‘They generate an intoxicating mix of heady passions in Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht, at the same time maintaining impressive clarity of texture and shaping what can seem a sprawling work. And in a fresh-sounding performance of Schubert’s late quintet, they bring a relish of its boldness as well as an ambiguous poignancy’ (The Sunday Times)

‘A stunning collection of music played by one of the most talented of British pianist’ (MusicWeb International)

'Like his one-time mentor Benjamin Britten, Bennett showed a genuine aptitude for writing music for children, particularly vocal works. Christopher Bell and the NYCoS National Girls Choir offer a delightful and varied programme of this corner of Bennett's output. In addition to the amusing Letters to Lindbergh, the album includes The Ballad of Sweet William, The Aviary, Dream-Songs, A Song at Evening and Four American Carols. All receive idiomatic readings from the clean, incisive voices of this superb Scottish choir, and throughout one marvels at Bennett's gift for distinctive yet always memorable melody. [This album] can be warmly recommended' (Choir & Organ)

‘In one disc after another you are drawn towards a deeply personal quality that endeared her to thousands … this set will prompt endless reappraisal as well as ample confirmation of Hess's enduring celebrity’ (Gramophone)

'There are episodes of exquisite natural beauty and organic sounds. What’s missing is Bernstein’s abandon, but the details are delicious' (Sinfini Music)» More

'The alternative realisations are interesting and convincing, the boldest one Michael Finnissy’s rather Romantic-sounding Lacrimosa. And Stephen Cleobury’s performance of the Süssmayr edition is pretty splendid—the boys’ voices of the Choir of King’s College brilliantly incisive, matched by astringent period orchestral forces' (TheArtsDesk.com)

‘There's no trace here of starry individualism, but instead a real feeling of collegiate responsibility in the way that all the players constantly listen to each other and shade their own contributions accordingly’ (The Guardian)

‘They bring silky skills and subtle touches to two great string pieces … the dapper phrasing and translucent textures are wonderfully calculated’ (The Times)

'A suitably scholarly project from the Choir of King’s College … the boy trebles are slightly tuneless in places, but the singing generally has vigour, Stephen Cleobury keeps the tempos brisk and the soloists are excellent' (The Times)

'Produced before Bennett's death, this forms a moving tribute to a masterly composer. The immediately attractive opener, Letters to Lindbergh, quirkily imagines correspondence the aviator might have received from, among others, Pluto (the cartoon dog!) and the Titanic. His gift for soaring, exciting and grateful vocal lines is shown time and time again, and this young Scottish group repay him in spades. Warmly recommended' (Classical Music Magazine)

'Alessio Bax is living and urgently needed proof that competition triumphs are still meaningful; something to associate with playing of the highest calibre. His performance of Brahms's Paganini Variations is sufficiently prodigious to invite comparison with such luminaries as Michelangeli and Géza Anda. Yet his virtuosity is effortless, lyrical and never hard-driven; and while others struggle to clarify Brahms's potential opacity, Bax makes light of every devilish demand' (Gramophone)

'As always, Barley's playing is fearless. [It] is a voyage around the cello as well as around Britten, and one that never becomes relentless. In his Improvisation, there is skilfully woven reference to the profusion of styles in which he plays' (Gramophone)