★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording "Perfectly decent recordings with top orchestras - the Royal Philharmonic and Philharmonia - professionally guided by Arthur Fagen. Joselson is an admirably clear interpreter. He applies the right rubato to the big tune of the Rachmaninov Second Piano Concerto’s finale" - BBC Music Magazine
"With a performance that is equally thoughtful and electrifying, Joselson’s new album is a visceral listening experience for two of the most popular piano concertos of all time. This album is a must-have for all classical music lovers as well as the definitively enlightened audio enthusiast!" - TheSoundAdvocate.com "[Grieg] Undeniably, magnificently supported by Arthur Fagen and the Royal Philharmonic… an intensely lovely opening to the second movement, relaxing, gently caressing and touching. [Rachmaninov] This is a lovely performance, the instrumental solos nicely dovetailed into the ebb and flow of the piano writing" - Musicweb International-
The renowned American pianist Tedd Joselson presents a ‘companionship’ of his favourite concertos – the Grieg Piano Concerto and Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto. Led by conductor Arthur Fagen with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Grieg) and the Philharmonia Orchestra (Rachmaninov), the disc is also a companion to Joselson’s April 2021 recording of the Lim Fantasy of Companionship for Piano and Orchestra, recorded at the same time at Abbey Road with the London Symphony Orchestra. Belgian-American pianist Tedd Joselson was only 17 when he auditioned for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s music director, Eugene Ormandy, after which the famous conductor remarked “Anything you want, you can play with us”. He was offered a recording contract by RCA whilst still a student at Juilliard, and quickly became, and remained until his retirement, one of the most sought after performers regularly appearing with nearly every important symphonic ensemble and conductor. He gave his debut piano recital on the Great Performer’s series in Lincoln Center in NYC in 1975. Thereafter, his annual sold out recital tours were eagerly awaited events on the music calendar. Noted for his lyrical playing across a wide range of repertoire, his recordings of works span 400 years of music from Bach to Lim, and have won numerous awards including several Grammy nominations. -
One of the greatest finds of the 21st century for the early music world, Telemann’s 12 Fantasias for Viola da Gamba were considered lost until the discovery of an original print in a private collection in Germany in 2015. Perhaps some of the composer’s finest work for solo instrument, they are described by soloist Richard Boothby as being “... by turns virtuosic and expressive, Telemann uses all the techniques of the instrument to create satisfyingly complete Fantasias that are full of diversity.”
One of the UK’s leading exponents of early music, Richard Boothby founded the Purcell Quartet in 1984 and was a founder member of Fretwork in 1985. Since then his career has been bound up with these two groups with whom he records and tours; and through whom he plays the broadest range of repertory for the instrument from the earliest music to the latest contemporary music commissioned for viols.
Performance ★★★★ Recording ★★★★ A disc instinct with affectionate insights - BBC Music Magazine A very smooth and elegant reading - Early Music Review -
On her new album pioneering Romanian vocalist Teodora Brody joins forces with one of the world’s great orchestras to explore well-known classical repertoire from an entirely fresh perspective. Rising with style and energy to realise virtuosic orchestrations by Lee Reynolds, the London Symphony Orchestra voyage with Teodora through classical, jazz and Romanian folk traditions, resulting in a multi-faceted, truly unique musical experience. -
Featuring Rebecca Bottone, Cora Burggraaf, Allan Clayton, Klara Ek, Martene Grimson, Jennifer Johnston, Susan Gritton, Anna Leese, Matthew Rose, Andrew Staples & Mark Stone Signum are proud to reissue Classical Opera’s debut CD, ‘The A-Z of Mozart Opera’, selected for Gramophone magazine’s annual Critic’s Choice in 2007. Based on the coincidence that Mozart’s first opera (Apollo et Hyacinthus) begins with ‘A’ and his last (Die Zauberflöte) with ‘Z’, this disc takes the listener on a chronological journey through Mozart’s operatic canon, featuring an aria or ensemble from fifteen of his operas. My personal pick for giving this year is the Classical Opera Company’s glorious The A-Z of Mozart Opera, which is fresh, diverse, insightful and illuminating - GramophoneA lovely disc which manages to introduce both Mozart's genius and a range of lovely lyric voices, all in stylish performances which certainly make you want to hear more - Planet Hugill Page, to my mind one of the most talented of today's younger British conductors, immediately announced himself with this CD as a natural Mozartian - Early Music Review -
The grammy-award winning artist Hila Plitmann is known worldwide for her astonishing musicianship, light and beautiful voice, and the ability to perform challenging new works. On this disc she brings together a very personal programme that draws on her familial roots in Jewish culture and song; from traditional folk music (Five Yiddish Songs), to contemporary compositions (Bridges of Love, Tehilim and I Never Saw Another Butterfly). The disc also features the Five Hebrew Love Songs, with poetry by Plitmann set to music by the composer Eric Whitacre. Performance ★★★★ Recording ★★★★ Plitmann's selection is carefully chosen for maximum variety ofexpression and instrumentation [and] Julian Bliss proves a sensitive partner to the charismatic Plitmann - BBC Music Magazine Julian Bliss threatens to steal the show on clarinet, but there’s beauty in the voice and enough variety in the works to keep the ears attentive - La Scena Musicale -
This Signum Classics release presents four orchestral works by Xiaogang Ye, one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Chinese music, performed by the RLPO under conductor Dane Lam. Recorded in February 2024 at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the album brings together music inspired by Chinese history and personal memory. The programme opens with The Backyard of the Village (2019), a vivid orchestral portrait of rural life on China’s Hangzhou–Jiaxing–Huzhou Plain, drawing on folk elements and evocative colour. The Memories of Mount Jing Gang (2019), for viola and orchestra, features Diyang Mei and reflects on the historical and symbolic significance of the Jinggang Mountains through a predominantly lyrical and contemplative sound world. My Faraway Nanjing (2005), performed by cellist Guy Johnston, is a single-movement concerto commemorating the victims of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, unfolding in a dark, expressive narrative of remembrance. The album concludes with The Loquat in Five Colors (2024), an overture inspired by the landscapes and legends of Hebei province. These works highlight Ye’s distinctive synthesis of modern orchestral technique with Chinese cultural identity. “This is certainly a disc worth savouring” - Classical Music Daily -
As part of Signum's 15th anniversary year we are delighted to release this celebratory collection of The Best of 'The King's Singers' – a 2-CD collection drawn from their now extensive catalogue on Signum.The first CD includes titles from Christmas (the groups debut album with Signum, released in 2004), along with music from Landscape and Time, Treason and Dischord, Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories, Sacred Bridges, Siglio d’Oro, Romance du soir, From the heart, High Flight and the 2012 release Royal Rhymes and Rounds.The second CD presents songs from four albums: Six, their most recent light album Swimming over London and the Grammy® Award winning Simple Gifts.
