‘[Hewitt] is consistently illuminating, vibrant and intensely ‘in the moment’. She brings a wonderful spontaneity of direct interaction’ (MusicWeb International)

‘Stephen Layton leads one of the best choral ensembles in the world for this repertoire … with Trinity Choir’s attention to detail and unaffected clarity—the top line in particular is a kind of perfection—these famous works glow. And it is a nice touch that Layton adds brass and percussion to God is Gone Up … it is not always that the liner notes for a recording need mention. But these here are provided by none other than Francis Pott, the celebrated British composer, and are beautifully done’ (Catholic Herald)

‘Markus Becker proves an eloquent, visceral master of the notes, making for a thrilling premier recording. And in Constantin Trinks he has a dedicated partner, who takes an admirably collaborative view of events. Comfortably recorded across nearly a week, the Berlin Radio Symphony supports characterfully, with a crisp sense of attack, ensemble and solo contribution … this is a winning addition to the catalogue’ (Classical Source)» More

‘Hyperion has a total winner on its hands. Brahms, Alina Ibragimova and Cédric Tiberghien are perfectly cast; these are mesmerising performances wonderfully well recorded by Simon Eadon (Andrew Keener producing)—with intimacy, clarity, faithful dynamics and spot-on balance—after all, these are Sonatas for Violin and Piano, and these artists are such a charismatic partnership; their give and take is palpable, their devotion to the music deep and dedicated, and their insights illuminating’ (Classical Source)» More

‘The Consolation of Rain answers the grief of loss in beautifully sensitive, consummately delicate performances by Camerata Pacifica as it moves from keening lament to peaceful, accepting release. No less beguiling is The North Wind was a Woman, a hauntingly realised song-cycle imagining the natural world with human characteristics. Originally written for Dawn Upshaw, here Nora Fischer’s equally characterful but lighter, more fluid vocals pay poetic dividends aplenty in Bruce’s folksong allusions aided by dexterous accompaniment from the North Wind Ensemble. Superb sound makes this well worth investigating’ (Classical Ear)» More

‘All in all, this is a most desirable new recording’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘A fine achievement all-round: in choice of repertoire, in excellence of performances and in presentation this issue cannot be faulted … [the music] is undoubtedly deeply-felt, genuinely artistic, often inspired, magnificently orchestrated and structured, well-worth the attention of all music-lovers interested in British music, an impressive tribute to a figure whose contribution to the UK’s musical heritage, the teacher of—amongst others—Vaughan Williams, Stokowski, Holst, Ireland and Bliss, cannot be overstated’ (Classical Source)» More

‘The singing across this disc is excellent, with the performance of The Diary of One Who Disappeared already becoming my first choice … a wonderful performance of all three works, one which is blessed with equally fine production values. Highly recommended’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Their encore of the first of the Three Romances written for Brahms’s favourite violinist, Joseph Joachim, three years before the death of Clara’s husband … attracts special attention: a delectably wistful 'song without words' that Ibragimova and Tiberghien lavish with a broad palette of autumnal, melancholic colours. The Brahms sonatas—Clara gave up composing after Schumann’s death and devoted herself to promoting his young protégé’s career—receive magisterial performances from both players, worthy of the finest on disc. They revel in the typically Brahmsian shifts of mood between songful nostalgia and turbulent drama, yet suffused with a yearning melancholy. Deeply moving’ (The Sunday Times)

‘The Jupiter Project seeks to uncover an intriguing early 19th-century repertoire of arrangements of classical masterpieces for flute, violin, cello and piano. Here Bircher, Balding and Skidmore join the pianist and researcher Norris in some of its choicest fruits, giving vivaciously persuasive performances of Clementi’s 1822 take on Mozart’s final symphony’ (The Sunday Times)

‘A potent disc, grandly sung, played, and recorded—and fully worthy of a spot in the pantheon with the likes of Hotter, Fischer-Dieskau, Goerne, and Quasthoff’ (The Arts Fuse, USA)» More

‘The recording, I think, is as fine as the performances … the singing of Trinity College Choir under Stephen Layton [is] beautifully focused—superbly controlled, the climaxes soaring heavenwards with an ease and power [in the Magnificat] that's emblematic of the whole album. This is the highest quality choral Finzi’ (BBC Record Review)