“The Neave Trio has garnered much acclaim for its innovative programming…. its latest offering, Her Voice, examines the work of three pioneering female composers of the past 200 years … The selections are described as a celebration, and indeed they reveal vivid contrasts between the artistic worlds of three diverse and ground-breaking composers… the Neave Trio, playing superbly throughout, offer an expansive and thoroughly enjoyable performance.”  ****

Interpretation ****      Sound ******      Repertoire ****

Classical CD of the Month

Interpretation ******      Sound ******    Repertoire ******

“…One could not wish for a better recording of the English romantic repertoire, with playing of outstanding quality from one of Britain’s great, innovative broadcasting orchestras.”

“…Brooks and David Pollock play with great clarity and directness. The performances are cannily varied with Pollock playing either a double-manual harpsichord, a 1999 replica of a Ruckers-Hemsch, or a continuo organ of 2007. This ensures that colours are never static, with, in the main, two harpsichord-accompanied sonatas followed by two organ-accompanied ones. Decoration is sparingly used. The Duo brings this music valuably to life and shows that Finger’s is a voice that deserves to be heard.”

“… For that [Mary of Magadala] alone this disc would be welcome but in a sympathetic acoustic with fiercely engaged but sensitively shaped readings, Bliss adherents will need to add this to their roster of necessary discs.”

“…Some very heavy-going music here but each of the four concertos has much to offer the inquisitive listener.”

“…whatever the month or season, this disc is fine listening for those who appreciate splendid choral singing. It can now also serve as a tribute to the impressive career of Sir Stephen Cleobury.”

“… I can’t imagine greater advocates than the Wallfisch-Callaghan team. The duo explores every facet of Coke’s music …”

“Very fine indeed – Freddy Kempf and Prokofiev fans need not hesitate.”

“…Rarely encountered scores, expertly delivered.”

“…The jewel in the crown for me is the Rebecca Clarke Piano Trio … As those in the know are catching on to the supreme quality of her music, it’s becoming more and more performed and recorded. This Trio is no exception… It's a remarkable work, suffused with imagination, passion and allure, where Bartókian dissonance collides with lush, impressionistic textures and advanced harmonies. I couldn't imagine it better performed than here. The Neaves play with commanding authority and rewarding depth. You certainly won't feel short-changed.  The ensemble certainly live up to their name - “Neave” is a Gaelic name meaning 'bright' and 'radiant' - in these captivating and well-recorded performances. They couldn’t have been better captured than in the splendid, sympathetic acoustic of Suffolk’s Potton Hall.”

“… some fascinating Russian music, gloriously played.”