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Will Todd is one of the UKs most popular and performed modern choral composers. His output includes works for choir, stage works, and orchestral works, and his music has been featured on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 and Classic FM, and performed all over the UK, Europe and the USA. On this disc, Nigel Short conducts superlative performances of his works by his BBC Music Magazine Award-winning choir Tenebrae and the English Chamber Orchestra. This compilation of his works includes the premiere recording of a new comission 'The Call of Wisdom', which on June 5th 2012 will be presented on the occasion of a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. [A] disc of miniature but perfectly formed musical marvels - Gramophone -
German romantic rarities for soprano, clarinet and piano Australian soprano Elena Xanthoudakis joins forces with Jason Xanthoudakis and Clemens Leske to perform some lost gems of the Romantic chamber music and leider repertoire – featuring works by composers including Lachner, Späth, Proch, Lindtpaintner and Kalliwoda. -
This is a Christmas album that has a sense of place, clearly identifying the Chorale as both American and from a border state with Mexico, and something for everyone whether they prefer serious or light festive fare. There is Hispanic influence in the repertoire choices, which include Catalan folksongs as well as Hispanic Renaissance music. It includes a commission by Cecilia McDowall, written for Christmas 2021, new arrangements of all tracks and also some contemporary Christmas favourites such as Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells. This marks the Chorale’s return to recording following an 8-year hiatus, and their first album with Signum Records. “Festive repertoire plays an important role in the performance cycle of every choir, and it felt fitting to begin our journey with a Christmas recording that established a sense of place for the ensemble: we chose to record repertoire that is all American or Hispanic in origin, save for the newly-commissioned piece by Cecilia McDow- all that was written to mark the centenary of our home in Phoenix, Trinity Cathedral. Our aim is to translate the warmth of Arizona into our sound, to convey the rhetoric of every text, and celebrate the good health of the American Choral Tradition.” - Christopher Gabbitas ★★★★ "The Catalonian folk songs reveal the Chorale's enviable smoothness and sumptuosity of tone. Best of all is Cecilia McDowall's Trinity Triptych, a Phoenix commission performed with a winning mixture of enthusiasm and finesse." - BBC Music Magazine -
British soprano Sarah Fox makes her solo recording debut with songs by Broadway songwriting legend Cole Porter. Accompanied by pianist and arranger James Burton, highlights include ‘In the Still of the Night’ from Rosalie; ‘I’ve got you Under My Skin’ from Born to Dance, and ‘I get a Kick out of You’ from Anything Goes. ★★★★ Sarah Fox and James Burton [give] lovely relaxed performances - Planet Hugill [Sarah Fox] lends a classic feel to all the favourite, including I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get a Kick Out Of You and Anything Goes - The Lady A wholly delightful disc - MusicWeb International -
Award-winning Vibraphonist Lewis Wright returns to Signum following the success of his recording ‘Duets’ in 2018, with a selection of new compositions this time performed with Matt Brewer (Double-Bass) and Marcus Gilmore (Drums). “The Colour of Intention refers to the creative process itself: that in order to express yourself honestly in music, you have to generate clear intentions developed from thoughts and emotions which then colour the work rather than explaining every aspect of it. In the moment of performance, the goal then becomes to put all these previous investigations out of mind and exist in the present. The colour of intention is describing everything except performance; the slower processes of development, reflection and refinement and how they’ll seep, often unpredictably, into everything that ends up being realised. Working with Matt (Brewer) and Marcus (Gilmore) adds the last and most engaging dimension. How they interpret the music, interact and bring their own highly developed languages to bare, creates something that’s both a reflection of my intentions and also infinitely more sophisticated than it’s possible for me to conceive of. I think in this sense, human connection is the greatest element of what it is we do as musicians.” - Lewis Wright -
This first volume of The Complete Alkan Organ Works presents Joseph Nolan’s recording of Charles-Valentin Alkan’s major works for organ and pedal-piano, performed on the restored Stahlhuth–Jann organ of St Martin’s Church, Dudelange. The release includes the 11 Grands Préludes and Handel transcription Op. 66, the Petits Préludes sur les huit gammes du plainchant, and the Impromptu on Luther’s “Ein feste Burg”, Op. 69. The booklet outlines Alkan’s background, his distinctive position in 19th-century French music, and the technical demands of these rarely recorded pieces. It also documents the instrument’s history and Nolan’s long-term commitment to the project. ★★★★★ - The Guardian 100% - "Nolan is an organist with a mind of his own and this record is in a class of its own ... Nothing else like it on record." - Norman Lebrecht / Slipped Disc -
