Programme *****      Performance *****      Recording ****      Presentation ***

“…An aptly names CD if ever there was one, Brett Baker lives up to his considerable reputation as one of the World’s leading trombone exponents. Providing a valuable record of several, I never heard before recorded works performed with characteristic ease, this will be a disc of interest to casual listeners and trombone aficionados alike.”

CD of the Month

Performance *****      Recording *****      Programme ****      Presentation ****

“… truly excellent disc… A highly recommended disc, and a fitting tribute to the music of one of The Salvation Army’s truly great men”

“… Colli’s virtuosity copes easily with the sonatas’ fiendish runs, snaps and awkward trills, capturing the Spanish (as in KK 492 in D), Italian, folk and dances influences tht give these short, often curious pieces such flavour, wit and vitality…”

“… erudite, intimate music, not without violinistic fireworks. The Brook Street Band include cello alongside harpsichord for the continuo, satisfyingly grounding the texture. Rachel Harris delivers these eloquent expressions of the violinist’s art with stylish sweetness, her embellishments beautifully measured.”

“… He [Manze] gives this work, part symphony, part oratorio, a coherence it has rarely achieved on disc.”

‘Supersonic Pizzicato’

“Shostakovich’s Third String Quartet as well as the Piano Quintet allow the Belcea Quartet and pianist Piotr Anderszewski to show their ability to emphasize the expressive contrasts of the music. Both works are powerfully argued, and the performances have a captivating concentration and intensity throughout.” 

“Vivid and colourful performances of music by Cesar Cui.” ****

“Bartok’s two violin concertos come from different periods of his life and disclose different atmospheres. Tetzlaff and his Finnish companions use their outstanding abilities and musical senses to expressively recreate the moods without neglecting structural refinement.”  *****

****

“Works of Bohuslav Martinu are still not part of the common repertoire. All the more gratifying it is to have a new recording with several concertos. The Viola Concerto is paired with two concertos in the concerto grosso style for two violins, respectively two pianos. The performing artists are not only able to deal with the technical difficulties of this music, but they also play it expressively, very well supported by the orchestra and conductor Lawrence Foster.”  ****

“This is an attractive chamber music program with works from Roberto Sierra, showing him as an inspired and inventive composer. The performances are committed and eloquent throughout.” ****

“Grazyna Bacewicz is one of the foremost female composers of the last century. Her piano quintets and the two quartets, one for violins, the other for cellos only, belong to the important part of her chamber music. The Polish musicians who made this recording, play the music with dedication and natural ability, thus giving a highly persuasive account of the entire program. “   ****

“ … Production values are the usual high Chandos standards Bavouzet puts as good a case for the concertante works as possible. He has demonstrated his significant talents across a remarkable range of eras and styles – from Haydn to Bartók – and here on home ground, he doesn’t put a foot wrong ...” 

"Superb performances and charming programme notes ...."  ****

"Smetana's Festive Symphony is a vibrant, celebratory affair. As with the Bartered Bride excerpts, it is performed here with a winning joie de vivre." ****

"Clean lines and uplifting melody in abundance. The Symphony is perhaps overshadowed by his delightfully tuneful Romeo & Juliet Suite." ****