jf
John France
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]
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: 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]
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: Sleighbell Serenade (Naxos)
Craftsmanship, orchestral finesse and an obvious love of light music [JF]
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 (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]
Gál: Works for viola & piano (RecArt)
An ideal balance of humour, warmth, lyricism and introspection in these appealing works [JF]
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: The Soldier’s Legacy (Retrospect Opera)
A highly melodic Victorian opera – good tunes, vivacious duets, trio and quartets [JF]
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 Symphonies 9 & 10 (Solstice)
A satisfying, inspiring and moving recital [JF]