“… The CD concludes with a three-movement Concerto for Cello and Strings from 2008. It is a lyrical work, filled with interesting interweavings of melody and rhythm. Like all of Tabakova’s music heard here, this work is a fine example of the current state of the art populist, tonal orchestral music. Performances are first-rate, and the recorded sound is full-toned and lifelike.”

Editor’s Choice

“… Performances are first rate. Tabakova is fortunate to have violist Maxim Rysanov as a friend and collaborator. The dedicatee of her concerto (and other works), he is one of the world’s great violists, with many excellent recordings to his credit. This concerto shows off his strengths: lightness of touch, easy mastery of technical challenges, and a velvet tone. Cellist Guy Johnston is similarly impressive in the Cello Concerto, while Lazarova and the Hallé give committed and richly textured support. If contemporary music puts you off, believe me this collection will not.” ****

“… Dobrinka Tabakova is an exciting, distinctive composer with a deeply considered approach to her art. Her directly communicative works, presented on this finely recorded CD make a string and lasting impression.” *****

Concerto Award 2024 – Nomination

“…All in all, this is a great release on all counts, with committed readings and in good sound. One can hear that both soloists are attuned to the music. They play with impeccable technique and, one assumes, with deep understanding. The Hallé led by Delyana Lazarova give a remarkably assured and convincing support.”

“Masterly premiere recordings make the case for an individual voice”

“…this orchestral triptych [Earth Suite] is a highly varied and involving work, compellingly performed by the Hallé Orchestra, especially in the vast reaches of the central ‘Pacific’, and superbly recorded. Recommended!”

“…This is a lovely disc, giving us the chance to hear some of Tabakova's more recent large-scale orchestra music alongside earlier, more intimate chamber orchestra type works, and it represents a wonderful product of her period as Hallé artist in residence.”

Recording of the Month

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

“… Beautifully performed and recorded, this is a first-rate release, offering a timely showcase of this exceptionally talented composer.”