“… This is music (in five continuous movements lasting forty minutes) that grips the listener from the first second to the last – whether eerie/suspenseful, explosive, intricate, eloquent, forceful. Symphony 5 is a big, organic, powerful statement: compelling and exhilarating (I am in fact underselling this masterpiece!) … The just-over half-hour Symphony 6 (also RFH, April 8, 1980) is concerned with birth and development. Sir Charles Groves conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in music that may be less overt than its predecessor but is no-less rewarding. It is cast in two Parts (again attacca) opening expressively, reaching cataclysm, then finding pastoral contemplation, and finally renewed energy, ending with striding optimism. The sound is excellent in both works – clear and dynamic, remastered with ‘good ears’…”
“… This is music (in five continuous movements lasting forty minutes) that grips the listener from the first second to the last – whether eerie/suspenseful, explosive, intricate, eloquent, forceful. Symphony 5 is a big, organic, powerful statement: compelling and exhilarating (I am in fact underselling this masterpiece!) … The just-over half-hour Symphony 6 (also RFH, April 8, 1980) is concerned with birth and development. Sir Charles Groves conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in music that may be less overt than its predecessor but is no-less rewarding. It is cast in two Parts (again attacca) opening expressively, reaching cataclysm, then finding pastoral contemplation, and finally renewed energy, ending with striding optimism. The sound is excellent in both works – clear and dynamic, remastered with ‘good ears’…”
Colin Anderson – ColinsColumn.com – 2 April 2021
“… Dego seems to have developed an immediate affinity for it [‘il Cannone’], and conveys the wonderful feeling that, under pressure, every note remains within easy reach… “ *****
“… Dego seems to have developed an immediate affinity for it [‘il Cannone’], and conveys the wonderful feeling that, under pressure, every note remains within easy reach… “ *****
Michael Dervan – The Irish Times – 16 April 2021
"... Sampson is eloquent in a cautious way and Middleton is lovingly nimble when Clara’s accompaniments get frilly ..." ***
"... Sampson is eloquent in a cautious way and Middleton is lovingly nimble when Clara’s accompaniments get frilly ..." ***
Geoff Brown - The Times - 14 April 2021
“Vocal duos, trios and quartets by Robert Schumann in polished and inspired performances.” ****
“Vocal duos, trios and quartets by Robert Schumann in polished and inspired performances.” ****
Remy Franck – Pizzicato.com – August 2018
“… From compositions for violin or for piano, André Parfenov creates new versions combining both instruments. Some are closer to the originals, some only take the existing pieces as a kind of diving board. Composer-pianist Parfenov and violinist Münch form a duo since years and present an enjoyable new listening experience.” ****
“… From compositions for violin or for piano, André Parfenov creates new versions combining both instruments. Some are closer to the originals, some only take the existing pieces as a kind of diving board. Composer-pianist Parfenov and violinist Münch form a duo since years and present an enjoyable new listening experience.” ****
Remy Franck – Pizzicato.com – August 2018
“Distinguished alumni of King's College, Cambridge come together on the college's own label for a lovely programme which is the epitome of 20th century English song” ****
“Distinguished alumni of King's College, Cambridge come together on the college's own label for a lovely programme which is the epitome of 20th century English song” ****
Robert Hugill – planethugill.com – 31 March 2021
Hi-Fi News Album Choice
Hi-Fi News Album Choice
Christopher Breunig - HI-Fi News – 29 March 2021
“…When considering Chopin, contrast between dark and light is essential. Lortie excels at the conveyance of Slavic expression through the lens of extreme sentiment, often using fine-tuned pacing, silence and varied dynamics to admirable effect. Of unexpected delight is the “Military” Polonaise, Op.40 No 1… Lortie offers it up with unabashed affection and aristocratic poise. Arguably saving best for last, the Fantasy in F Minor, Op.49 concludes the album, highlighting the attributes for which Lortie is celebrated. Lucid and buoyant, it is music sculpted with chiselled lines and acute structural sense. At moments on this disc, a seasoned sort of beauty takes hold of our ears, wherein a keyboard’s conjuring casts an airy, aural spell. In the battle of dark and light, Lortie’s own brand of luminescence wins out every time.”
“…When considering Chopin, contrast between dark and light is essential. Lortie excels at the conveyance of Slavic expression through the lens of extreme sentiment, often using fine-tuned pacing, silence and varied dynamics to admirable effect. Of unexpected delight is the “Military” Polonaise, Op.40 No 1… Lortie offers it up with unabashed affection and aristocratic poise. Arguably saving best for last, the Fantasy in F Minor, Op.49 concludes the album, highlighting the attributes for which Lortie is celebrated. Lucid and buoyant, it is music sculpted with chiselled lines and acute structural sense. At moments on this disc, a seasoned sort of beauty takes hold of our ears, wherein a keyboard’s conjuring casts an airy, aural spell. In the battle of dark and light, Lortie’s own brand of luminescence wins out every time.”
Adam Sherkin – thewholenote.com – 18 March 2021
My Wish List
BBC Orchestral Winner
BBC Chamber Winner
The Prison wins a GRAMMY
Barry Douglas Podcast
BBC R3 Record of Week
Desert Island Disc
Welcome, Francesca!
We are sorry to hear of the passing of pianist Eric Parkin, aged 96. Eric made over
Jennifer Pike MBE
We are all moved by today’s news that soprano Erin Wall has been taken from us by cancer, aged just 44. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family & friends. ,%20by%20sim%20canetty-clarke%20photography.jpg)
Queen's Medal
Gramophone Awards
Korngold BBC triumph!
Ralph Couzens Interview
