Recording of the Week

“… it’s [Mass in D] a magnificent, uplifting work that, while far too large for liturgical use, deserves to become a regular of the concert-hall and choral-society repertoire. An exhilarating musical experience, not soon to be forgotten.”

“… this new version on Chandos from the Bergen Philharmonic, with Michelle De Young (heavy on vibrato but thrilling and expressive) and John Relyea (urgent, resonant, outstanding), conducted by Edward Gardner, a keen Bartók interpreter, is a deserving addition. The Bergen players capture all the score’s chill and terror, the glitter of the treasury, the dazzling magnificence of Bluebeard’s kingdom, the chirruping horror and sighs before the lake of tears; an agonising, vivid account.”

“This is Brahms interpretation in excelsis. Gardner seems to me to have judged every tempo right, and to combine the powerful momentum and flexibility that Brahms demands with passionate attention to detail… Under his inspirational guidance, the Bergen Philharmonic players give their all.”

“Here we are in for a treat… it [Sym. No. 92] is a wonderful mature work. Right at the outset we are struck by the pianist’s enthusiastic and joyful approach, a feeling of discovery, grasping the essence of Haydn and his sense of humour. With immaculate, highly precise pianism he emphasizes the clear melodic line and delves fearlessly with his strong left hand into the complex architecture of the contrapuntal middle part. By this time the piano literally sings, and how charming that little closing subject sounds!...

“… Captivating and colourful.”  ****

“The admirable agility of soloist Claude Delangle makes the Rhapsodie our orchestra et saxophone the highlight here. There’s polished playing throughout …” ****

“… Thoroughly enjoyable.” ****

“A captivating disc of works by Danish composer in stellar recorded sound. Layer upon layer of hypnotic sounds wash over you, with a powerful ghostlike quality in the standout title work.” ****

“The title alone should give an idea of these tone poems’ distinctively Middle-Eastern modal soundworld. Rahbari’s music is dramatic and eerily haunting …” ***

“… In a superb live recording, Don Quixote is full of drama. Powerful stuff.” ****

“There’s much to enjoy here, not least the nifty arrangement for harp and violin of Haydn’s Symphony No. 71 by Charles-Charles Ragué …” ****

“In a spotless recording, The Queen’s Six deliver handpicked folksongs from the British Isles, with fascinating accompanying notes … enjoyable.” ****

“There’s some beautiful playing here of French and English suites …” ***

Performance *****      Recording *****

“ …Cooper’s pianism has a rare refinement, and is hyper-sensitive to the composers’ demands … The whole thing is studded with lovely moments; the muted sweetness of ‘Rumores de la Caleta’, the sparkling arpeggiations of ‘Alborada del gracioso’, the seductive languor of ‘Soirée dans Grenade’, the rapt simplicity of Mompou’s sixth ‘Danza’, the graceful liberation of L’isle joyeuse. Brava!”

Performance ***      Recording ***

“… an easy-going programme that combines songlike melody with continent-crossing flamenco, waltz and tango.. flautist Lisa Friend is joined by guitarist Craig Ogden in a partnership that, though assured and engaged, tends toward smooth romance and gentle pathos rather than boldly coloured passions… they [Aquarelle Guitar Quartet] bring added layers of harmony and texture to short works and excerpts by Brahms, Rachmaninov, Donizetti, Shostakovich and, most piquantly, the Brazilian guitarist Paulo Bellinati (b1950), whose Balao de Guda proves playfully arresting.”