“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
“… The sweeping melodic phrases, the sweetness and strength in the highest register and the crystal-clear harmonics in these settings of Caprices Nos. 20, 21 and 24 complete a dazzling CD.”
“… The sweeping melodic phrases, the sweetness and strength in the highest register and the crystal-clear harmonics in these settings of Caprices Nos. 20, 21 and 24 complete a dazzling CD.”
Terry Robins – thewholenote.com – 18 March 2021
“… Although evoking stark landscapes, there is a wonderful lushness to the music, which seems to grow inherently out of initial quiet in vast arcs of sustained tones and tremolos, occasionally erupting like bubbles exploding from some primordial soup. The music builds and recedes in many-textured layers with no melodies per se, just shifting colours that draw us in with a sense of yearning. Of particular note is the Chiaroscuro Trilogy (2017) for piano and orchestra that holds us enthralled throughout its three movements played without pause …”
“… Although evoking stark landscapes, there is a wonderful lushness to the music, which seems to grow inherently out of initial quiet in vast arcs of sustained tones and tremolos, occasionally erupting like bubbles exploding from some primordial soup. The music builds and recedes in many-textured layers with no melodies per se, just shifting colours that draw us in with a sense of yearning. Of particular note is the Chiaroscuro Trilogy (2017) for piano and orchestra that holds us enthralled throughout its three movements played without pause …”
David Olds – thewholenote.com – 18 March 2021
“… Engineering is excellent, well-balanced and satisfying A welcome issue!”
“… Engineering is excellent, well-balanced and satisfying A welcome issue!”
Robert Benson – ClassicalCDReview.com – February 2021
“… The players’ warmth and engagement is never in doubt, amplified by the generous sonics associated with the Chandos label…” ****
“… The players’ warmth and engagement is never in doubt, amplified by the generous sonics associated with the Chandos label…” ****
David Gutman – ClassicalSource.com – 22 March 2021
“… The greatest Strauss singers have a much grander richness in their lower voices, which is characteristic of their dramatic voices. Piau’s more lyrical quality soars beautifully and is technically secure, but occasionally too controlled and less expressive. Davidsen’s peaks and troughs in the undulating phrases are more intrinsic to the music. Verdier conducts the Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche-Comté, an ensemble that possesses a slimmer than usual sound profile for this repertoire; The booklet lists each orchestra member, and reveals a slightly smaller body of strings, which may account for the greater transparency. The leaner sound does bring some woodwind and brass features to the fore that otherwise are not heard. Together with Piau’s voice, there is remarkable consistency in the aesthetic throughout, but the richness of what many consider the “Straussian sound-world” is strangely lacking. Piau certainly brings something very personal to this repertoire, which makes for an intriguing listen, especially with the cleaner orchestral sound. A curious listen indeed.”
“… The greatest Strauss singers have a much grander richness in their lower voices, which is characteristic of their dramatic voices. Piau’s more lyrical quality soars beautifully and is technically secure, but occasionally too controlled and less expressive. Davidsen’s peaks and troughs in the undulating phrases are more intrinsic to the music. Verdier conducts the Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche-Comté, an ensemble that possesses a slimmer than usual sound profile for this repertoire; The booklet lists each orchestra member, and reveals a slightly smaller body of strings, which may account for the greater transparency. The leaner sound does bring some woodwind and brass features to the fore that otherwise are not heard. Together with Piau’s voice, there is remarkable consistency in the aesthetic throughout, but the richness of what many consider the “Straussian sound-world” is strangely lacking. Piau certainly brings something very personal to this repertoire, which makes for an intriguing listen, especially with the cleaner orchestral sound. A curious listen indeed.”
Leighton Jones – theclassicreview.com - 2 April 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