Following her acclaimed Brahms release on Signum Classics in May 2021, Leeds International Piano Competition Winner (2015), Anna Tsybuleva, releases a new album of Debussy’s 24 Preludes pour solo piano. Tsybuleva has been described by as embodying “superb pianism and intelligent musicianship” (Gramophone Magazine) and “A pianist of rare gifts: not since Murray Perahia’s triumph in 1972 has Leeds had a winner of this musical poise and calibre” (International Piano Magazine). Praise for Tsybuleva on Signum Classics “One is speechless. As far as their performance is concerned, the German Symphony Orchestra Berlin, the soloist and the conductor Ruth Reinhardt are an extremely eloquent team that realizes their musical ideas together. You can hear a direct and gripping Brahms, without any airs, without frills – music that speaks to you directly” – Piano News ★★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording - "Anna Tsybuleva interprets fluently and continuously" - Fono Forum 7/10 Performance, 10/10 Recording - "Beauty of tone, sensitivity and spaciousness permeate her Debussy Preludes" - ClassicsToday "There is plenty to enjoy in terms of sensitivity, grace and nimbleness. The opening 'Danseuses and Delphes' is appropriately statuesque and sensitively weighted, while the frank simplicity of 'Bruyères' is a good example of her no-frills naturalness. She is also capable of storytelling, as in her cheekily whimsical 'Danse de Puck'." - Gramophone "From Anna Tsybuleva you hear playing of a special finesse and evocation…enchanted with what I find available I find myself longing for more Debussy from Tsybuleva…she has been excellently recorded…She is at the heart of the Debussian world" - The Art of Pianists "[She brings] Debussy's lucid and fragrant sound to life…A magnificent interpretation of Debussy's Préludes" - Piano News Recorded in utterly glorious sound this is a worthy addition to the great sets that have gone before. - Music Web International -
Malcolm Martineau follows up his acclaimed complete song collections of Poulenc and Faure with an album celebrating the solo songs of Henri Duparc, performed by an acclaimed roster of British singers – Dame Sarah Connolly, Huw Montague Rendall, Nicky Spence & William Thomas. An iconic figure in the world of French music – his songs described as being ‘imperfect...but works of genius’ by Ravel and ‘perfect’ by Debussy – Duparc only composed a handful of works during the first half of his life: following a nervous disorder in 1885 at age 37 he lived for a further 48 years, orchestrat- ing and tinkering with his songs, but publishing nothing new. Scottish pianist Malcolm Martineau is recognised at the highest international level as one of the UK’s leading accompanists, performing worldwide alongside the world’s greatest singers and with a discogra- phy of over 100 albums, including a number of award-winning recordings. ★★★★★ "Martineau and the four singers all bring a thoughtfulness and profound consideration to the performances, we very rarely simply luxuriate in the simple beauty of sound. And whilst there is plenty of that, each song is a profoundly expressive microcosm, bringing alive the composer's complex and fascinating interior life" - Planet Hugill ★★★★ "The best single performance comes from the young and splendidly named baritone Huw Montague Rendall, who really captures the way Phydilé begins in calm radiance, seems to end ecstatically, and then surges to a whole new level of passion. Pianist Malcolm Martineau is hyper-alert to all the little details in the super-refined piano parts that change the emotional colour…Overall these are wonderful recordings, which shine a bright light on these lonely eminences in French art song" - The Telegraph ★★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording "Four singers are involved, together with the expertly collaborative pianist Malcolm Martineau…a high standard is attained by all participants" - BBC Music Magazine Editors Choice ★★★★ "Complete collection proves Duparc a master of the art song…What a lovely release this is, and one to revisit for endless listening pleasure…It’s an ideal introduction to the composer’s sophisticated sound world. Pianist Malcolm Martineau is in superb partnership with each singer, his playing unstintingly refined and expressive." - Limelight Magazine Top albums of 2022 - VOICE "Martineau on piano really knows how to draw the best from each artist on this recording and his spirited performance in Phidyelé shows that he is a talented pianist in his own right." Art Muse London "The present offering, masterminded by the indefatigable Malcolm Martineau, can definitely be the starting point for the curious…truly excellent" - Musicweb International "This is very much a recording in which we're aware of Duparc's edginess as well as his beauty…There's a terrific and consistently persuasive grandeur and sweep in much of Martineau's playing…This is a fine and fascinating addition to his discography" - Gramophone ★★★★ "[Martineau] works extremely well with each of the four singers…Sarah Connolly, who is doubtless luxuriant but also adds a wonderful world-weariness in several of her songs. There's a nice division between established singers and up-and-comers here, and rising tenor Nicky Spence is just right in the ardent Sérénade Florentine, which is just what the title implies. This is a Duparc recital that brings out the composer's Wagnerian qualities and one that showcases a quartet of singers in an unusually effective way" - AllMusic.com "One can only admire too the generous musicianship of Malcolm Martineau, himself a Prince among accompanists, whose ever-sensitive collaborations make this disc an essential addition to the Duparc discography." - Opera Today ★★★★ - CLASSICA "This is very much a recording in which we're aware of Duparc's edginess as well as his beauty…There's a terrific and consistently persuasive grandeur and sweep in much of Martineau's playing here…this is a fine and fascinating addition to his discography" - Gramophone -
Pianist Malcolm Martineau brings together some of the UK’s finest singers for the first release in a new series charting the complete songs of French composer Gabriel Fauré. This series follows Martineau’s well-received series of The Complete Poulenc Songs. -
