‘I approached this disc with keen anticipation; it was evident almost at once that I would not be disappointed … Gerald Finley’s imaginative, characterful and beautiful singing here compels the listener’s attention. However, it would be a grave injustice to overlook the marvellous contribution of Julius Drake, whose pianism is insightful and a consistent source of pleasure. Theirs is a true partnership … this is a deeply satisfying disc. The music is magnificent and the artists serve both composers marvellously’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘How long is it since your jaw dropped—I mean, actually dropped? Too long? OK, get hold of this CD and listen to track 6 … perhaps the highest praise for Gugnin arises from the fact that, throughout these remarkable and highly contrasted works, one mostly forgets about the existence of an ‘interpreter’, so directly does the composer’s voice speak to us. The unobtrusively perfect Hyperion recording helps this impression further. Compared to the symphonies, concertos and quartets, this is an unfamiliar part of Shostakovich’s huge oeuvre, so this recording has that inherent value; but it is undoubtedly also a confirmation of the arrival of an outstanding talent on the world musical scene’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘The performances seem to me absolutely superb. Trinity College Choir is made up of current undergraduates, and so has a continually changing membership. Nevertheless, Stephen Layton has welded them into a coherent and consistent ensemble, rhythmically crisp, tonally warm, sensitive to the rapidly changing moods of the music and rising effortlessly—or so at least it seems—to the climaxes and complex passages. I cannot imagine better performances’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘If any CD can make you an instant fan of this Hungarian composer, this is it. If you love Brahms, it is likely you will adore this music … a gem of a recording’ (The Arts Fuse, USA)» More

‘There are moments where it's really stunning and I don't think it could have been done quite so well in any other way … wonderful stuff … something that's airbrushed into anonymity is not satisfying and exciting and visceral to listen to, and this is definitely real playing’ (BBC Record Review)

‘Many immaculate recordings by some professional groups of this period can lack vibrancy, tone and passion, but these interpretations reflect true commitment to the texts. Moreover, David Rowell’s sound balance and Adrian Peacock’s production are both of an extremely high standard whilst Peter Phillips’ liner notes are, as usual, highly informative’ (Cathedral Music)» More

‘I wholly recommend this disc not just for its well-argued and committed performances of these mysterious works, but also for the insights into the performer’s continuing dialogue between ‘authenticity’ and expression’ (Early Music Review)» More

‘What we have here is, unashamedly, music of a particular age, performed in one of the noblest of sacred spaces of England by one of its finest choirs. This disc could be no better introduction to the music of these three major composers for the Anglican Church and is a great addition to an already established CD collection … the performances here are excellent. The choir shows complete affinity with the music and there is skilful accompaniment from Peter Holder, who brings off the quasi-orchestral accompaniments with great aplomb. The highlight for me is For lo, I raise up—full of passion and a superb interpretation of the text from all concerned’ (Cathedral Music)» More

‘Readings alive to the easeful flow of Sonata No 1, the distilled songfulness of No 2, and, especially, the plaintive restlessness of No 3’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘In another life Marc-André Hamelin might have made a great political agitator, or even an evangelist. He has an unbeatable ability to convey and inspire belief in the value of the music he is performing, especially when that music is in need of special advocacy … this is an eminently collectable disc, certainly, but not only, for existing Dohnányi aficionados’ (Gramophone)

‘The overall effect of the performances is as fine as one would expect from such distinguished artists’ (Cathedral Music)

‘There is so much that is fine about this recording, i.e. everything, that it is difficult to know where to begin … [Peter Phillips and The Tallis Scholars] present the best possible case for these two masses, supported by outstanding sound engineering in which every part is equally audible and perfectly balanced. Even after all this exhaustive advocacy I am still not sure that I have done this superlative disc adequate justice. Suffice to say, everything about it is the best’ (Early Music Review)» More