jf

John France

Commissions and Premieres New College Linn CKD720

New College – Commissions and Premieres (Linn)

A fine programme, outstanding performances [JF]

Bridge: Orchestral Works (Naxos)

(Déjà Review) A fine introduction to the orchestral music of Frank Bridge [JF]

Reed: String Quartets (MPR)

Well-constructed, technically competent pieces, always interesting, and often quite moving [JF]

golden age light music guild

The Golden Age of Light Music – An Introduction (Guild Music)

(Déjà Review) The best possible introduction to the genre of Light Music [JF]

Boughton: Of Delights and Passions (EM Records)

Music with melodic interest, well-devised formal structures and satisfying harmonies [JF]

Hendrie organvol1 TOCC0684

Hendrie: Complete Organ Music Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)

Committed and technically outstanding performances [JF]

Grieg: Violin Sonatas (Danacord)

A fine balance of confidence, naivety and a sense of Nordic tragedy in each sonata’s progress [JF]

Anthology of American Piano Music Vol. 5 (Danacord)

Impeccable, illuminating and inspiring performances [JF]

Portraits of a Mind (Albion Records)

A dazzling performance and production [JF]

Ligeti: Complete Works for a Cappella Choir (SWR Classic)

This music ranges from the avant-garde to pieces almost fit for cathedrals in the 1500s [JF]

Peter Jacobs (piano) English Piano Rarities (Heritage)

This smorgasbord of fine English piano music demands exploration [JF]

Ronald Stevenson: Piano Music Vol. 6 (Toccata Classics)

Volume 6 of a remarkable cycle [JF]

Lane Orchestral Works Sutherland Naxos 8.555880

Lane: Sleighbell Serenade (Naxos)

Craftsmanship, orchestral finesse and an obvious love of light music [JF]

Lipkin piano williamson lyrita

Lipkin: Piano Music (Lyrita)

A well-balanced introduction to Malcolm Lipkin’s piano music [JF]

Lynch: Light Darkness (Pilfink Records)

An immensely satisfying exploration of dream, darkness and light [JF]

Schubert lieder DACOCD961

Schubert: Lieder (Danacord)

Splendidly captures the mood of these songs, with all their varied emotions [JF]

Dukas: Complete Piano Music (Piano Classics)

Maltempo captures the romantic sweep of the music and its nuances wonderfully well [JF]

Franck: Trois pièces pour grand orgue (RecArt)

Powerful, exciting, dramatic and sometimes introspective music played on a remarkable organ [JF]

Gal viola RecArt0045

Gál: Works for viola & piano (RecArt)

An ideal balance of humour, warmth, lyricism and introspection in these appealing works [JF]

Poulenc Piano Works Damgaard Danacord DACOCD960

Poulenc: Piano Works (Danacord Records)

Affectionate, elegant and sophisticated performances [JF]

Havergal Brian: Symphonies No. 8, 9, 22, 24 (Heritage)

Brilliant re-masterings of superb, and possibly definitive, recordings [JF]

macfarren soldier retrospect

Macfarren: The Soldier’s Legacy (Retrospect Opera)

A highly melodic Victorian opera – good tunes, vivacious duets, trio and quartets [JF]

Wild Sounds 1923 BR 900206

Der wilde Sound der 20er – 1923 (BR Klassik)

Four works reflect the time between modernity and tradition, revolution and republic, jazz and dance music [JF]

widor organ solstice

Widor: Organ Symphonies 9 & 10 (Solstice)

A satisfying, inspiring and moving recital [JF]