jf

John France

bernstein quartet navona

Bernstein: Music for String Quartet (Navona)

An important addition to Bernstein’s catalogue [JF]

Wordsworth piano TOCC0697

William Wordsworth: Complete Music for Solo Piano (Toccata Classics)

Christopher Guild brings clarity, enthusiasm and commitment to this music [JF]

cowie wood thrush sings metier

Cowie: Where the Wood Thrush Forever Sings (Métier)

A committed performance of Cowie’s visionary, numinous new composition [JF]

Schultz: Efterklange (Echoes) (Danacord)

Well-wrought and ultimately charming repertoire [JF]

Rarities of Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum – August 2022 Festival (Danacord)

Well-chosen, interesting repertoire, and many discoveries [JF]

de Falla Ballets IBS82023

Falla: El corregidor y la molinera (IBS Classical)

Spanish wit, musical clichés and sunshine [JF]

ek-stasis divine art

Ek-Stasis (Divine Art)

A splendid exploration of music set against the background of Classical mythology [JF]

Thomas Trotter (organ): Symphony Hall Sorcery (Regent)

Thomas Trotter’s technique and irrepressible enthusiasm shine in every bar [JF]

Liszt vol2 PFCD21011

Liszt: Piano Works Vol. 2 (Prima Facie)

Hamilton appears very clearly passionate about this music [JF]

Maconchy & Vaughan Williams: Songs Vol. 2 (Resonus)

Another great opportunity to explore fine vocal music [JF]

VW songs RES10299

Vaughan Williams & Maconchy: Songs – Vol 1 (Resonus)

A wonderful opportunity to explore fine vocal music [JF]

Ronald Stevenson and Friends Prima Facie PFCD202

Ronald Stevenson and Friends (Prima Facie)

A fitting tribute to one of the greatest, but sadly underrated, British composers of the last hundred years [JF]

Aylish Kerrigan sings Kurt Weill (Métier)

The singer really understands this repertoire [JF]

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]