JiÅ™í BÄ›lohlávek (1946-2017)

“...the English song tradition continues to bear fruit ...”

“...This is a musically satisfying disc which opens new horizons.”

“...This is music which deserves a wider currency, and these performances are both convincing and rich in musical insights.”

“...The disc is, as usual from BIS, magnificently well recorded  ... Håkan Hardenberg and the Gothenburg players under John Storgårds negotiate the difficulties without breaking a sweat and produce a lot of exciting sounds... enthusiastically recommended ...”

Recording of the Month

“An absolute delight. Highly recommended.”

“... If Bechara El-Khoury is a new name to you then this CD might make a good start ... The wonderfully committed performances must have delighted the composer and the recordings are clear and detailed ...”

"Beethoven's massive and confounding Diabelli Variations isn't the obvious choice for a debut disc, but the young Italian pianist Filippo Gorini seems drawn to the strange drama of this martial little tune and its mysterious decorations... It is brave, original playing for a musician of any age." *****

"...the music here us absolutely splendid."

“... Four charming miniatures complete this delightful disc of the byways of Tchaikovsky’s piano output.”  ****

“Bavouzet’s zeal for this music is everywhere evident, including in his booklet ‘Performer’s Note’... Superb in all respects.” *****

“... With finely achieved performances and sound throughout, this is a safely recommendable disc.” ****

“...There’s a beautiful balance between orchestral grandeur and a chamber-like intimacy throughout both concertos that informs the playing of both Sudbin and the excellent Tapiola Sinfonietta. The effect is of a front-row perspective without overwhelming the listener, so that all the details of Sudbin’s mercurial playing and the superb accompaniment marshalled by Vänska are captured with utmost clarity... A splendid conclusion to the cycle.” *****

“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.”