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Emmanuel Despax is a rising star on the UK and international piano scene, who has performed at the Wigmore and Cadogan Halls in London, the Salle Gaveau and Louvre Auditorium in Paris, and with orchestras including the CBSO. His debut concerto recording, with the Orpheus Sinfonia under Thomas Carroll, features the premiere recording of Stephen Goss's Piano Concerto, inspired by the designs of Thomas Heatherwick (the work’s premiere performance was the first classical concert in which audiences were invited to bring their ipads and tablets, to watch an interactive display designed to accompany the music). The work is accompanied by two similarly expressive and characterful works, Saint-Saëns’ ever-popular Piano Concerto No.2 and Franck’s Variations symphoniques. Emmanuel Despax is a formidable talent, fleet of finger, elegant of phrase and a true keyboard colourist...a noteworthy achievement - Gramophone Despax displays fine power and urgency with some brilliant piano playing...brings just the right combination of charm, brilliance and depth to the playing - Planet Hugill -
Following the acclaimed Bach recording ‘Spira, Spera’ in early 2021, Emmanuel Despax releases a recording of his most treasured piano concerto alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Andrew Litton. The concerto is paired with the 16 Waltzes (op.39) for piano four-hands, performed here with his wife and fellow pianist, Miho Kawashima. “Recording Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is a childhood dream of mine, and it was wonderful to play it with such outstanding musicians. I have grown up with it, obsessively listening to all the recordings I could find for months on end, and it is hard to describe what this piece represents to me ... I wanted to pair the concerto with the exquisite Sixteen Waltzes, Op. 39 for piano four hands, and show a more intimate side of Brahms. Each one is a different shade, a different mood, like daily entries in one’s personal diary. It was very special for me to be joined by my wife Miho Kawashima to record these charming and delightful pieces.” - Emmanuel Despax "The French pianist Emmanuel Despax smoothly balances tension and novelty in the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Johannes Brahms with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In the dramatic finale in particular, he achieves a wonderful aura of virtuoso elegance. He and his wife Miho Kawashima designed the rather introverted waltz cycle for piano four hands with noticeable empathy and excellent coordination, whereby the asymmetrically nimble phrases of waltz No. 6 in C sharp major are a highlight is. A clever combination"- Piano News"Covering both the orchestral immensity of the Piano Concerto No.1 and the levity of the 16 Waltzes, this disc is highly recommended to anyone who appreciates Brahms’ music and the pluralities present therein: joyful solemnity and tragic sweetness." - The Whole Note -
“Chopin the composer has always fascinated me – multifaceted, complex, a man of paradoxes. His music has huge scope yet at the same time is incredibly intimate and poetic. He sometimes has a reputation for being merely a writer of sentimental salon music; I wanted to correct this through this recording, and demonstrate how timeless and relevant, indeed modern his message is...” Emmanuel Despax Pianist Emmanuel Despax performs Chopin’s timeless collection of 24 Preludes, Op. 28, alongside the Berceuse in Op. 57 and Barcarolle Op. 60. Working from the latest editions as well as original facsimiles of Chopin’s scores, Despax’s brings his own passion for the works into performances that seek to remain as truthful to the composers’s intentions as possible on a modern instrument. -
Despax has recently released a piano fantasy based on the themes of The Sound of Music, in celebration of the musical’s 60th anniversary. The piece pays tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beautiful and iconic melodies, adding a few jazz and classical influences: “There is a long tradition in classical music of virtuoso instrumental transcriptions based on opera, from Carmen fantasies to various Liszt transcriptions, and I wanted to do the same with a musical. I have wonderful childhood memories watching The Sound of Music with my family, and I wanted to pay tribute to these beautiful melodies. This piece has influences ranging from jazz to classical composers like Ravel, Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, Godowsky and Rachmaninov. There is even a small one bar quote from Debussy’s L’isle joyeuse, one of my favourite piano works hidden in there. At the start, I set out to write a small simple work using one theme, but it quickly became much more ambitious in scope. In the words of Ravel describing Scarbo, one of the most fearsome works of the piano repertoire: “perhaps I let myself get carried away”. - Emmanuel Despax -