Pianist Malcolm Martineau brings together some of the UK’s finest singers for the second release in a new series charting the complete songs of French composer Gabriel Fauré.★★★★ Another lovely evening in an imaginary salon… Connolly is at her best, capturing the controlled, yet rapturous passion of this achingly beautiful cycle - BBC Music Magazine Malcolm Martineau, the mastermind behind the project, is, as always, the ideal accompanist. Readers who bought the first volume need not hesitate, and those who didn’t are well advised to try this second instalment before buying volume one - MusicWeb International -
The final volume in the acclaimed series with Malcolm Martineau, charting the complete songs of French composer Gabriel Fauré and performed by a selection of the world’s finest singers. This series follows Martineau’s heralded 5-CD series of The Complete Songs of Francis Poulenc. "By the time one has read Roger Nichols' notes, there is not much more that one needs to know about this extraordinary collection; four hours of sheer pleasure" - Present Arts -
Malcolm Martineau follows up his acclaimed complete song collections of Duparc, Poulenc and Faure with a double album celebrating the complete songs of Maurice Ravel, performed by a bumper roster of singers: Lorna Anderson, Julie Boulianne, John Chest, Sarah Dufresne Dafydd Jones, Simon Keenlyside, Paula Murrihy, Nicky Spence and William Thomas. French composer Maurice Ravel known for his musical craftsmanship and clear style drew on elements of baroque, neoclassicism, modernism and later on, jazz in his compositions. His vocal works span 4 decades, from 1893 to 1933. Scottish pianist Malcolm Martineau is recognised at the highest international level as one of the UK’s leading accompanists, performing worldwide alongside the world’s greatest singers and with a discography of over 100 albums, including a number of award-winning recordings. ★★★★★ - "The homogeneity of the result is striking" - Spanish Classical Music Magazine ★★★★★ - "Martineau's pellucid pianism holds the project gloriously together" - BBC Music Magazine§ ★★★★ - "For many, it will be the one-off songs, those not part of a cycle, that are the big discoveries. But among the better-known numbers there are some fine performances" - The Guardian ★★★★ - "Beautifull recorded, with voices and piano well balanced" - Limelight -
The legacy of the celebrity castrato Senesino has endured for centuries. He is known to us today primarily as Handel’s leading man for 13 seasons in London, and he was recognised the world over for his moving dramatic interpretations, fiery singing, and singular, over-the-top divo personality. Yet, Handel’s music for Senesino only shows us a fraction of the numerous virtuosic roles written for the castrato. Here, for the first time, are arias by seven overlooked composers who also wrote showpieces for the (in)famous Senesino. All but one of the arias on this album are modern-day premieres and heard together, they illuminate the talents of an 18th-century operatic icon. Each of the composers on this album was a genuine musical talent, greatly admired for the refinement and skill of their compositions, but they are almost entirely forgotten today. What a fascinating bunch! One was a part-time spy for the future King of France, another a workaholic recluse, one was accused of plagiarism and banished from London entirely, and another worked a side-gig composing music for Italian comedians. The countertenor Randall Scotting’s debut album on Signum Records with Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Laurence Cummings. ★★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording "In this debut solo album, seven years in the making, countertenor Randall Scotting lets loose a ravishing vocalism…this recording captures his dramatic artistry" - BBC Music Magazine ★★★★ "The American countertenor sings his Senesino program with great commitment, feeling, drama and, above all, versatility, finding the right character for each character. Much affetto and, above all, color characterize the warm, flexible, full-sounding singing, which is supported by a no less expressive orchestra under the inspired direction of Laurence Cummings" - Pizzicato "It’s a really rich voice with a good range of dramatic colours, and Scotting writes very well about the start castrato in the notes. It’s an effective reminder of the range and combustible temperament of an extraordinary performer in Handel’s London" - BBC Radio 3 Record Review -
The Crown of Life continues the Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford’s exploration of overlooked treasures in twentieth-century English choral music under Owen Rees. At its centre is the first recording of Kenneth Leighton’s Missa Christi (1988), the composer’s final large-scale sacred work, commissioned by Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis. Alongside it are world premiere recordings of Harold Darke’s Blessed is the man that endureth temptation and Imogen Holst’s Out of your sleep arise and wake. Works by Rebecca Clarke and Gustav Holst complete the programme, offering a richly varied portrait of composers linked by study with Stanford and united in sacred expression. “Glorious music making from start to finish” - Gramophone 8/10 - CrossRhythms “characterised by a remarkable sonic cohesion and a careful balance between sections” - Sonograma -
Tenebrae's latest disc on Signum sees their return to the repertoire of Russian composer Alexander Levine. The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom is Levine’s most significant large-scale religious work to date. Inspired by the humility and humanity of the murdered Russian priest (and friend of Levine) Fr. Alexander Men and composed over a three-month period of
spiritual immersion, research and contemplation (similar to that described by his great forebears Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov), the work traces a continuous spiritual growth towards the central point of the Liturgy – the Holy Communion.
