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Resilience

Price range: £8.00 through £14.00

The Calidore Quartet present their first disc on Signum Records – a collection of quartets by Janáček, Prokofiev, Golijov and Mendelssohn.

The pieces were the products of four compelling personal narratives: an escape from the NAZI eastern offensive in WWII, a life caught in the crosshairs of a surge of violence in the Middle East, the sudden death of one’s closest friend and the struggle of being trapped in a loveless marriage. Felix Mendelssohn and Leoš Janáček turned to their art to find an outlet for their personal grief while Sergei Prokofiev and Osvaldo Golijov used their compositions to make sense of a world that was turned upside down by violent conflict.

Because of and despite these origins the works are imbued with emotional potency, and the quartet hope that that these works can provide “a message of hope because they illuminate the human potential to create beauty even in the darkest of circumstances.”
Superb young quartet presents a timely and thought-provoking programme - The Strad Precision needn't inhibit expression; these lively, intelligent performances of an attractive and thought-provoking programme offer compelling proof - Gramophone Superb, rhythmically alert playing, the players’ collective virtuosity always at the service of the music - The Arts Desk The Calidore Quartet successfully capture the emotional charge of this powerful work, bringing resilience to a suitably stirring close - BBC Music Magazine If the recording is comparable to what this admirable group displayed last week, the loud ovations after the concert were completely justified - Seen and Heard International Never do these players lose sight of the fact that the music, for all its violence and passion, should be a thing of beauty - MusicWeb International

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Resonance

Price range: £8.00 through £14.00

The Piatti Quartet and Emmanuel Despax join forces to present an album of works by Farrenc, Schumann and Durosoir. Louise Farrenc arranged her own brilliantly dramatic Wind Sextet and Pi- ano, for Piano Quintet and this arrangement is a World Premiere Recording on this release. They’ve chosen to include three of Lucien Durosoir’s most touching and beautiful pieces, one for violin and piano, and two for cello and piano. “Emanuel Despax and the Piatti Quartet play with conviction, finesse and lyrical sweep that blow away all doubts ... a life-affirming recording:" - Gramophone

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Richard Blackford: Kalon

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The Ancient Greek word Kalon was used by philosophers to describe perfect physical and moral beauty. In this recording, the two string ensembles (the Albion Quartet and the Czech Philharmonic) explore the different aspects of Kalon through the context in which beauty can exist in ugliness and darkness. This record is the result of Richard Blackford's doctorate at the University of Bristol, which investigates the use of polytempo. The recording is a way of applying the findings of his doctorate in a range of musical contexts. Kalon is unique as it explores the use of polytempo in the context of extended tonality and modality, which could be said surpasses the complexity posed by serialist works of a similar nature, such as Stockhausen's Gruppen or Carré.

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Rimsky-Korsakov: The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh

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Although he was counted amongst Mily Balakirev's 'Mighty Handful' (which dedicated itself to pursuing a more purely Russian art music, as opposed to the Austro-German musical dominance of the era), both works on this recording show how Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was able to draw influences from beyond Russia into his own unique compositional approach: the scenes from his opera The Invisible City of Kitezh take on a dramatic, Wagnerian influence, whilst Sheherazade is suffused with orientalism as it conjures images from the Thousand and One Nights.

The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Yuri Temirkanov bring their natural insight with this repertoire to the fore in these live performances, continuing their series of acclaimed releases with Signum.
The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Yuri Temirkanov deliver the scores with panache - CD Choice The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yuri Temirkanov, presents sterling performances of excerpts from Rimsky-Korsakov's The Invisible City of Kitezh and Sheherazade - Northern Echo This Scheherazade is absolutely marvellous, one of the best available. If you think you have heard the score so often that it has become jaded, this is a recording to make you think again - MusicWeb International

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Rivers: Choral Music by John Barber

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Rivers is the second EP from composer John Barber and Fourth Window vocal ensemble. Over its five tracks conductor Sarah Latto and 8 acapella voices tell five different love stories- spiritual, romantic and parental. Julia, setting text by Robert Herrick, imagines a lover heading to a magical late night rendezvous; My River - written for John’s son just after he was born - uses text by Emily Dickinson to create a modern day spiritual of hope and gratitude. In Lullaby, a mother sings her baby to sleep whilst her partner is at war. The EP is bookended by The Voice Of My Beloved and Love Is As Strong As Death - setting timeless text from the Song of Songs. ★★★★ - "If you enjoy contemporary choral music this is highly recommended" - Crossrhythms
“There is such variety of colour and texture but also, he has these themes that run through them so this sense of flow, this sense of rhythmic impetus—the rivers, the night, the sort of sensuous and erotic but also spiritual so there is a unifying sense across them but there’s lots of variety and I can imagine a lot of these songs going straight into choirs repertoires and people really enjoying getting to know them.” - BBC Radio 3 Record Review