Eric Whitacre, normally known for his choral compositions and arrangements, personally requested Joby Burgess arrange some of his well-known works for Marimba quartet. This unique recording shows the warm, earthly tones of the marimba, beautifully playing the lush harmonies of Whitacre's choral works. All download include booklets. -
Schelomo: Rhapsodie Hébraïque is the most celebrated part of Ernest Bloch’s Jewish Cycle, and although originally conceived for voice, Bloch determined that only the cello could adequately embody the character of Solomon. The Suite for Viola and Piano was composed between February and May 1919, and the cello version is the work of the pianist and composer Adolph Baller and cellist Gábor Rejtő, who recorded their version in 1969. This album sees the World Premiere Recording of the cello version for orchestra, with cellist Parry Karp, who studied with Rejtő. “Getting to record these two masterpieces with conductor Kenneth Woods and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales is a dream come true” - Parry Karp. Critics’ Choice: Favourite classical recordings of 2025 - Gramophone ★★★★ - “In Kenneth Woods, Karp secures the ideal collaborator. The rapport is absolute, and Woods is all over both works’ turbulent dramas and intricate interweaving motifs." - BBC Music Magazine “Karp is fully attuned to its understated charm and Kenneth Woods, who directed the likely premiere of this version in 2008, secures playing of sensitivity and imagination from the BBC NOW.” - Arcana FM "The performance by Karp and Woods is all that one could wish for, conveying the atmosphere and energy of Bloch’s inspired writing and finding a breathtaking sense of fantasy in the lyrical central episode of the final movement." - Gramophone -
This recording by La Serenissima began life when the ensemble were recording for an earlier release. An issue with budget for a previous release meant these gems had to be left out. Since that release in 2015, La Serenissima have firmly established themselves as one of the leading performing ensembles of Italian Baroque. Following on from their highly acclaimed ‘The Godfather;’ released on Signum last year, this release shows the class act that they are, with these recordings making for one incredible album. La Serenissima was formed in 1994 for a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s La Sena festeggiante and has now firmly established itself as one of the leading exponents of the music of eighteenth-century Venice and connected composers. The entire repertoire of La Serenissima is edited by director Adrian Chandler from manuscript or contemporary printed sources, a testament to its vision to enrich life by sharing its passion for Italian baroque music. All downloads include booklets. -
David Goode continues his series of recordings of the organ works of Max Reger on Signum with a new CD of his Fantasias & Fugues, recorded on the organ of Bath Abbey. The disc includes his Fantasia and Fugue on BACH and the ‘Symphonic’ Fantasia and Fugue. ★★★★★ David Goode’s performances here, throughout these discs, are exceptional in all aspects… This is a thoroughly recommendable and important issue – very strongly recommended - The Organ -
The youngest musician ever to win the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division, exciting American cellist Zlatomir Fung has collated an album of opera fantasies including Fantasy on Jenůfa which he arranged himself and a Fantasy writte especially for him - Fantasia Carmèn - by composer Marshall Estrin. After extensive research Fung found these fantasies for cello used recognizable tunes from famous operas to create a free medley and that there are few rules beyond the pure expression of the composer’s personality, interests, and strengths as a cellist. But it’s more unconventional elements reimagine the notion of the fantasy itself, proving that the genre’s possibilities are far from exhausted—and, indeed, may only be in their infancy. After his Tchaikovsky competition win, Fung has garnered accolades, critical acclaim and standing ovations at performances around the world, more and more widely recognized as one of