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After the success of their debut release, Voyages, Mary Bevan and Joseph Middleton present their second recital disc exploring Lieder in German and Italian by Schubert, Haydn and Wolf. The programme is woven around songs inspired by the ‘muses’ of the day, both mythological and divine. It begins with Schubert’s dramatic and reverential settings of sacred German poetry, set alongside his lush emotional portrayals of female characters in the Italian settings. The central section of the disc is then devoted to Haydn’s epic ‘scena’ depicting the famously cruel abandonment of Arianna by her lover Teseo, ‘Arianna a Naxos’. Haydn’s beautiful prayer ‘Geistliches Lied’ takes us back into the world of German poetry and the religious fervour that arose from the collective belief in Christianity which pervaded most art forms of the age. The disc then moves into works by Hugo Wolf, whose stunning settings of devotional texts take the listener right to the heart of the characters; a few of these songs were in fact inspired by paintings. The early moments of Jesus Christ’s life are vividly portrayed here, particularly in songs such as ‘Die ihr Schwebet’, ‘Auf ein Altes Bild’ and ‘Schlafendes Jesuskind’, while the haunting ‘Gesang Weylas’ invites the listener into the world of the mysterious goddes Weyla who wistfully dreams of the shores of her distant homeland. From Ganymed to Christ, Dido to the Virgin Mary, Arianna to St Peter, this recital disc richly illustrates the lives and events surrounding the ‘divine muses’ who inspired these composers. All downloads include booklets. "This recital is sometimes stormy, sometimes prayerful, and occasionally full of rapture…The recording quality on the album is outstanding…For the variety of colors, outstanding drama, and emotive singing, this is a highly recommended recital". - The Classic Review "Mary Bevan is not just an exceptionally fine soprano. She's also a superb actress, whether performing on the operatic stage or on the recital platform. Those dramatic qualities - and her keen care for diction - shine in her latest album, 'The Divine Muse' "- Gramophone "A singer with real dramatic power, much loved on the opera stage…An absorbing recital" - The Observer -
A unique disc from one of Scotland's most dynamic and versatile groups – the Scottish Ensemble is a tight-knit band of outstanding string players from around Europe who perform regularly together under Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton. This disc – one of their first solo releases following acclaimed discs with artists such as Alison Balsom and Toby Spence – contrasts Vivaldi's timeless Four Seasons with Piazzolla's tango-inspired The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. Combining Vivaldi and Piazzola together like this underlines the meteorological and cultural differences between Mediterranean Europe and the heart of South America. To have them performed side by side creates a fascinating programme of similarities and contrasts. The playing standard is excellent, with the strings of the Scottish Ensemble finding a light and suitably transparent texture in the Vivaldi, matched by bright, stylish solos from Jonathan Morton - Gramophone The relationship between the violin soloist and the ensemble is just right … the Scottish Ensemble succeed in bringing this paradoxical idea to fruition - Classical-CD-Reviews.com -
The Choir of Jesus College Cambridge’s new release on Signum blends a selection of ancient and modern works from the 16th and 20th Centuries, all centred on the theme of evening. A gorgeous blended sound... the atmospheric singing of the choristers is of a high standard - Early Music Review The choir have a delicacy and a musical responsiveness that's particularly suited to this softer-edged programme of evening music - Gramophone As an unguent to tired limbs, is this gorgeously dreamy recital to the soul: calorific with comfort, it pleases with delightful contrasts, sensitive, sustained singing and shapely interpretations - Choir & Organ Most enjoyable - Cross Rhythms -
The First Child is a narrative that is much larger than the characters themselves. A work that reveals itself incrementally and cuts between the normal and the mythic. Passing through the strange minds of the central characters. Moving sharply from darkness to comedy. Shaped by obsession and an unstoppable quest for revenge. ★★★★ - Opera Now Magazine ★★★★ - BBC Music Magazine Praise for INO on Signum Classics: “This CD set is evidence of the company’s high quality” – Classical Music Daily “An infinite amount of orchestral detail, vocal sprezzatura, and joie de vivre which all contribute in making “La Bohème” one of the best opera recordings of the past decade” – Opera Wire “The recording is spectacular...We hear everything, and in beautiful perspective” – Classical Explorer -
David Price and the Choir of Portsmouth Cathedral present a selection of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols. They are joined by organists Sachin Gunga, Kim Chin and The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood. “The music of Advent and Christmas is rich and deep in the Anglican tradition and here on this album we give you a flavour of a Portsmouth Christmas. We have drawn on all the varied and wonderful events that Portsmouth Cathedral contributes to - from Christmas tours to Antwerp, Carol Services on board HMS Victory for The Second Sea Lord, live broadcasts on BBC TV and Radio as well as our regular round of services here in the Cathedral... We hope you enjoy this snapshot of a Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas” - David Price 9/10 - “If you have ever enjoyed a carol concert then wherever you come from, I am confident that many if not most of the songs on this enjoyable release will meet with your approval.” - CrossRhythms "The Band of the Royal Marines Collingwood sound fabulous with Portsmouth Cathedral’s choristers" - Gramophone Carries the listener in 18 tracks of spiritual authenticity, with lovely tone from both boy and girl trebles and tenderly shaped interpretations. - Choir and Organ -
The Rodolfus Choir mark both Benjamin Britten’s centenary year and the 30th anniversary of the choir’s first concert with this new programme of works by both composers. The disc includes the premiere recording of Paul Mealor’s Praise, which was commissioned especially for the Rodolfus Choir.
The choir’s previous disc of choral works by Elgar was widely-praised by critics:
Recording of the Month: The Rodolfus Choir shine strongly in these well-loved Elgar part-songs choral works - MusicWeb International
Elgarians and others tempted by the works assembled in this new collection can be assured that it is on a par with the best of them - International Record Review
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An exciting new disc from one of the UK’s leading exponents of contemporary saxophone.Welsh performer Lara James commissioned a group of well-known and emerging UK composers to build this programme of contemporary works for saxophone, string quartet and jazz trio, starting with the simple brief of combining jazz concepts, sounds and harmonies with classical forms and structures. The result is a beguiling disc of premiere performances that showcases the talents of the performers and composers alike.
Featured composers include: Will Todd, Graham Lynch, Tim Garland, Ian Lawson, Mike Hall, Tim Barnes, Dave Stapleton & Huw Warren.
This is Signum’s second disc with Lara James, following 2009’s ‘Façades’ (SIGCD158) – a disc of contemporary saxophone works for classical trio and orchestra:
“The saxophone is in, and there's no better performer than Lara James. From shades of jazz to thrilling expressionism, this recital earns your attention.”
Classic FM Magazine
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The musical world of eighteenth-century Europe was a small one. Despite the problems presented by contemporary standards of transport, it was quite normal for composers in one part of Europe to be entirely au fait with what was happening elsewhere. This is borne out by the closeness of three German composers: Telemann, godfather to C.P.E. Bach; Pisendel; and J.S. Bach, who admired both his compatriots and composed some astoundingly difficult music for the violinist Pisendel. This programme celebrates their music as well as the music of those who contributed to their musical heritage. Included alongside the German triumvirate are works by Vivaldi who physically helped with the composition of Pisendel’s A minor concerto movement, Fasch who was a great friend of Pisendel and Telemann, and Brescianello, an Italian who helped the dissemination of Italian instrumental music throughout the German-speaking lands and whose concertos were played in Dresden by Pisendel. All downloads include booklets. -
The Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford celebrate the works of choral music icon Herbert Howells in a disc that sets his works alongside pieces that they inspired and influenced – such as Nico Muhly’s Like as the Hart for choir, solo violin and percussion – as well as works that in turn influenced him. The disc features two world premiere recordings by David Bednall: settings of two Marian antiphons Alma redemptoris mater and Ave regina caelorum that ‘complete’ the partly-lost set of works that Howells wrote for Westminster Cathedral.