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Robert Schumann: Piano Works

Price range: £12.00 through £21.00

“To my ears, Llŷr Williams is one of the great pianists of our age.” John Gilhooly, CBE. His 15th album with Signum Classics, the Welsh pianist, Llŷr Williams, brings a profound musical intelligence to his work as soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. His new album of Robert Schumann works explores a selection of works that span a substantial part of Schumann’s life, including Papillons Op. 2 (written while he studied law at Leipzig University) all the way up to Faschingsschwank aus Wien published in 1841. Llŷr Williams’ long and successful collaboration with Signum Records includes the 8-disc box-set ‘A Schubert Journey’ (2020), the 12-volume ‘Beethoven Unbound’ (2018), a ‘Wagner Without Words’ double album (2014) and highlights from Liszt’s ‘Années de pèlerinage‘ (2012). "… the performances are always immaculate, their working out totally lucid; it’s unquestionably thoughtful, authoritative playing." ★★★★ - The Guardian
"[Williams] is a subtle, sensitive, and eminently satisfying artists possessed of a magnificent technique, a glorious tonal palette and terrific musical intelligence... I found Williams’s entire approach to Schumann a breath of fresh air, finding new perspectives around every corner." - International Piano

"Llŷr Williams’s poise, clarity and wholeness of approach, admirable in themselves, are no barriers to the passion, romance and reverie inherent in this generous selection from Robert Schumann’s piano catalogue … poetry and panache from both hands” - Colin's Column

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Robert Schumann: Piano Works Vol. 2

Price range: £8.00 through £18.00

“To my ears, Llŷr Williams is one of the great pianists of our age.” John Gilhooly, CBE. His 17th album with Signum Classics, the Welsh pianist Llŷr Williams, brings a profound musical intelligence to his work as soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. His second album of Robert Schumann works explores a selection of works that span a substantial part of Schumann’s life. Llŷr Williams’ long and successful collaboration with Signum Records includes the 8-disc box-set ‘A Schubert Journey’ (2020), the 12-volume ‘Beethoven Unbound’ (2018), a ‘Wagner Without Words’ double album (2014) and highlights from Liszt’s ‘Années de pèlerinage‘ (2012). "This is a collection bound to appeal to admirers of expressive piano mastery, as well as to the most discerning of Schumann aficionados." - Gramophone ★★★★ - “There’s so much to admire in these remarkable recordings” - BBC Music Magazine Praise for Robert Schumann: Piano Works Vol. 1: “… the performances are always immaculate, their working out totally lucid; it’s unquestionably thoughtful, authoritative playing.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“[Williams] is a subtle, sensitive, and eminently satisfying artists possessed of a magnificent technique, a glorious tonal palette and terrific musical intelligence… I found Williams’s entire approach to Schumann a breath of fresh air, finding new perspectives around every corner.” – International Piano

“Llŷr Williams’s poise, clarity and wholeness of approach, admirable in themselves, are no barriers to the passion, romance and reverie inherent in this generous selection from Robert Schumann’s piano catalogue … poetry and panache from both hands” – Colin’s Column

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Roderick Williams Sacred Choral Works

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On their premiere recording, the Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir, directed by celebrated choral conductor Ralph Allwood, perform the works of British Choral Award winner Roderick Williams. Based in Greenwich, East London the choir is comprised of both students from the conservatoire (including several choral scholars) as well as outstanding volunteer singers. It is unique amongst cathedral, church and collegiate choirs in the UK in that it has ready access to the wide range of musical resources at the Conservatoire, collaborating frequently in a wide variety of genres as well as performing for services at the beautiful 18th Century Chapel of St Peter & St Paul. As well as being renowned as a singer Roderick Williams is also well-respected as a composer, and his works have been premiered at the Wigmore and Barbican Halls, the Purcell Room and live on national radio. ★★★★ This is a well presented introduction to a contemporary composer of whom I hope and expect to hear more - Cross Rhythms This vivid choral anthology has given continued pleasure throughout the year, filled as it is with an astonishing versatility of moods and styles - Gramophone This disc shows another equally distinguished side to one of the UK’s leading singers. It’s very well worth hearing - MusicWeb International

