‘Fischer is a fine Berliozian …the Ball is the real highlight…the rest of the disc is imaginatively programmed. In the concertante Rêverie et caprice for violin and orchestra, Berlioz employs a discarded aria for Teresa from his opera Benvenuto Cellini. Philippe Quint’s gorgeous, feminine tone is perfect casting, deliciously played and drawing out the cantabile lines of this gem’ (Gramophone)

‘Ingeniously programmed and impeccably delivered, with that undefinable excitement that comes from a group of musicians working absolutely as one, The Gesualdo Six’s ‘Fading’ is startlingly, urgently excellent … The Gesualdo Six are the real deal. Far from fading, they’re just coming into focus’ (Gramophone)

‘Needless to say, the formidable techinical demands of Feinberg's piano writing hold no terrors for Marc-André Hamelin who delivers absolutely riveting and immaculately-voiced performances of each work, supported by superbly clear but warmly recorded sound. This release deserves the widest dissemination’ (BBC Music Magazine)» More

‘Hamelin does far more than tame these pianistic leviathans. He gives them momentum, character and individuality’ (Gramophone)

‘On the evidence of this recording, [Jančevskis] has found subtle and authentic ways of furthering the distinctive sound of Latvian choral music established in the last century … few more beautiful realisations of Latvia’s choral language have come my way in the past decade … one wonders where that Latvian sound can go and what events will shape it. There’s plenty of time for Jančevskis, still in his twenties, to think on that’ (Gramophone)

‘Monberg is demonstrably a master of the instrument. Even with the later invention of valves, the horn remains notoriously difficult to play, so with just a mouthpiece and bell connected by several feet of brass tubing, to make anything approaching an expressive sound is an achievement … if the quintet towers above the rest of the music here, it’s nevertheless fascinating to hear what was expected of the horn players of the time’ (Gramophone)

‘Paludan Monberg is certainly a superb exponent on the natural horn, and is ever conscious of the musical context, fitting in well to the various instrumental ensembles. Often the horn dominates on purely dynamic terms (a natural consequence of the instrument’s design), but Paludan Monberg generously compensates for this with some astute musical blending with the players of Arcangelo and their ever-sensitive director, Jonathan Cohen’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Hamelin powerfully resolves all the technical complications and dramatic conflicts embedded in these intense works. He has been served by a splendid Teldex studio recording and his formidable readings offer much both to disquiet and, more fugitively, to move’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘It would be rash, and indeed irresponsible, to claim this recording as the best that Stephen Hough has ever made, or the best version of Brahms’ late piano pieces ever released. Yet Hough’s complete technical mastery, fresh musical insights, and deep stylistic sympathy constantly yield revelatory results … if you want all of Brahms’ late piano pieces together, Stephen Hough crowns the list. Hyperion’s engineering captures the sonorous impact of Hough’s Yamaha grand from bottom to top, thereby clinching this release’s reference status’ (Classics Today)» More

‘Hyperion’s magnificent romantic piano concerto series continues with the 80th disc in the series, comprising two works for piano and orchestra by two Belgian composers who are all but forgotten these days … this is a superb addition to the series, showcasing two composers who really should be better known. The soloist and orchestra are on top form and, as usual, Hyperion’s recording is clear and bright. I can’t see how these works could be better served on CD. The cover notes are interesting, detailed and full of insights about these two very neglected Belgian composers … I also look forward to Hyperion’s next instalment in this wonderful ongoing series!’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Since Thierry Fischer took over the reins as its music director in 2009, the Utah Symphony has not only thrived but blossomed, as its recent Mahler First Symphony and Saint-Saëns recordings bear out. The musicians certainly give their conductor everything he asks for in this generously filled all-Berlioz disc … Berlioz’s deft deployment of three choral groups in Sara la baigneuse provides an ideal showcase for Fischer’s supple and vividly characterized vocal forces … full texts and translations are included, along with superb annotations by Berlioz scholar David Cairns’ (Classics Today)» More

‘Latvian composer Jēkabs Jančevskis may well prove to be the next big thing in the fickle world of choral singing. His music has all the ingredients mixed choirs love so much; wonderfully warm and opulent choral textures, oodles of atmosphere, luminous clusters, powerful musical imagery, and a whole host of vocal and non-vocal effects to keep even the most world-weary choral singer engrossed … this is certainly a truly brilliant exhibition of outstanding choral singing, enhanced by a luscious recorded sound … by far and away the most powerful message I take away from this disc is of an imaginative composer with something worthwhile to say beyond the mere meaning of the texts he sets, and the means of saying it in a hugely arresting manner’ (MusicWeb International)» More