Led by their director Owen Rees, the Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford is among the finest and most active university choirs in the UK. Its wide-ranging repertory includes a rich array of music from Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, including commissions.
★★★★★ A distinguished disc - Choir and OrganAn excellent disc: the singing is incredibly tight, in the manner to which it has become increasingly accustomed under its musical director, Owen Rees, and Bednall’s writing is ingenious - Gramophone
This is a welcome disc of some lesser-known repertoire - Cathedral Music Magazine A well planned collection of British sacred music - Music Web International -
Hymns are part of the UK’s national culture, available to believers and non-believers alike. Some of the most popular hymn-tunes featured here – such as O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded or Good Christians All – are over four hundred years old, while others date from the latter half of the 20th century. Founded in 1836, the internationally renowned Huddersfield Choral Society is one of UK’s leading choral groups. Famed for their ‘Huddersfield Sound’, they have a long established histoy of recordings and performances, appearing at the BBC Proms in 2018 as well as broadcasing regualarly on radio and television. A must for choral devotees - The Northern Echo -
World-renowned a cappella group The King’s Singers follow their recent Great American Songbook album with the Christmas equivalent, on a disc that pays homage to the group’s roots whilst acknowledging their current passion for swing. Traditional favourites such as “The holly and the ivy,” “In the bleak midwinter,” and the beautiful Austrian carol “Still, Still, Still,” jockey for position amongst modern-day classics like “Winter Wonderland,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Sleigh Ride.” All are presented in new arrangements by some of the group’s favourite arrangers: Berty Rice, Keith Roberts and Alexander L’Estrange. There’s an infectious sense of glee… To say it’s what you would expect from this dexterous ensemble is recommendation enough - Choir and Organ -
Based at Windsor Castle, the members of The Queen’s Six make up half of the Lay Clerks of St George’s Chapel, whose homes lie within the Castle walls. This rare privilege demands the highest musical standards, as they sing regularly for the Royal family at both private and state occasions. In 2018 this included the weddings of Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank, and Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle, both held in St George’s Chapel. Most significantly however, it is the familiarity of living and singing together in Chapel every day that lends this group its distinctive closeness and blend, as well as an irresistible informality and charm. Individually, members of The Queen’s Six have appeared in many of the most prestigious vocal ensembles on the circuit, including The Tallis Scholars, Tenebrae, and The Sixteen. Their repertoire extends far beyond the reach of the choir stalls: from austere early chant, florid Renaissance polyphony, lewd madrigalsand haunting folk songs to upbeat Jazz and Pop arrangements. -
This is the third volume in the EP series ‘The Library’ – a series that explores both the history, and the new horizons, of The King’s Singers close-harmony repertoire. Close-harmony is the part of their work for which they are best known, and their library of thousands of arrangements is one they’re determined to explore, maintain and develop. The track-listing is designed to celebrate some old favourites from the library alongside brand new arrangements and adaptations, created especially for these recordings, which may perhaps become ‘old favourites’ of the future. The King’s Singers were founded on 1 May 1968 by six choral scholars who had recently graduated from King’s College Cambridge. Their vocal line-up was (by chance) two countertenors, a tenor, two baritones and a bass, and the group has never wavered from this formation since. -
This is the fourth volume in our The Library EP series. The idea behind it is to explore, maintain and grow our library of close-harmony repertoire. “Close-harmony” is arguably the part of our work for which we are best known, and our library of thousands of pop, jazz and folksong arrangements is one we’re always determined to nurture. The track-listing for each volume in the series is designed to celebrate old favourites alongside brand new arrangements created especially for these recordings, which we hope will become the ‘old favourites’ of the future”. The King’s Singers were founded on 1 May 1968 by six choral scholars who had recently graduated from King’s College Cambridge. Their vocal line-up was (by chance) two countertenors, a tenor, two baritones and a bass, and the group has never wavered from this formation since. "The group itself does not disappoint in its perfect tuning and absolute vocal control, which are showcased in some challenging vocal settings. The engineering of this recording made in the superb acoustics of the Snape, Maltings could not be improved upon." - Musicweb International -
Acclaimed for their life-affirming virtuosity and irresistible charm, The King’s Singers are in global demand. Their work – synonymous with the best in vocal ensemble performance – appeals to a vast international audience. The Library is the name of a series of EP releases that celebrates our ‘close-harmony’ library, both historically and as it grows each year. Close-harmony is the phrase we have always used to describe its lighter repertoire, and we see The Library as our chance to make sure this rich vein of great song-writing and arranging gets the place of prominence it deserves. The Library recording series will involve regular releases which will come out alongside other touring and recording projects, giving us an output for revisiting some of these old favourites and commissioning brand new close harmony from recent releases. Every volume in The Library series will capture a variety of songs, celebrating the wonderful diversity of music in our world today. All downloads include booklets. -