the preeminent cellists of our time. Astounding audiences with his boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity, the 25-year-old has already proven himself a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. ★★★★ - BBC Music Magazine ★★★★ - Limelight "The American cellist Zlatomir Fung has composed a fantasy on Janacek’s opera Jenufa, a feat that defies credibility ... I can hardly believe that what they have done here is doable." - Norman Lebrecht/The Critic “Now, with the release of his debut solo album ‘fantasies’ on the signum records label, Fung takes another significant step in establishing his artistic voice” - Gramophone "You have to stop and concentrate for a moment to realise and appreciate the astonishing amount of work Fung is actually putting in here. The technical brilliance is worn very lightly, but boy is it there when you listen out for it." - Prestomusic -
Their fifth release on Signum Classics, the “engaging” (New Yorker) men’s vocal ensemble Cantus present a collection of songs cycles by contemporary and living composers, exploring different kinds of journeys through song. “These contrasting song cycles share an embrace of change, growth, acceptance and renewal, and through the collective experience of their journeys – great and small, painful and magical – we gain a clearer picture of life and of ourselves” - Cantus "Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Cantus’s lineup may have evolved, but their exquisite vocal cohesion and interpretative clarity remain constant. Fields of Wonder is a bold, intelligent release that confirms Cantus as one of today’s most vital vocal ensembles" - Textura "I was mesmerized by Fields of Wonder" - Cultural Attache “The Cras and Bonds recordings are important items indeed — lovely, little-known music and a major discovery in the field of African American song.” - Allmusic -
Finding Harmony is a new mission for The King's Singers; a mission celebrating music which binds people together in times of hardship. "Singing together binds us together. From the Protestant Reformation in Europe during the 1500s to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, there have been countless moments in history when songs have united nations, cultures and causes. This is still the case in today’s world. Finding Harmony is evidence that music has always been our common language. A unique collection of pieces that span the globe – including music that’s too often forgotten – each song is the key to a powerful true story about who we are and how we’ve got here. Together, Finding Harmony proves how deeply we can be moved by all kinds of stories when songs connect us to them, and to each other." [1] One day – Michel Legrand, arr. Richard Rodney Bennett
[2] If I can help somebody – Alma Androzzo, arr. Stacey V. Gibbs
[3] S’Dremlen feygl – Leyb Yampolsky/Lea Rudnicka, arr. Toby Young
[4] Tsintskaro – Traditional
[5] Bread and roses – Mimi Fariña/James Oppenheim, arr. Rebecca Dale
[6] Heliseb väljadel – Urmas Sisask
[7] Mu isamaa on minu arm – Gustav Ernesaks
[8] Cielito lindo – Quirino Mendoza y Cortés, arr. Jorge Cózatl
[9] Ein feste Burg – Martin Luther, arr. Johann Sebastian Bach
[10] Ne irascaris, Domine – Civitas sancti tui – William Byrd
[11] Praying – Kesha, arr. Rebecca Dale
[12] Puirt a’ bheul (Mouth Music) – Traditional, arr. Daryl Runswick
[13] O, chì, chì ma ni mòrbheanna – John Cameron, arr. James MacMillan
[14] Shen khar venakhi – Traditional/King Demetrius I of Georgia
[15] Ayihlome/Qula kwedini – Traditional, arr. Neo Muyanga
[16] Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika – Enoch Sontonga, arr. Neo Muyanga
[17] One last time – Ariana Grande, arr. Richard Wilberforce
[18] Strange fruit – Abel Meeropol, arr. Stacey V. Gibbs
[19] This little light of mine – Harry Dixon Loes, arr. Stacey V. GibbsAll downloads include booklets. -
Blending iconic choral works with music by today’s most compelling composers, Finding Light is a program centered on the theme of prayer. From the Renaissance exquisite writing of Sheppard’s Libera nos to the luminous sonorities of Lauridsen’s Ubi Caritas and Dubra’s Oculus non vidit, each work offers a distinct meditation on mercy, hope, and transcendence. Highlights include Randall Thompson’s timeless Alleluia and Stephen Paulus’ Hymn to the Eternal Flame, alongside deeply moving contemporary offerings such as Hanna Havrylets’ Prayer and Þóra Marteinsdóttir’s Nú legg ég þér í lófa. Together, these works invite listeners into a space of reflection and renewal, where timeless devotions converse with contemporary longings—and where voices join in a collective search for light. -
