JiÅ™í BÄ›lohlávek (1946-2017)

“...To celebrate the centenary of the RAF, Chandos has pulled together music from several albums issued over the last decade. And what you get is two hours of extremely varied music in typically excellent Chandos sound... the music sounds good!”

Classical CD of the Week

“... With improvised cadenzas and first-rate historically informed performances from the Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen, the spontaneity and quality of this release make it a rare gem and hot candidate for the Best Classical Recordings of 2017.”

"...the Arnhem Philharmonic must be one of Western Europe's better kept secrets.... Sound combines spaciousness with gusty immediacy. Enthsiastically recommended"

"... the Symphony has structural strength, orchestral weight and a fine sense of Franck's rhythmic exuberance"

“PentaTone’s engineers have provided an imposing sonic image in which the wind parts emerge with almost palpable presence...an exceptional release.”

Artistic Quality 9             Sound Quality 9

“... you can purchase this disc with complete confidence in its faithfulness to the composer’s unique vision. It’s good to see Crumb’s music being performed and recorded regularly again. Without question, he is a great composer with a very special voice.”

“... extremely well recorded and performed...”

“...a stimulating and intriguing release.”

“... Performances are glorious. Ivan Ilić’s playing exudes technical brilliance and warmth in equal measures; the dominant impression is of a pianist keen to share this extraordinary music with a wider public. The affection is palpable. Chandos’s rich sound is impressive, and further volumes are promised. A winner.”

“American music’s one time Bad Boy finally comes good... Storgärds and the BBC Phil do this never less than fascinating music proud.”  ****

“Highly recommended.”   *****

"... this disc has a good deal going for it. Anna Vinnitskaya brings to both works a clarity of articulation that makes the passages high up the keyboard sound weightless ... The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra plays with an old-school glow and solidity for Krzysztof Urbanski ..." ***

"...His[Tetzlaff] sleeve note explaining his approach to the cycle is as thoughtful as you would expect, and his performance does indeed hang together as a journey from solemnity towards acceptance and joy ... the slower movements, in particular, have a ruminative air and clarity that is entirely absorbing." ****