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Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez

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Charles Ramirez is a guitarist of rare skill. A preeminent performer in the generation of guitarists that followed Segovia, he has held the post of Professor of Guitar at the Royal College of Music since the age of 25, raising the profile of the instrument through his concerts and education activities since mid-1970s. This disc is the first in a new series of recordings featuring Charles Ramirez and sees him perform works by Joaquín Rodrigo with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe – the Concierto de Aranjuez and Fantasia para un gentilhombre – under conductor and founding member of the orchestra Douglas Boyd. The programme is completed with Rodrigo’s enchanting solo-guitar piece Elogio de la guitara. Guitar virtuoso Charles Ramirez is on supple, sensitive form on this collection of Rodrigo suites - The Independent Concierto de Aranjuez sparkles in the hands of Charles Ramirez. Even more impressive is the more virtuosic Elogio de la guitarra, where Ramirez sustains some fiendish fingerwork - The Daily Telegraph Ramirez is technically masterful, his tone rich, his musical ideas intelligent - Classic FM Magazine

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Romantic Novelties for Violin and Orchestra

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Hideko Udagawa has performed extensively throughout the world and captivates international audiences with her artistry and enthusiasm. As a protégée of Nathan Milstein, she has inherited the great Russian romantic tradition of violin playing, and brings it to the fore in this collection of works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Glazounov, Gade and Ysase. Alongside the Philharmonia Orchestra this disc includes two world premiere recordings of works by Eugène Ysaÿe – Mazurka No.2 Op.10 and Saltarelle Carnavalesque, Op.Posth. Udagawa's mastery of the Russian Romantic school of violin playing is a tour de force. Her distinctly northern European style suits this repertoire perfectly - Classic FM Magazine

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Celestial Bird

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One of the UK’s most lauded composers, Roxanna Panufnik celebrates her 50th birthday with a new release of her previously unrecorded choral music, performed by leading British choir Ex Cathedra under Jeffrey Skidmore. Known for her interest in world music, the programme includes performances from Indian arts organisation Milapfest on Unending Love, as well as the a recording of Child of Heaven: Dawn Chorus III – a new commission from Ex Cathedra that sets a Hymn to Dawn from the Rig Veda.

Roxanna has written a wide range of pieces including opera, ballet, music theatre, choral works, chamber compositions and music for film and television which are regularly performed all over the world. This disc follows the 2017 release of 99 Words (SIGCD519), combining works by Panufnik and Sir John Tavener.
★★★★ Beguiling and soothing, it’s Panufnik at her most individual - Classical Source ★★★★ Very exciting - All Music A pleasurable disc - Gramophone
The work is elegantly-shaped and full of warmth, rather like this disc as a whole - BBC Music Magazine

This album is a fine and nicely varied birthday gift from Ex Cathedra to Roxanna Panufnik - Music Web International

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Roxanna Panufnik: Heartfelt

Price range: £8.00 through £14.00

Since Westminster Mass (2000) established Roxanna Panufnik’s firm place among today’sleading British composers, she has often been celebrated for her choral music. Her instrumental and chamber works, however, are equally striking, filled with dazzling imagination and poetic lightness of touch. Her latest album Heartfelt encompasses compassion, tragedy and irresistible humour, while demonstrating her passion for exploring diverse musical cultures, from East Sussex to Myanmar. Featuring a stellar line-up of leading British soloists (including soprano Mary Bevan, pianist Charles Owen and baritone Roderick Williams) and led by the Sacconi Quartet, the title work includes a musical translation of the heartbeat of a young European Brown Bear named Albie: captured by a digital stethoscope, Bristol Zoological Society’s Wild Place Project was generously able to send Panufnik a recording of Albie’s heartbeat whilst he underwent a small surgical procedure, the anaesthetic possibly resembling the bear’s hibernation. Albie himself is pictured on the album’s front cover.

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Roy Harris & John Adams Violin Concertos

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Violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen continues her series of concerto recordings on Signum with two contrasting works by American composers.
Already considered by many to be a modern classic, John Adams 1993 Violin Concerto was described by the composer as having a ‘hypermelody’, in which the soloist plays longs phrases without stop for the duration of the 35 minute piece. Although composed in 1949, the first performance of Roy Harris’ Violin Concerto didn’t occur until 1984. Since then it has been championed for its “luminous orchestration and exalted tone" and has been rarely recorded.