Five years on from his debut recording, James Rhodes has firmly established himself in the classical world as a pioneering figure – reaching out through concerts, recordings and television documentaries to create new classical music fans whilst remaining unabashedly dedicated to the core repertoire that he performs. In his fifth recital album from his new label Instrumental Records, he returns with a sumptuous programme of works of Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, the Gluck–Sgambatti ‘Orfeo Melody’, and Liszt’s arrangement of Robert Schumann’s ‘Frühlingsnacht’. This engaging CD suggests Rhodes is finally comfortable in his skin. His readings of Bach's Partita No. 1 and Beethoven's Pastoral sonata are fresh and lovingly detailed, while his Chopin Third Ballade is both fiery and judicious. The Gluck encore is exquisite - BBC Music Magazine A sincere, communicative and mindful musician. He always holds your attention, whether or not you agree with each interpretative notion...Rhodes's fusion of instinct, mindfulness and individuality stand out in any era - Gramophone -
Flight is the stunning new album of works from British composer Oliver Davis (b.1972), composed for and in collaboration with violinist Kerenza Peacock. Flight captures the spirit of movement and energy present in many of Davis’s compositions, which have led to frequent collaborations with groups such as the Royal Ballet and a great number of TV commissions. On disc these works are performed by Kerenza alongside the London Symphony Orchestra under conductor Paul Bateman. [These] exuberant works are performed with charisma and sensitivity by Kerenza Peacock and the LSO - BBC Music Magazine The music is full over movement and energy. It's spirited, lively, and at times reminiscent of the music of Michael Nyman. Kerenza Peacock plays with great panache and verve - Classic FM No quibbles as to Peacock's commitment or panache, while Paul Bateman gets a disciplined response from the London Symphony Orchestra - Gramophone -
Alexander's music has become known for its striking beauty and originality. Described by Positive News as ‘not jazz, not classical, not improvised, but a glimpse of something new’, and by ClassicFM as ‘refreshingly original’, it isn’t easily described or placed into a genre. For the Love of Life sees the composer return to the piano accompanied by four string players from the Scottish ensemble, Mr McFall’s Chamber, alongside the powerfully expressive voice of Hannah Rarity. Chapman Campbell describes his new album as "a celebration of the essential beauty of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity. We’re teetering upon the edge; while slowly recovering from a global pandemic we’re faced with the much broader sickness of our natural world. Rarely have humans experienced a challenge so global in its scale, one that demands such a collective response. Deep down in the human heart, I believe, is a light of immense beauty and strength. Now is the time to find that light, and to lift it up. As an offering of hope, this album is my personal contribution." Hannah Rarity’s has established herself as one of Scotland’s foremost vocalists. Former winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year award, her status as a rising talent has been further consolidated by her numerous nominations at the Scots Trad Music Awards, including her shortlisted nomination for Album of the Year 2019 and feature as ‘One to Watch’ in The Scotsman. "It's uplifting music which inspires a sense of sanctuary and stillness and soothes the heart" - What’s On North -
Looking at the variety of Italian baroque instrumental music on offer to today’s listener, one could be forgiven for thinking that Vivaldi had faced little competition during his lifetime. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst the volume of music that flowed from Vivaldi’s pen was unusually plentiful, many other composers were needed to fulfil the needs of the regional courts and churches throughout Italy. Expert early-music ensemble La Serenissima perform works by Lorenzo Gaetano Zavateri, Giuseppe Sammartini, Evaristo Felice Dall’Abaco and Giuseppe Antonio Brescianello alongside works by Vivaldi on this new album of Italian Baroque masterpieces. ★★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording " Once again on crisp and orderly form…A well thought out programme, sympathetically recorded and helpfully documented" - BBC Music Magazine