This is the second volume in the EP series ‘The Library’. The idea behind this series is to explore both the history, and the new horizons, of The King’s Singers close-harmony repertoire. Close-harmony is the part of their work for which they are best known, and their library of thousands of arrangements is one they’re determined to explore, maintain and develop. The track -listing is designed to celebrate some old favourites from the library alongside brand new arrangements and adaptations, created especially for these recordings, which may perhaps become ‘old favourites’ of the future. Volume 2 was recorded in the beautiful surroundings of Snape Maltings, Suffolk (UK) - a place most famous for its association with Benjamin Britten - and it proved to be a relaxing and inspiring place to work for two beautiful wintry days. The King’s Singers were founded on 1 May 1968 by six choral scholars who had recently graduated from King’s College Cambridge. Their vocal line-up was (by chance) two countertenors, a tenor, two baritones and a bass, and the group has never wavered from this formation since. All downloads include booklets. -
A work bringing together performers from across the globe, the Lim Fantasy of Companionship for Piano and Orchestra is an engaging and heartfelt work that explores disruptive technologies – the intersection between technology and humanity – in the form of robotics and AI, via music. The idea that human engineering of the inanimate may ultimately produce companions previously unimagined, brought to life in a Fantasy of Companionship composed by Manu Martin. -
The Temple Church is one of the most historic and beautiful churches in London. Situated between Fleet Street and the Thames Embankment, its recorded musical history extends back to its restoration in 1841, although a church has stood on the site for over 800 years. The modern choir is comprised of 18 boy choristers and 12 professional choirmen – an excellent opportunity for the choristers who receive singing and theory tuition as well as generous scholarships towards their education. The programme explores three fascinating and contrasting settings of the Te Deum: A stalwart of the church liturgy (first conceived as far back as AD 387), these settings span over 300 years of English music history, composed respectively in 1694 (Purcell), 1897 (Elgar) and 1944 (Howells). This disc is complemented by the release of James Vivian’s English Organ Music from the Temple Church. -
A stellar line-up of soloists, conductor, choir and orchestra combine forces in the re-mastered 2 CD set of Mozart's arrangement of Handel's much loved 'Messiah'. In April 1742, shortly after the first performance of Messiah in Dublin for the city's Charitable Musical Society, the Dublin Journal reported that the oratorio "was allowed by the greatest of Judges to be the finest Compostion of Musick that was ever heard". Sir Charles Mackerras continues the constantly evolving performance history of one of the world's most enduring masterpieces. Highly enjoyable - BBC Music Magazine -
International award-winning composer, Amanda Lee Falkenberg has composed a dynamic new work that merges music and science. The seven-movement symphony dramatizes past, present and future moon explorations, and highlights discoveries that have been made in our search for other worlds that could possibly sustain life. Through seven exhilarating movements, concertgoers will experience a stunning space adventure that focuses on the stories of these fascinating moons. But what uniquely defines this symphony is its planetary core message which culminates in the 7th movement, dedicated to Earth-Moon. This final movement offers a discovery of a different kind and provides a unique opportunity to view our planet united and whole, from the surface of the Moon, a breathtaking, life-changing experience referred to as THE OVERVIEW EFFECT. The impact of such a privileged sight has inspired a call to action from Astronauts and as a result, has propelled them to share this profound perspective shift with all of us here on Earth. Through the persuasive and powerful forces of music, the symphony offers Earthlings a chance to contemplate who and where we are in the universe. In 42 minutes they will be taken on an emotional journey, marveling at the wonders of these moons, the beauty of our planet, and possibly even experience their own perspective shift as crew-mates aboard this spaceship we cruise, Earth. This is the story of THE MOONS SYMPHONY. ★★★★★ "This is a real one-off…it succeeds because [Falkenberg's] a very experienced composer of film music, and the extraordinary quality of the performance" - Choir and Organ "Marin Alsop secures excellent playing from the London Symphony Orchestra" - Gramophone ★★★★ "Falkenberg’s passionate and creative adaptation of the film music genre is firmly embraced by the committed artistry of the London Symphony under Marin Alsop and the warm cohesion and crystalline diction of the London Voices directed by Ben Parry…The Moons Symphony offers a precious and timely perspective on our own fragile planet that we would do well to heed" - Limelight "This ambitious project is brought to life by a sizzling LSO and a gutsy London Voices…This is musical painting on an infectiously grand scale" - BBC Music Magazine "This is a captivating work, an exciting and emotional journey in tonal language, in which the composer aspires to make her music serves as a reflection on who we are and where we are, so that we are aware of the beauty of our planet and the majesty of the moons of our solar system...Alsop is impeccable because of the naturalness with which she extracts all the melodic weight of this work, which lives with the stars" - Sonograma ★★★★½ "This is music designed to grab the listener's attention. It also happens to be right up the alley of conductor Marin Alsop, leading the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Voices; she builds a solid structure and keeps it moving along effectively" - All Music -
As 2014 heralds the composer’s 80th year, Harrison Birtwistle remains one of the most popular voices in contemporary composition in the UK and beyond. This new collection of premiere recordings draws together recent commissions with older works to mark the occasion, with characteristically flawless performances from the BBC Singers under Nicholas Kok. They are joined on this disc by the Nash Ensemble and baritone Roderick Williams.