For this recording, Tamsin Waley-Cohen is joined by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under American conductor Andrew Litton.

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Royal Rhymes & Rounds

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On a new disc to celebrate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, The King's Singers present a selection of works from the past 500 years written in honour of the great Monarchs of Britain. Starting with works for (and in some cases by) Henry VIII, the programme covers the Elizabethan 'Triumphs of Oriana' by composers such as Gibbons, Mundy and Dowland; a very Victorian selection of dedicatory works by Elgar, Parry and Parratt; choral arrangements from the opera 'Glorianna' by Benjamin Britten; and a new piece by Paul Drayton that comically pens 'A Rough Guide to the Royal Succession'. Drayton is perhaps best known to fans of The King's Singers as the composer of their much-loved encore work Masterpiece. A notably intelligent, enjoyable Jubilee offering - BBC Music Magazine Premier English a cappella group provides its own celebrations in Jubilee Year - New Zealand Herald

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Ruiz: Venus & Adonis

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Venus & Adonis is the premiere recording of the eponymous song cycle by Billboard-charting composer Rodrigo Ruiz. Released to celebrate William Shakespeare’s 460th anniversary, this album is a tribute to the poet’s unmatched inspiration. When the composition was finished in 2020, Venus & Adonis became the first song cycle known to be written by a Mexican composer, as well as the only known song cycle (in English or otherwise) set entirely to Shakespeare's texts. Despite the newness of the cycle, the music lacks no lyricism and will gladden singers, pianists, artistic directors and all those longing to perform and programme such lyrical and well-crafted music. These seventeen songs, performed by British duo Grace Davidson (soprano) and George Herbert (piano), exemplify the enormous variety of expression that Ruiz is able to conjure in his writing, making of Venus & Adonis a truly exciting and refreshing addition to the art song tradition —one that will touch audiences and musicians alike. All Music Classical Highlights October 2024 "Especially priceless is this recording of Venus&Adonis by the Mexican composer Rodrigo Ruiz...[Davidson and Herbert] conjure up a suitably unsettling atmosphere true to the spirit of Ruiz's music...The songs are enchanting, the text clearly expressive, with soft melodic lines, with he loving piano of George Herbert, who offers a graceful accompaniment...Ruiz has the capacity to construct a musical narrative connected to the poetry, where everything flows: fire, passion, coldness, tenderness and turbulence. These are beautiful musical performances" - Sonograma Melómano de Oro (JANUARY 2025) "The compositional mastery of Ruiz makes every part fuse to perfection with the text, offering a memorable auditive experience...The interpretation of Grace Davidson brings delicacy and strength to each song, adapting her colour and vocal texture according to the demands of the work...This album reminds us of the potential to combine different artistic expressions" - Melómano

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Sacred Chants

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Grace Davidson presents her third release with Signum Classics, an intimate recording of Sacred Chants by Hildegard von Bingen, translations by Jeremy Summerly. Hildegard was an extremely accomplished composer, as well as a scientist, a diplomat, a poet, and the founder of a religious community. Her melodies rise out of Gregorian chant, with wide voice ranges that are suited to trained singers. The florid imagery of Hildegard’s texts is matched by suitably florid tunes, whose calculated intervals suggest both vocal improvisation and carefully controlled composition. Hilde- gard had the ability to write tunes whose very essence is simultaneously spontaneous yet structured. And such was Hildegard’s character – on the one hand she was intensely practical, and on the other she was a vessel for dreams and visions. Grace Davidson is a British soprano who specialises first and foremost in the performance and recording of Baroque music. she has worked as a soloist with leading Baroque ensembles, under the batons of Sir John Eliot Gardner, Paul McCreesh, Philippe Herreweghe and Harry Christophers. RECORDING OF THE MONTH - Musicweb International ★★★★★ Performance ★★★★★ Recording "Grace Davidson, singing alone, unfolds a tapestry of sounds filled with exceptional purity, mellifluous continuity and a focused sense of form. The vocal techniques of breath control…the command of stunning and dizzying meanders of melody…and the subtle colouring of modal changes…are very impressive. An exceptional recording" - BBC Music Magazine "Absolute purity of a single voice, perfectly modulated in all its details and gliding effortlessly through the often tortuously difficult music" - Gramophone ★★★★ "You cannot get a solo recital that feels as intimate as one for a single voice…Here is a British soprano with a voice so radiantly pure in colour and tone that you might think yourself in heaven…The warmly resonant recording, is pretty heavenly in itself" - The Times

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