and explosiveness in her playing...”

“...Cooman’s success as a composer for the organ is due in large part to his innate understanding of the instrument as a performer. He plays a large and wonderful 1973 Marcussen organ found in the Laurenkerk in Rotterdam...”

”... Tüür is an excellent composer, and these pieces are deserving of the attention of new music fans. Performances are impressive.”

“In their most recent recorded collaboration, Tasmin Little and Piers Lane deliver some of the finest French examples from the violin and piano repertoire, with a French-inspired Pole thrown in for good measure....”  ****½

“...The Canadian ARC Ensemble offers lively performance of a selection of delightful compositions...”   ****

"... For both works, the playing and interpretation are excellent, as is Naxos's sound."