Best Classical CDs of 2014 The Guardian ★★★★★ Recorded after a memorable Proms UK premiere last year, The Moth Requiem is one of Birtwistle's most austerely beautiful works ... The Ring Dance of the Nazarene, featuring a standout contribution from Williams, is similarly striking, as are performances and recording - Classical Music Magazine Birtwistle’s characteristic melodic angularity and rhythmic complexity are duly represented in six pieces written between 1965 and 2012, including two strikingly evocative recent triumphs — the buoyantly mystic Ring Dance of the Nazarene and the shadowy, haunting Moth Requiem — with all of it sung supremely well - The New York Times Birtwistle is scaling new heights just now, and the elegiacMoth Requiem transports us to a sonic world of beguiling mystery. These singers have his music in their bones, presenting it with precision and sensitivity, be it the stark, monumental Carmen Paschale, a glistening gem of a Lullaby or the dynamic Ring Dance of the Nazarene- BBC Music Magazine -
Calvin Hampton’s creative voice was an immensely important one within the New York musical world of the 1960s and 70s, and found his own ‘Bohemia’ - as Jeremy Filsell describes. The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, directed by Filsell bring us the first commercial release of less well-known, somewhat neglected choral and organ works by the composer, who died of Aids at the age of 46. “Hampton’s unique voice is one of rare breadth, and it is hoped that this present recording, made in his adopted New York, the city which continually inspired his creativity, and gave voice to his music, may help in some way to stimulate greater interest in both his choral and organ music” - Jeremy Filsell. ★★★★★ “The soul of this album is Hampton’s work for choir. It’s put across with luminosity and polish by the Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue Choir of Men and Boys, which Filsell Directs” - Choir and Organ "All played with unsparing clarity by Jeremy Filsell” - Cathedral Music "[Hampton's work for choir] It's put across with luminosity and polish...to evoke the feeling of listening to Hampton's music in a New York City church much like his own? That is essential and to be embraced" - Cathedral Music -
The renowned Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys record a fitting tribute to their former Choirmaster and Organist Gerre Hancock (1934-2012). In this post for over 30 years, he was a pivotal figure in the choir’s rejuvenation and created a wealth of choral and organ music during his career – much of it composed for friends and colleagues across the USA. The performances are led here by Jeremy Filsell, their present Organist and Director of Music, with additional accompaniment from Benjamin Sheen (Associate Organist) and Nicholas Quardokus (Assistant Organist), and the Saint Thomas Brass ensemble. The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys is considered to be the leading ensemble of its kind in the Anglican choral tradition in the United States. While its primary raison d’être is to sing five choral services each week, the Choir also performs regularly with Orchestra of St. Luke’s and New York Baroque Incorporated as part of Concerts at Saint Thomas. Over recent years, the Choir has toured throughout the US, Europe and Scandinavia with performances at Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, King’s College, Cambridge, Dresden and at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. The boy choristers make frequent appearances on local and national television programs. Jeremy Filsell is one of only a few virtuoso performers as both pianist and organist. He has appeared as a solo pianist in Russia, Scandinavia, New Zealand and Australia and throughout the USA and UK. He combined an international recital and teaching career with being director of music at the Church of the Epiphany and then of St. Alban’s in Washington DC, Artist-in-residence at Washington National Cathedral, and Professor of Organ at the Peabody Conservatory (Baltimore), before moving to New York in April 2019 to become Organist & Director of Music at the Church of Saint Thomas, Fifth Avenue. -
Signum Records are delighted to present this world-class ensemble, led by trumpeter Graham Ashton. This group of talented New Yorkers have performed the works of James Pugh and Daniel Schnyder in concerts across the globe. The relationship between these two composers and the Brass Ensemble has developed far beyond mutual friendship and respect. Since the year 2000, when James Pugh first wrote "And Flights of Angels" for the group, the ensemble have seldom performed a concert without a selection of his and Daniel’s music. Both James and Daniel now write many pieces exclusively for these players, and have created a close and successful partnership, both on stage and off. The world of brass music is relatively under-explored, and James Pugh (Professor of Trombone at Purchase College, State University of New York) and Daniel Schnyder (Composer-in-Residence with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra) have specialised in a repertoire that is both fun, challenging and extremely versatile. A champion of brass ensemble music, Graham Ashton reformed the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble (GABE) upon relocating to New York in 1999. The ensemble quickly made its mark by drawing together an eclectic mix of Manhattan's most distinguished brass players from the Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and American Symphony. GABE made their New York début in 2000 at the 25th Anniversary conference of the International Trumpet Guild. [Ashton's] ensemble of Manhattan's finest brass players is, on this showing, as smooth and subtle as you'll ever hope to hear - Musical PointersThe Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble has produced an exceptionally fine recording ... beautiful, spacious, playful, and mysterious - International Horn Society Succeeds on every level: extraordinary musicianship, clear and sonorous recorded sound, fresh and interesting repertoire - The Brass Player -
One of Britain’s most popular contemporary composers, Patrick Hawes, has teamed up with the excellent Voce Chamber Choir of Connecticut to create an album of twenty brand-new Christmas choral works. Specially written for the choir, the first collection and album title, sets words by Patrick’s poet brother Andrew. The Nativity, for unaccompanied choir, moves through the Christmas nativity scene exploring the drama of this momentous moment in human history. For the second collection, Patrick has set Four Christmas Motets, the fragile ancient poetry giving rise to tender and heartfelt music for unaccompanied choir. The album goes on to explore the Christmas story through various texts, old and new, in works that are set to become extremely popular with choirs around the world. Composer Patrick Hawes says “Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and it has been a joy to set such inspiring and dramatic words to music. The variety of texts - from ancient to modern – are all so relevant for today because they speak of eternal truths and the mystery of the Christmas story. I am thrilled with how Voce and their director Mark Singleton have brought a freshness of approach and musical excellence to their interpretation of this exciting project.” “This endearing set of Christmas pieces isn’t just music: it’s message, it’s poetry and celebration. Performed by an ensemble of a cappella voices in a traditional, strophic way, and with brilliant melodic figurations. It is worth highlighting, in this Christmas carol, the warmth and affection of the accompaniment of the organ by Stephen Scarlato.” – Sonograma Magazine "meticulously conceived across every perceptible dimension... this refreshing and restorative choral album showcases a remarkable array of synergies between traditional elements in a deceptively conservative idiom, namely Christmas choral music" - Classical Music Daily "'The Oxen' demonstrates how pleasing are Hawes' choral textures. The later aspects of the disk are no less interesting and fresh. And overall, this is both a splendid survey of Hawes; compositional élan, and his particular style. It is well worth having in one's library." - Organists' Review -
Its title song-cycle, scored for folk-imbued ensemble and recorded with the acclaimed Nora Fischer, treats various aspects of the natural world as human characteristics. The Consolation of Rain is a moving reflection on loss and the restorative power of nature, while Cymbeline draws on ancient religious attitudes to the sun. Written for mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital, the work takes its name from an old Celtic word meaning ‘Lord of the Sun.’ Bruce has achieved global recognition as a composer, celebrated for his richly colourful, poetic, and joyful music. Recent commissions include the BBC Proms, Carnegie Hall, Covent Garden, and Glyndebourne.