‘Ibragimova is especially convincing in the fragility of these intimate moments, though her playing also has sarcastic kick and flair elsewhere … in both concertos Jurowski is typically meticulous. He obtains fine playing from the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia 'Evgeny Svetlanov' … altogether, this is a disc with its own class and character’ (Financial Times)

‘A magnificent addition to the repertoire … Power’s command of the solo part fits like a glove. He brings a richness of tone and precision of intonation that wouldn’t be out of place in Berlioz’s Harold en Italie or Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante and applies them to MacMillan’s idiom. The results are invigorating, particularly in the dreamy slow movement and the passionate denouement of the finale. Martyn Brabbins leads the BBC Philharmonic in a stirringly discreet account of the accompaniment. The soloist is never covered by MacMillan’s sometimes-thick scoring, and the Concerto’s most striking moments—like the viola- and cello-section dialogues with Power in the outer movements and the piercing interjections of the central one—speak with biting expressive clarity’ (The Arts Fuse, USA)» More

‘The Beethoven releases come thick and fast in this 250th-anniversary year, but few, I suspect, will be as full of surprises as Hough’s first recordings of this central repertoire … with Lintu and the Finnish orchestra’s complementary accomplishments, he sets tempi that always sound right, and invests every phrase with a freshness and panache that takes the breath away’ (The Sunday Times)» More

‘Howells’ Missa Sabrinensis is a masterpiece, its true genius revealed in this exceptionally sensitive performance, recorded so lucidly that it defies its reputation for being difficult to perform. This is essential listening for anyone into Howells and the true greatness of his work’ (Opera Today, USA)

„Alina Ibragimova sehr inspirierende Deutungen zeigen nicht nur die exzellente Technikerin, sondern vor allem, dass diese Solistin die Musik zu ihrem Innersten Wesen macht und damit eine Intensität im Ausdruck erreicht, die in ihren Bann zieht. Auch bei diesen beiden Werken, die schon aus sich heraus das Innere des Komponisten offen legen, gelingt diese Symbiose überzeugend. So werden die eröffnenden Töne des ersten Soloparts im a-Moll Konzert fast schülerhaft stockend und damit doch auch so intensiv suchend und vorwärtsstrebend ans Ohr getragen, dass der Zuhörende sofort in den Bann gezogen ist und nicht mehr los kommt. Das Svetlanov-Orchester begleitet die Solistin unter der Stabführung von Vladimir Jurowski. Ihnen gelingt eine die Intensität spiegelnde Umgebungszeichnung, die von der Qualität des Ensembles zeugt, die über der höher gehandelten Qualität manches Klangkörpers aus dem gleichen Staate liegt“ (Pizzicato, Luxembourg)» More

‘The singing of this splendid group, a new addition to Hyperion’s already enviable roster of vocal ensembles, is crystalline and heartfelt. The Riga choir can seemingly do symphonically loud and chamber intimate with their eyes shut. They have been superbly prepared by Jurģis Cābulis and Hyperion’s sound is all that could be desired. The composer’s own notes are pithy and interesting, and texts and translations are present and correct. More please!!’ (MusicWeb International)

‘Stephen Hough’s long-awaited recording of the complete five piano concertos is a partnership with conductor Hannu Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the sparks struck between their crisp responsiveness and Hough’s immaculate blend of imagination and control are considerable. Magisterial one moment, wry the next, Hough is a whole orchestra in himself, and not a note is wasted’ (The Guardian)» More

‘I really enjoyed this disc, for its smart programming and exceptional, often very moving performances. The sound, of finely tuned and beautifully balanced male voices, will move you as well, as it so affectingly captures this very special music, whether known or newly experienced’ (Classics Today)» More

‘I really enjoyed this disc, for its smart programming and exceptional, often very moving performances. The sound, of finely tuned and beautifully balanced male voices, will move you as well, as it so affectingly captures this very special music, whether known or newly experienced’ (Classics Today)» More

‘This new recording perfectly captures the radiance of the writing, the grandeur of the vision—just wait for the Gloria that comes after [the Kyrie] when you listen to this—and the connection with landscape and tradition. A perfect way to hear Howells at his most expansive’ (BBC Radio 3 CD Review)» More

‘Gugnin has the measure of all this music but doesn't feel the need to push on to make effect; rather he takes time to grade his dynamics, to give eye to every detail and to bring a crystalline clarity to all his fingerwork—I'm sure that Godowsky, perfectionist extraordinaire that he was, would have approved … the pianism is startling and Gugnin is a virtuoso in the truest sense, blessed not only with an enormous technique but with a poet's sensibility, a keen ear for texture and the gift of crafting each piece as if it were a masterpiece … a rich vein of virtuoso romantic rarities lovingly played’ (MusicWeb International)

‘With singing of such distinction as we encounter here, even the more obscure songs come to life, and Graham Johnson’s accompaniments further heighten the listening experience … if I add that reading Graham’s all-embracing notes on each of the songs further enhances the value of this issue, there is no need for me to apologize for the Recommended tag’ (MusicWeb International)