“…On paper, one might despair that this is yet another in the long line of historically informed Four Seasons … Yet such is the beguiling sincerity of Schayegh’s playing and the ravishing sound she produces – you can almost sense her holding musical hands with the likes of Christian Ferras or Augustin Dumay on occasion – and the no-holds-barred sensitivity and commitment of the nine-piece Musica Fiorita under harpsichordist and director Daniela Dolci, that any potential reservations virtually dissolve into inconsequence. A ‘safe’ library version this may not be – the couplings are less overtly colourful – yet I found it an at-times gripping and enchanting experience.”

The Strad Recommends

“Since 1926, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio has been garnering fine recordings, with a benchmark account by Gilel, Kogan and Rostropovich … This new performance is among the best. The ‘Great Artist’ being commemorated, Nikolai Rubinstein, was a fine pianist and the piano anchors the work: Yevgeny Sudbin is a terrific player and his colleagues are well matched… Well balanced recordings, with virtuosity placed at the service of the music.”

"Victor Julien-La Ferrière ... brings a natural lyricism to these Russian cello works... The recording is intimate, immediate and clear ..."

"Richly coloured playing in the second volume from a terrific duo."

"Plenty of gold to be mined here in an enterprising collection of concertos."

"Bach son's intriguing concertos teeter on the border of Baroque and Classical"

"English Baroque Soloists leader shines in the solo spotlight... Much to savour"

"Athletic performances of eclectic music by a British composer ... Recorded sound is close, warm and truthful."

"... Maltman's baritone is impressive and authoritative, and he's a sensitive, natural communicator who brings directness to the songs' many emotions... the sincerity and integrity of his performances are compelling. For his part, Joseph Middleton is superb in conveying all the worlds conjured up by some demanding piano-writing ... It all adds up to an affecting, intelligent recital that's well worth seeking out."

"... this is a hugely impressive disc in both programming and performance."

"... a consistently engaging recital, the best of which is very fine indeed."

“This is a highly attractive and innovative programme of a cappella choral music which also makes use of solo instruments. The Swedish Chamber Choir, a beautifully honed sound with a versatile tessitura (and excellent English!), are directed by Simon Phipps, who brings a sympathetic set of interpretations to much of this inwardly melancholy repertoire…”

"... The playing of Arcangelo under Jonathan Cohen is typically high-quality, and often heartbreakingly attendant to the drama. This is a lovely programme, expertly performed and full of touching feeling and imagination."

"... Jac van Steen gets excellent, vivid playing from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales but it's Hughes's performance that carries the whole enterprise; vivid, powerful and superbly committed, bringing a real complexity and vulnerability to the character. She's impressive in the couplings, too, using her lightish soprano intelligently in a sharply etched account of Mahler's Rückert Lieder ... and a focused, uncompromising account of Berg's  Altenberg Lieder - both well accompanied. But it's for Samuel's punchy work that this fine album is primarily worth seeking out."

Editor's Choice - Instrumental Section