2017 Recording of the Year -  Michael Wilkinson

“For sheer pleasure and melodic inventiveness nothing I have heard this year touches this delightful CD - charming and accessible music to discover and enjoy”

“… While the album should do a lot for Borenstein’s international profile, it should also do wonders for Oxford Philharmonic, an orchestra founded in 1998 …They play with passionate commitment for Vladimir Ashkenazy—a long-time Borenstein advocate—while the recorded sound and physical presentation is in the label’s usual state-of-the-art range.” 

**** (Recommended Album)          3.5/5 (Sound)

“... Well-sounding music, superbly written for the soloist; the objective qualities of Nimrod Borenstein’s violin concerto should ensure its durability.”

Concerto Choice

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

“...This spectacular performance [Violin Concerto] confirms violinist Irmina Trynkos as a phenomenal talent... The orchestral playing and engineering is of bracing impact and captivating allure ...”

“Contemporary works full of grand gestures and soaring melody ... Irmina Trynkos is an agile and expressive soloist ... under the muscular direction of Ashkenazy, the Oxford Philharmonic matches her sense of power and conviction...”

“... A terrifically entertaining, optimistic disc, performed with abundant zip and pizzazz.”

“... What is never in doubt is the commitment of the Oxford Philharmonic and long-time advocate Vladimir Ashkenazy in interpreting this music in the best possible light. Those responsive to the work of Nicolas Bacri or Guillaume Connesson should certainly give Borenstein a try.”

 

**** (Excellent Disc)        **** (Exceptional Sound)

“Brilliant, it starts and ends with it. Melody, harmony, rhythm, orchestration, cohesion in addition to stylistic individuality ...”