Tasmin Little

“… What they [The Chiarosco Quartet] bring to the table is immediately apparent from the opening bars of their latest release, the first three quartets of Haydn’s Op. 76 set. The declamatory three chords announcing the first quartet sets off with a spirited allegro, which is taken at a sprightly clip, setting the scene for a gorgeously realised survey of these works, culminating in a magisterial reading of the Emperor…” ****½

“… Captured live during Trevino’s first season at the helm of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra and recorded (and presented here) in numerical sequence, it heralds the young American baton-wielder as a Beethovenian of considerable abilities. The dominant accent is lyrical and fluid with zesty tempi, characterful playful and a pointedly employed penchant for the dramatic. Throughout, Trevino’s interpretative choices discretely accommodate lessons learned from his predecessors even while espousing an agreeable freshness all their own… Spirited vocal contributions from soprano Kate Royal, mezzo Christine Rice, tenor Tuomas Katajala, bass-baritone Derek Welton and the MSO Festival Chorus in the rousingly excitable Choral finale are lithely supported by Malmö’s impressive musicians. A deserved nod, too, for Ondine’s crisp, clear and communicative engineering.” ****

“…Sensitive, sympathetic and deeply nuanced performances are complemented by an incredible surround sound recording from the BIS team in which each delicate intonation is cloaked in rich silence.” *****

“… Weiland’s music is rigorous, skilful, taut in counterpoint, clean in texture, mellifluous, tonal but not in a dated or restrictive way, and structurally traditional. You might call it the relaxed version of Modernism… These pieces, from 2011 and 2012 respectively, were composed for William Hennessy, first violin of the Melbourne Quartet and former leader of the ASQ. The performances could not be bettered, and the recording is perfectly balanced.” ****½

Editor’s Choice

“… The Bamberg orchestra under Polish conductor Lucasz Borowicz gives a vivid, lively performance of both works, and they are beautifully recorded…” *****

“Atanas Ourkouzounov’s guitar writing is the most interesting I’ve ever heard, and this program serves up large helpings of it… Just as impressive as the writing is the performing guitarist Kostas Tosidis is eye-wideningly capable here, playing these demanding, unrelenting passages with ease, flexibility, and astonishing perfection. The talent here is maddening. You won’t be disappointed if you purchase this, but whether your mind can keep up with this music is another question altogether."

“… This album has a greater significance than just a well-written piece performed beautifully … In these eight movements, Herskedal manages to transport the audience into a place and an intellectual space that gets us closer to world peace and cross-cultural understanding. I think this album is going to mean a great deal and do a great deal of good to many people.”

“… These improvisations are long and exquisite; they have me in awe. This is in the running for my ARG Best of 2020 list.”