“… Elder’s grip is total. He believes in every note of the score, shapes it carefully (no melodrama, no lurchings) and stirs the orchestra to a degree of magnificence rare even for the Hallé….” *****

“…Paterson’s Wotan is certainly authoritative enough, but needs a more assertive foil than Samuel Youn’s surprisingly lightweight Alberich...Clive Bayley’s fathomlessly dark Fafner, Susan Bickley’s humane Fricka and Nicky Spence’s instinctively theatrical Mime are all well worth preserving, as is the playing of the Hallé under Elder, and his unerring sense of the seamless musical architecture …” ***

“Connolly proves herself a worthy heir to Janet Baker in the lovely songs of Ireland, Moeran and Ivor Gurney, but this “garland” of 20th-century songs, superbly accompanied by Middleton as her equal partner, embraces “cycles” by the antipoles Britten and Tippett, whose Charm of Lullabies (1947) and Songs for Ariel (1962) are the meatiest items, sung with sumptuous tone, insight and perfect diction.”

“…Together, the performers on this disc are the “Solistes de la Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth” in Belgium. These are young musicians, and they play with spirit and affection, and excellent teamwork… Hearing this music, one can understand why Reicha was held in such high esteem during his lifetime. This generous collection makes an excellent case for giving his music a second listen.”

“…This is a valuable addition to the hi-res recording catalog, demonstrating superb artistry from all involved.”

“… All three works are designed to show off the soloist … Horwick rises to the occasion… This disc is a welcome addition to the catalog.”

“… The release can be strongly recommended for outstanding playing by the Elan’s members …”

“… The fine recorded sound – rich, detailed, and immediate – offers a superb aural canvas for this fine performance… Recommended.”

“… This music is unfailingly tuneful, colourful, genial, and delightful… Christina Simonis and the Nürnberg Symphoniker offer suave, sympathetic performances that are well recorded… cordially recommended.”

“… This operetta is a rarity and, of course, a Lehár original that may not soon again see another recording. Even if it were not performed nearly so well as here, it would be highly recommended, particularly to operetta fans.”

“… As performances go, the Basel group does an excellent job, all the more interesting because it is a live performance (with the usual enthusiastic clapping at the end). Good intonation, and excellent balance between orchestra and chorus, not to mention some fine singing by the soloists, make for an attractive package.”

Artistic Judgement: Excellent/Exceptional

Sound/Technical Judgement: Excellent/Exceptional         (Dynamics: 4    Soundstage: 5    Timbre: 5   Detail: 5)

Artistic Judgement: Excellent/Exceptional         Sound/Technical Judgement: Exceptional 5/5

Disc of the Month

Artistic Judgement: Exceptional       Sound/Technical Judgement: Exceptional 5/5

"... Similar glories and limitations roll up in the first recital disc of Grace Davidson, whose pure, supple soprano has been pleasantly featured in numerous British choirs, especially the Sixteen. The voice is radiantly fresh and clean, and she successfully navigates almost all the technical perils in her programme of sacred motets by Handel and Vivaldi, spiritedly backed by another of Britain’s Academies, the Academy of Ancient Music.