Lazy Afternoon is one of several first-take tracks on Claire Martin's first US studio recording for fifteen years, 'Too Much in Love to Care'. Guest star Kenny Barron is a sterling partner to Claire on this superb collection of classic romantic songs and beautiful ballads from The Great American Songbook. Jazz Journal awarded the album five stars and stated: 'This is an outstanding album from one of the finest jazz singers in the world today.' Track taken from the album Too Much in Love to Care.
With arrangements created in collaboration with the composer himself, 'kuniko plays reich' was one of the stand-out albums of 2011. Electric Counterpoint Version for Percussions is one of three brand new arrangements of Steve Reich works created to celebrate his 75th birthday which are premiered on this recording. kuniko in considered '...one of the world's foremost interpreters of Reich' (Time Out). Track taken from kuniko plays reich.
The leaves be green is performed beautifully by Phantasm who bring out all the rich tones and vitality this music has to offer. This recording is the first complete collection of William Byrd's consort music and includes new hymn settings that are première recordings. 'William Byrd: Complete Consort Music' was named a Finalist at the 2011 Gramophone Awards, Chamber Music 'Disc of the Month' in BBC Music Magazine, 'Recording of the Month' by Musicweb International and awarded a Diapason d'Or. Track taken from William Byrd: Complete Consort Music.
The Dunedin Consort's recording of ‘Esther' is the third recording in its hugely successful Handel series. For Esther, director John Butt has reunited his award-winning team of soloists, Susan Hamilton, Nicholas Mulroy, Matthew Brook and Thomas Hobbs, plus well-known guest soloists Robin Blaze and James Gilchrist. The Times gave the recording four stars and described it as: '...more than enough to keep us on the edge of our seats.' Track taken from Handel: Esther, First reconstructable version (Cannons), 1720.
Pianist Gottlieb Wallisch shows he is the perfect Mozart interpreter on 'Mozart: Paris & Vienna'. This, his second solo album on Linn further explores Mozart's rich piano repertoire of works associated with the two cities, many of which raised the standard for technical virtuosity. This track is taken from Mozart: Paris & Vienna.
The greatly sought-after tenor James Gilchrist continues his highly acclaimed exploration of British song with his new recording of Benjamin Britten works. ‘On This Island' is strikingly fresh and Gilchrist sings these beautiful poems with a graceful insight. Contrasting this opening set, Gilchrist gives a moving and heartfelt performance of Britten's dark and profound song cycle ‘The Holy Sonnets of John Donne'. This track is taken from Benjamin Britten: My Beloved is Mine.
This second Purcell release by Retrospect Trio was hotly anticipated since its debut recording, a Finalist at the 2009 Gramophone Awards, was released; BBC Music Magazine described the follow up as 'a mouthwatering matter of urgency.' BBC named the recording 'Chamber Disc of the Month' whilst Gramophone named it a 'Choice' recording, and it was given an 'Outstanding' Award by International Record Review. This track is taken from Twelve Sonatas in Three Parts.
The duet Discede crudelis! is from the first in Linn's epic ‘A-Z' of Mozart operas with Classical Opera; a series which will stretch over twenty years. A worthy opening ‘act' to the series, ‘Apollo et Hyacinthus' displays remarkable maturity, individuality and virtuosity showing that even at the young age of 11 Mozart had an unerring ability to create characters with real and heartfelt emotions. Sophie Bevan and Lawrence Zazzo star in the title roles. This track is taken from Mozart: Apollo et Hyacinthus.
Performing Bach's iconic suites has become a rite of passage for many cellists, but Richard Tunnicliffe's extensive experience and virtuosity allowed him to create a recording that highlights the distinct personality and individuality of each movement. Awarding the album five stars the Independent on Sunday stated: 'Tunnicliffe's sound is generous and finely grained, the faster dances sharply pointed, the sarabandes dark pools of metreless beauty.' This track is from J.S. Bach Cello Suites.
Contemporary composer James MacMillan is determined to keep the tradition of writing sacred choral music alive. His collaborations with Cappella Nova are a match made in heaven; MacMillan's approachable yet emotional music partners perfectly with the choir's beautifully pure tone. 'Who are these Angels?' was named a 'Choice' recording in Gramophone, 'Editor's Choice' and given a five star review by Classic FM, and awarded four stars by BBC Music Magazine. This track is taken from Who are these Angels?.
The Avison Ensemble's follow up to their hugely popular Handel disc is a breathtaking collection of Antonio Vivaldi's virtuosic violin concertos. Under the direction of violinist Pavlo Beznosiuk they have created a recording which is colourful, fresh and emotionally charged. ClassicsToday.com awarded the album 10 for Artistic Quality and 10 for Sound Quality stating: 'this set...will serve you as well or better than any other in the catalog'. This track is taken from Vivaldi: Concerti Opus 8.
Britain's most exciting young sextet, The Prince Consort, released an album that's bursting with passion, rapture and the sheer magic and madness of falling in love. The collection of contemporary love songs by hugely popular pianist and composer Stephen Hough sits alongside the classic Liebeslieder Walzer by Brahms. Awarding the album five stars Classic FM Magazine praised its 'top-drawer performances and sound recording that separates this outstanding release from the crowd'. This track is taken from Other Love Songs.
The works on 'Mozart: Divertimento K.334 & Oboe Quartet K.370' are full of well-known tunes which demonstrate Mozart's trademark melodic beauty whilst acclaimed oboist, Robin Williams, gives a dazzling performance of the composer's great masterpiece. Mozart's writing allows each player to shine and demonstrates the depth of talent within the Ensemble, illustrating why the Scottish Chamber Orchestra has had such extensive success with its previous Mozart recordings. This track is taken from Mozart: Divertimento K.334 & Oboe Quartet K.370.
The critics had nothing but praise for Magnificat's celebration of the choral music of Renaissance composer Philip Rogier. This collection features premiere recordings and celebrates the 450th anniversary of Rogier's birth. BBC Music Magazine and SA-CD.net both awarded the recording five stars whilst the Sunday Times stated: 'the sound these singers make is equisite'. This track is taken from Rogier: Music from the Missae Sex.
Robin Ticciati made an unforgettable Linn debut when he led the award-winning Scottish Chamber Orchestra in an all Berlioz programme which saw the young conductor take on the majestic Symphonie Fantastique. The Sunday Times named this 'Classical CD of the Week' describing it as 'remarkable for its fresh insights.... the nightmarish sounds of the Witches' Sabbath emerge in the most vivid colours...Fantastique!' It was also named 'CD of the Week' by Classic FM Radio, Critics' Choice 'Sound of 2012' by The Independent, 'Record of the Month' by Hi-Fi News and 'Disc of the Week' by BBC Radio 3 CD Review. This track is taken from Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique.