"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
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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 -
“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 -
In keeping with the historic nature of the Temple Church, the first mention of an organ there dates back to 1308 – although the organ on this recording, made by Harrison & Harrison, dates from 1954 (after the previous organ was destroyed during the blitz in 1941).The varied programme touches on a multitude of works for organ by English composers, all of which bring out different facets of this versatile instrument. The organist, James Vivian, has been part of the music department at the Temple Church since 1997, working first with the then director of music Stephen Layton before taking on the role himself in 2006.
Including works by Percy Whitlock, Henry Walford Davies, John Stanley, Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Frank Bridge, Basil Harwood, Francis Jackson and Herbert Howells.
We have had many fine recordings over the years from the Temple Church and it is pleasing to find these new releases up to the same high standards … a well balanced collection which will repay careful listening - The OrganA fine London organ put to good use in a masterful recital … The recorded sound is absolutely first-rate. I loved this disc - Gramophone
The instrument is a natural match for English romantic and post-romantic composition … Vivian’s performance is nothing short of spectacular - American Record Guide
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A mesmerising journey to the furthest corners of the imagination, immerse yourself in Orchestra of the Swan’s hypnotic interpretations of ambient classics such as Pink Floyd’s Great Gig in the Sky, Brian Eno’s An Ending (Ascent) and Radiohead’s Pyramid Song, as well as timeless compositions by Erik Satie, Vivaldi and J.S. Bach. Also featuring music by: Max Richter, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, David Bowie, Yann Tiersen, The Orb, Harold Budd. Angelo Badalamenti, Vangelis and A Winged Victory For The Sullen. “Shimmering, immersive soundscapes from the Orchestra of the Swan. Their innovative, imaginative approach cleverly combines “traditional” classical music with rock, pop, jazz, techno, ambient and folk to produce eclectic programmes and performances which blur the lines between genres… an extraordinary odyssey. The music on this album is serene and introspective, mesmerising, and immersive. Entranced presents a sequence of beautifully atmospheric musical landscapes, infused with light, which transport the listener to the far reaches of their imagination” – Cross-Eyed Pianist -
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. -
Released in conjunction with the his new book Fire On All Sides (published by Quercus), this is the soundtrack to James Rhodes’ intimate exploration of what it’s like to be a celebrated pianist embarking on a world tour, when you have multiple voices jostling in your head, sabotaging your happiness and sapping your confidence. James Rhodes writes: "So in 2016 I did an extensive tour of around twenty cities in a few short weeks. I wrote a book about it called Fire on All Sides and this recording is the soundtrack to that book. Like every other area of my life, it’s heavily based on fantasy. A huge thanks for all of those who came to the gigs and to these immense composers for supplying the meds and tools required to put out the fire.” ★★★★ There is real pain in the pivotal chords that shift the mood in the last movement of Beethoven’s piano sonata No. 31 in A flat major; aching tenderness and stately grandeur in two Chopin nocturnes… and glorious triumph against the odds in Rachmaninov’s prelude in D flat minor - The Observer Just try withstanding its heart-melting properties. Just try - Primephonic He commendably follows the MS staccato opening…and prolongs the musical argument masterly - International Piano Fire on All Sides is the soundtrack to James Rhodes's intimate expression of what it is like to be a celebrated pianist embarking on a world tour - Northern Echo -
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 -
Described in The Guardian (2019) as one of today’s leading composers for voice, Joanna Marsh is a British composer who since 2007 has divided her time between Dubai and the UK. Her life in the Middle East has lead to many unique musical opportunities including writing an orchestral work to celebrate the building of the Burj Khalifa. Most recently she was commissioned by Dubai Opera to write an orchestral work for the first BBC Proms in Dubai in March 2017. This lead to her writing the 6 minute work Flare, for the BBC Symphony Orchestra, based on a short story called Oil Field, by Saudi writer Mohammed Hasan Alwan. Joanna has been Composer in Residence, at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge from 2015 through to 2020 and during that time has written a number of choral works for the college choir and the college organ. She is a Co-Founder of ChoirFest Middle East in Dubai, an annual celebration of the region’s choral music scene which is reached its eighth edition in March 2020. She is also Founder and Artistic Director of the Dubai Opera Festival Chorus a large body of singers that was set up for the BBC Proms in Dubai and continues to undertake concert performances of various types across the UAE. Available as a disc on demand from Presto Classical. -
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 -
Formed in 2002, the award winning Lunar Saxophone Quartet has developed a reputation for their commitment to composer/performer collaborations, leading to dozens of commissions from a variety of different composers. Performances have spanned a wide range of occasions, from Bryn Terfel's 'Faenol Festival' and the Welsh BBC Proms, to live broadcasts on BBC TV and Radio. This new disc features a programme of newly commissioned works by some of Wales's youngest and most gifted composers together with those of more established figures. James Williamson’s In Memoriam is achingly contemplative, while the title of Lucy Pankhurst’s Diaphanousphere suggests the delicate webs of sound created by the quartet - The Independent Phenomenally talented saxophonists - Clarinet and Saxophone Society Magazine -
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 -
Canadian cellist Paul Marleyn perform works by Jewish composers for cello and piano. -
Originating as a sexy dance in South America, the ‘chacona’ crossed the Atlantic and established itself in Spain as an irresistible temptation. In 1615, it was banned from Spanish theatres for being ‘lascivious, dishonest, offensive to pious ears’, but the attractions of the chaconne held sway. From the Ground Up traces its allure from early Spanish chaconnes, through the worlds of Purcell and Piccinini, to Bach’s magisterial example for solo violin. Reanimating the ‘lascivious’, Purcell’s ground basses furnish a harmonic groove for readings from Shakespeare by British actor Samuel West, accompanied by New York rapper Baba Israel. -
"Historically, The Queen’s Six has always performed arrangements of pop songs. It was one of the main reasons for the group’s inception in 2008, also the 450th anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth I, from whom they take their name. This juxtaposition of old and new has always been a big part of Q6’s ethos: there are rich rewards to be gained from both the beautiful, sonorous church music they perform, and their fun, tongue-in-cheek pop and jazz arrangements. Coaxing the wit and charm out of these songs has been a main part of their raison d’être since day one. So why make a pop album now, and why these songs? From Windsor with love was first conceived working with US Producer TJ Armand in 2019. Armand was at the time the Director of the Bermuda Festival, where the group performed in the same year. Their journey to Bermuda once again typified their mixture of styles: they flew directly from New York City where they had performed two programmes of church music at the Met Cloisters, to the wonderful island of Bermuda, where they were in the same festival brochure as Chaka Khan. After years of performing arrangements of pop songs, their meeting with Armand was the spark that lit the fuse for this album. The curation of From Windsor with love was not entirely plain sailing. As part of their job as singers in the St George’s Chapel Choir, Windsor Castle, members of The Queen’s Six sang at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The album was therefore initially intended to be mash-ups of US-style wedding songs. However, with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the originally intended romantic hue of these songs took on a new meaning, one not just of love, but of unity in the face of adversity. The symbolism of songs such as Heaven is a place on earth and Stand by me became especially poignant, and so the project took on a new dimension. With their madcap on-stage antics, and their love of pushing the boundaries of what’s 'acceptable', The Queen’s Six couldn’t make such an album without choosing some unusual songs. Here you’ll find more traditional classics such as Bob Dylan’s Make you feel my love, and Young and Heyman’s When I fall in love, next to Huey Lewis and the News’ The power of love, and Limahl’s Never ending story (the fact that members of the group grew up with the films that made these two songs famous helped in the decision-making process). The first three of these were arranged by long-time Q6 collaborator Stephen Carleston, and they show his extraordinarily wide-ranging gifts. In the hands of arranger Ruairi Bowen, Never ending story becomes a sort of rhapsody on Giorgio Moroder’s original music. Staying in the 1980s, Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven is a place on earth gets an early-Baroque-style treatment. Sometimes it can take a while for a cappella arrangements to take shape, but Miguel Esteban knew exactly what he wanted to do with it from the outset. Alternating sections of quasi-Baroque vocal writing and close harmony, Esteban creates something that is true to Q6’s roots, whilst retaining the beauty of the original song. Taking us a bit more towards 19th-century Germany, Simon Whiteley’s arrangement of Richard Marx’s Right here waiting is perhaps more of a Brahmsian lullaby, dream-like and hypnotic. Rock legend Van Morrison’s romantic ballad Have I told you lately gets more of a jazzy treatment in Tim Carleston’s arrangement, which is more akin to Rod Stewart’s version of the song. Back a bit further to the 70s, and two R&B classics: Grover Washington Jr and Bill Withers’ Just the two of us has a slightly understated groove feel in Tom Lilburn’s arrangement; and in his arrangement of The O’Jays’ Now that we found love, Louis Marlowe carries on this slightly funkier style. Billy Joel’s Just the way you are completes a triptych of '70s gems, with the crooning tenor solo line interrupted only by a jazz bass section, and an alto 'instrumental' break. Coming a bit more up to date, and a song not readily imaginable as an a cappella cover, Tom Lilburn’s version of The Proclaimers’ 90s hit, I’m Gonna be (500 miles), recaptures some of the song’s romantic heart, whilst retaining its inexorable vigour. And bringing us much closer to the present day is Ruairi Bowen’s arrangement of Sufjan Stevens’ Mystery of love. Another song made famous by a film (2017’s Call me by your name), Bowen coaxes all the laid-back rhythmic interest from Stevens’ original by way of intricate, almost bird-like vocal lines. One song that has survived from the initial plans for an album of ‘wedding songs’ is Stand by me. The group first heard this arrangement of the Ben E King classic as they prepared for Prince Harry’s wedding back in 2018. As they sat in the choir stalls, the sound of this song suddenly began to drift up from the other end of the Chapel. Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir’s rendition in an arrangement by Mark De-Lisser touched them in the most extraordinary way. Understanding that imitation is the highest form of flattery, and with De-Lisser’s very kind permission, the group made their own, purely a cappella arrangement of this song. There’s nothing Q6 likes more than singing these pop songs, and the celebratory interaction with the audience they a ord. As the dust settles after the pandemic, and touring becomes a possibility again, the group is looking to the future, hoping to bring its signature blend of old and new, serious and fun, to an ever-wider following." - Simon Whiteley (The Queen's Six) “Impeccable pop…Slick performances and chameleon performers, code-switching plausibly from rock to pop to funk and jazz, then From Windsor with Love will hit the spot. This is pop perfectly translated for the concert hall.” - Gramophone Magazine ★★★★ "The Queen's Six can do light and popular repertoire: A fine record, fresh arrangements - a beautiful foray…They move individually at a high level, interact as an ensemble with agile perfection and a recognizable pleasure in sound" - Klassik.com -
This popular Japanese children’s song written in 1914 with lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano describes the nostalgia and love for his childhood home set in the hills."This brand new arrangement is by Bob Chilcott and it is a pleasure to sing this with tenor Julian Gregory” - Grace Davidson -
The BBC Singers continue their series of releases featuring works by their official Associate Composer – a unique chance for some of the most talented artists to create compositions for the ensemble – with a new collection of world premiere recordings of works by British composer Gabriel Jackson. The central work of the programme – Airplane Cantata – explores the early days of aviation through the journals, news reports and accounts that surrounded this world- changing era. Featuring characteristically precise performances from the BBC Singers, they are joined on this disc by the world-renowned pianola player Rex Lawson.
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In his new Saxophone Concerto, Gabriel Prokofiev explores a side of classical music usually seen as forbidden by modern contemporary composers: melody. This aspect was incorporated at the request of the soloist, Branford Marsalis, allowing Prokofiev to revisit characteristics of the classical tradition not usually heard in contemporary music, giving the saxophone an open canvas. Prokofiev’s Bass Drum Concerto shows the versatility of the instrument, despite only being used in a very basic fashion in classical music as a whole. Prokofiev experiments with how the bass drum is struck, where it is struck, and what it is struck with throughout the piece, producing a variety of sounds, colours and textures. -
Edward Cowie’s unique compositional voice stems from his wide-ranging interdisciplinary interests in both the sonic and visual arts, with many of his works inspired by ideas and concepts from artworks and from the natural world. The opening piece of this recording – a 2011 commission for BBC Radio 3 – creates a complex musical tapestry and soundscape from the call of the Australian bell-bird, opening with translations of choruses of several species of Australian frogs. In 2002 Cowie become the BBC Singers’ first ‘Associate Composer’, marking a relationship between the composer that began in the mid-1970s and continues to this day. A fine tribute to an underrated composer - The Guardian The BBC Singers are joined by the Endymion ensemble for the lengthy “Gesangbuch”, a four-part choral work whose wordless vocals and darting, sprite-like musical tones create a work of suitably elemental spirits animated by the changing seasonal round - The Independent -
Signum Records is proud to announce the release of the latest recording by The King's Singers: Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday. The Italian Prince, Carlos Gesualdo, is probably most famous for the obsessive double murder of his first wife along with her lover, but his music is not always accredited with the same sense of celebrity. Gesualdo is known in traditional history books as an amateur composer. His music is characterised by wild gesticulation and abrupt starts and stops, particular to a composer who just didn’t know what he was doing. However, the 20th century has now uncovered our composer’s place in history as part of a larger movement of Neapolitan artists, and as perhaps the most forward-thinking, expressive and sensual composer of his time. The King’s Singers were fascinated by the naked honesty that is heard within this 400 year old music. It is so startling that it keeps its freshness of surprise even on many repeated hearings. The music portrays a desperate and wretched, but also passionate and loving person who is set on composing "further out" than anyone else. Gesualdo moved in the highest circles of Italy and was extremely wealthy. His decadent lifestyle allowed him to do and write exactly as he pleased, and at the tender age of 19 it brought him into close contact with one of the most attractive and admired women in Naples. Maria d’Avalos was twice widowed by the age of 25. Her marriage to Gesualdo was initially promising. However, Maria’s rich social life soon dominated the relationship and a profound and constant jealousy took possession of the young and highly sensitive composer. After four years of turmoil he hired professional murderers to assist him in killing wife and lover while they were in bed together. The violence and rage of the act is well-documented. After the murder of Maria, Gesualdo suffered from severe and increasing feelings of guilt. Penitence never left him and he was moved to compose church music of a most black and self-reproachful nature. The programme on this CD represents part of the liturgy for the Matins Offices on the final three days of Holy Week, the Triduum Sacrum. Each of the Matins services is divided into three nocturns, each containing psalmody, three lessons and three responsaries. The attention given to word-painting is exemplary - The Times A no holds barred, immaculately sung performance from the King's Singers. Unmissable - Classic FM Magazine -
The conductor and harpsichordist, Bridget Cunningham brings back to life Handel’s pasticcio opera, Caio Fabbricio first performed in London in 1733 and based on an earlier opera by Johann Adolf Hasse (1732) Caio Fabbricio is London Early Opera’s eighth album in the prestigious Handel Series with Signum Records and is a pasticcio opera, a brilliant and well-considered collection of some of the finest 18th century Neapolitan arias by different composers, including Leonardo Vinci and Leonardo Leo, selected and arranged by Handel who composed his own dramatic recitatives. London Early Opera (LEO) is a vibrant, baroque group of instrumentalists, singers, music teachers, researchers, historians and musicologists on a voyage of rediscovery making glorious baroque music and opera relevant today. As Artistic Director of London Early Opera, Bridget Cunningham is a leading exponent of baroque music and continues to create these outstanding recordings with Signum Records exploring Handel’s colourful life, influences and experiences which inspired his magnificent musical legacy. ★★★★ Performance ★★★★ Recording "In this world premiere recording artists shine brightly in a pasticcio opera…Bridget Cunningham directs Caio Fabbricio brilliantly, leading from the harpsichord to energise the other players, and to give them space to exploit juicy passages. The singers' virtuosity and rich characterisations are delightful…Caio Fabbricio contains much fine music and compels fresh admiration of Handel's orchestral skills. Execution of this project is uniformly excellent" - BBC Music MagazineCD SPOTLIGHT “Unreservedly recommended” - Classical Music Daily.“Some excellent showpieces” - BBC Radio 3 -
Star British cellist Jamie Walton returns to disc on Signum with a programme Russian repertoire by composers Glazunov, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. Joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Okko Kamu, the disc includes the original version of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Jamie Walton's outstanding programme of Russian classics captures the music's soaring lyricism with impassioned eloquence and interpretative flair - The Strad Walton embraces Glazunov's tenderness with the warmth and suppleness of his tone...Walton interprets [the Prokofiev] with impressive, seamless sweeps and refined dynamic shading - The Daily Telegraph Seamless lyricism and glorious tone - Gramophone [Walton] delivers a particularly eloquent and virtuosic account of the work - BBC Music Magazine -
Ian Page and The Mozarists bring us a new album of Arias by the celebrated composer Christoph Willibald Gluck including works from operas such as Il trionfo di Clelia, Wq. 31, Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq.30 and Il Parnaso confuso, Wq.33. The soloist is the Swedish mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg, with Ian Page once again conducting his award-winning period-instrument ensemble. ★★★★ - The Times “Conductor Ian Page radiates meticulous musical precision, contagious interpretative joy and a serene confidence that inspires and unites the musicians of The Mozartists.” - Sonograma “Listening does not disappoint at all: the choice of pieces reveals Gluck’s modernity, where formal essentiality and dramatic intensity already anticipate his greatest works.” - GBOPERA“This skilfully curated exposition of Gluck’s humane genius was a joy to hear.” - Gramophone
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Goethe-Lieder is the premiere recording of a three-song set by Billboard-charting composer Rodrigo Ruiz. These settings of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe—‘Selige Sehnsucht’, ‘Meine Göttin’, and ‘Gegenwart’—trace a subtle emotional arc from the fragility of human longing, through the hope of spiritual transformation, into the radiant light of love’s presence. Nigerian-American soprano Francesca Chiejina and British pianist Jocelyn Freeman bring the cycle to life with luminous clarity and expressive depth, their interpretation marked by sensitivity and restraint. Released in 2025, the album offers a quiet nod to the 250th anniversary of Goethe’s arrival in Weimar, while inviting today’s listeners to inhabit these texts anew. -
To mark their 50th anniversary, The King's Singers have made it their mission to celebrate great music above all else - an aim which has driven them throughout their history. Their newly recorded triple-disc album - GOLD - completely reflects this with 60 tracks divided across three albums, themed as Close Harmony, Spiritual, and Secular. What unites every track across these albums is the quality of the material. Whether ancient motets, brand new commissions or much-loved arrangements of close-harmony music from the last 50 years, The King's Singers have put together a selection of great music that reflects the extra-ordinary diversity of their repertoire. ★★★★ The box-set is a delight for King’s fans and a defiant statement of longevity - Choir and Organ Fans of the ensemble will delight in finding a copy under the tree on Christmas morning… beautifully supple, technically pristine singing - Primephonic This disc is a distillation, by their current incarnation, of what makes them special. Here’s to the next fifty years - Music Web International It’s hard to think of a group whose music-making has aged so well… Here’s to another 50 years - Gramophone Features in BBC Music Magazine's Six of the Best King's Singers Recordings -
Continuing their complete Mozart opera recording cycle, The Mozartists’ latest release shines a light on two early opera works by Mozart. Bastien und Bastienne is the only one of Mozart’s operas to have been written for performance in a private house rather than a theatre. Commissioned at some point in mid-1768 by the renowned and controversial German physician Franz Anton Mesmer, it tells the tale of two young shepherds, Bastien and Bastienne, being reconciled in love by the fortune teller and magician Colas after Bastien has briefly been lured away by the attractions of a noble lady from the city. This new recording uses Mozart’s original 1768 setting of the libretto by F. W. Weiskern & J. H. F. Müller, the provenance of which was only established in the 1980s. The orchestra is the star of the show - BBC Music Magazine Ian Page and his crack team are clearly having a lot of fun, which comes across in this excellent recording. It's a treat to experience - Gramophone Page’s Classical Opera project goes from strength to strength - The Sunday Times If you are looking for a superb performance of one of Mozart’s young productions then this is very much the best place to invest - Music Web International A little jewel not to be missed! - Crescendo (France) Heavenly! - Stretto (Holland) Ian Page's subtle and dynamic gesture makes all the difference, and places his musical output among that of the best Mozartian interpreters of today - Classique News (France) This CD is an ideal point of discovery both for those curious about Mozart’s earlier works and the Mozart connoisseur alike- BSECS -
The Sacconi Quartet record the string quartets of British composer Graham Fitkin, The Composer writes in the introduction to this disc: “ The string quartet medium seems to me to thrive in contexts of both poignant intimacy or extrovert forceful information overload. (And indeed all those delicate shades in between.) I feel it has a strength of purpose that I relish, an honest homogeneity to it, a good wide pitch range and quite frankly the ability to play decent long sustained notes or short pizzicati. It’s been all too tempting.” Composed between 1992 and 2007, this disc compiles Fitkin’s complete works for String Quartet, performed by one of the UK’s most dynamic and versatile string quartets. The Sacconi Quartet, for whom the medium-length String was composed, play throughout with élan and what sounds like a complete understanding of the ebb and flow of each of these quite diverse pieces… A terrific disc that I encourage everyone to buy - Gramophone All weaved with his trademark rhythmic complexity - Northern Echo -
Bill Ives has enjoyed a rich and varied career as both performer and composer (Grayston Ives). These experiences, culminating in nearly two decades as Informator Choristarum (Director of Music) at Magdalen College, Oxford, are reflected in a compositional style which is complex yet accessible, rich and colourful. His choral music comes from the heart, and this deeply personal reaction to the texts enables the performer or listener to engage with and enjoy the music to its full extent. This recording represents two ‘firsts’ for the choirs of Jesus College, Cambridge: The first time the choir have collaborated on a recording with the Britten Sinfonia, as well as is the first time both chapel and college choirs they have joined forces for an entire album. Bill (Grayston) Ives writes: “In the Requiem many influences are thrown into the musical melting pot and will be apparent to the discerning listener. Ultimately, the piece is firmly rooted in the Anglican choral tradition (written specifically for liturgical performance), the distillation of a lifetime in music ... The delicate, sweet sound of a pair of tiny hand-held cymbals is heard at the opening and at intervals throughout. They were bought at Snape Maltings from a group of Tibetan monks who were resident there during the summer of 2008 when ideas for the piece were forming.” “Ives exquisite score is played to perfection by the Britten Sinfonia. Congratulations to the Jesus College Choir and Richard Pinel on such an impressive achievement…A treasure of a disc, superbly engineered” - Gramophone "★★★★ An admirable showvcase for the combined forces of Jesus College, Cambridge's Chapel and College Choirs; the boy trebles of the former and the sopranos of the latter each get a movement to themselves, but othwise sing together, very effectively. The Britten Sinfonia's playing is immaculate" - Choir and Organ -
Around the time The King’s Singers was starting up, one of the most productive periods of song- writing in history was coming to a close in America, starting with composers such as Gershwin, Kern, Berlin and Porter in the early 1920s, and continuing through to the early 1960s.
In this new 2-CD studio recording – featuring brand new a cappella arrangements by jazz composer and arranger Alexander L’Estrange, and swing-orchestra performances with the South Jutland Symphony Orchestra – The King’s Singers bring their own unique performance style to this wonderful music. The King’s Singers bring their unique style to some of the most beloved hits from the golden era of songwriting - The Lady -
Drawing international media attention following their founding in 2014, The Girls’ Choir of Canterbury Cathedral have quickly become leading lights in the British choral music landscape. For their first recording with Signum – led by their director David Newsholme – they draw on the rich catalogue of what have become British cathedral anthems from the 16th Century to the 20th, performing works by composers including Tallis, Byrd, Stanford, Parry and Howells. They are joined on this recording by the Men of Canterbury Cathedral choir, as well as organists Aidan Bawtree and Nicholas Wearne. ★★★★ A highly enjoyable, well recorded CD that flows well and contains some wonderful singing… Go ahead and buy it! - iClassical The Girls and Men of Cantebury Cathedral Choir [draw] in the rich catalogue of what have become British cathedral anthems - Northern Echo -
Greensleeves is a celebration of music spanning the length and breadth of the British Isles, featuring mesmerising new arrangements by Geoffrey Webber and Toby Young of some of the most beautiful folk music ever written. The recording includes Loch Lomond, Lisa La?n and of course, perhaps the most famous British melody ever written - Greensleeves. -
"The idea for writing this Sequence came to me when I attended a sequence recorded for the BBC by the Third Eton Choral Course in the summer of 1989. I devised a sequence for Ascension-tide in which the different choral forms and solo organ pieces give it musical variety within the intrinsic unity of a single composer's work. The Provost and Fellows of Eton College commissioned it for part of the celebrations marking Eton's 550th anniversary; it was first performed on 18th May 1990 and subsequently broadcast by the BBC on 26th May." - Francis Grier -
Tamsin Waley-Cohen and Huw Watkins continue their duo partnership with a new recording of works by two trailblazing composers from France and Poland respectively - Reynaldo Hahn and Karol Szymanowski. Waley-Cohen's playing is radiant and soaring, and Watkins's pianism a model as always of sensitivity - The Sunday Times An intelligent recital disk...all played with verve and style - The Guardian It is the sheer melting beauty in the opening pages of the final movement that makes Hahn's sonata so affecting, especially with Waley-Cohen's hushed tone... an enjoyable recital - BBC Music Magazine Tamsin Waley-Cohen produces a beautiful, soft, creamy tone in the lyrical passages, and throughout the recital we're treated to a remarkable palette of tone colours. Huw Watkins is able to match this range most effectively - Gramophone [Waley-Cohen] has a potent rhetorical style, moving neatly from dramatic flourishes and cadenzas into gentle lyricism... a fine performance - The Strad -
As both an organist and a composer, Lebanese-born Naji Hakim has distinguished himself as one of the most active artists of his generation. A virtuosic performer, who succeeded Olivier Messiaen as organist at l'église de la Trinité in Paris, many of his works draw on his own Christian beliefs (in 2007 he was honoured with a Papal award for his services to the church). The works are recorded on the new van den Heuvel organ of the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen (opened in 2009). The most immediately striking thing about this disc – apart from the excellence of the recording quality – is the brilliance and virtuosity of the performances … I regard this as an important recording and I recommend it unreservedly - International Record ReviewHakim's spiritual exuberance is expressed in harmonically ear-tickling music which sings and dances, accelerating, in his inimitably breathless toccatas, to the insane-sounding speeds of whirling dervishes - Choir and Organ
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Naji Hakim returns to disc on Signum with a second volumne of powerful organ works, featuring works inspired by different locations around the world with his Suite Norvégienne, Esquisses Persanes and Suite Française.Completed in 2000, the Schuke Organ of the Palacio Euskalduna is housed in a magnificent concert hall of wood and steel - itself inspired by the Euskulduna shipyards that once occupied the area. A modern instrument, it is well-suited to the nuanced voicings of modern organ compositions, as well as being sympathetic and adaptable to the great works of the past. -
Naji Hakim returns to disc on Signum with a new and powerful collection of organ works. Hakim is joined by Marie-Bernadette Dufource for the central piece of the programme, a set of meditation for two organists inspired by Lucas Cranach the Elder’s woodcuts of the Apostles. Completed in 2000, the Schuke Organ of the Palacio Euskalduna is housed in a magnificent concert hall of wood and steel - itself inspired by the Euskulduna shipyards that once occupied the area. A modern instrument, it is well-suited to the nuanced voicings of modern organ compositions, as well as being sympathetic and adaptable to the great works of the past.Naji Hakim's extraordinary virtuosity has never been in doubt - Choir and Organ Hakim is joined by his wife, Marie-Bernadette Dufourcet, and so perfect is their musical partnership that it is easy to overlook that there are two players involved - Gramophone -
Naji Hakim returns to disc on Signum with a new release of his own unique compositions for solo organ – performed on the magnificent Stahlhuth-Jann Organ of St Martin’s Church, Dudelange, Grand Duché du Luxembourg. One of the finest organists in the world and a composer of no little significance … [Gershwinesca] brings this impressive issue to a brilliant conclusion - International Record ReviewA walk on the wild side; an absolute must for adventure lovers - MusicWeb International
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This will be the 5th NAJI HAKIM PLAYS NAJI HAKIM organ CD released by Signum Classics. It will include the following world premiere recordings of Naji Hakim’s works at the historic STAHL- HUTH-JANN ORGAN at St Martin’s Church, Dudelange , Grand Duché de Luxembourg : Grego- riana (2003) - Bogurodzica (2018) – Prière (2020) - Villancico aragonés (2018) - Carnaval (2014) - Sindbad (2014) - Korean Prelude (2014) - Cantilena (2016) - Trois Paraphrases sur Ave maris stella (2003) - O sacrum convivium (2018) - Tanets (2019). Dr Naji Hakim studied with J. Langlais and at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris where he was awarded seven first prizes. He is a licentiate teacher in organ from the Trinity College of Music in London and won ten first prizes at international organ and composition competitions. In 1991 he was awarded the Prix André Caplet from the Académie des Beaux-Arts. At first organist of the Basilique du Sacré- Coeur, Paris from 1985 until 1993, he then became organist of l’église de la Trinité, in succession to Olivier Messiaen, from 1993 until 2008. He is professor of musical analysis at the Conservatoire National de Région de Boulogne-Billancourt, and visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music, London. "This is truly a demanding, virtuosic work, but also one in which the organist’s technique is subservient to an astonishingly creative piece. His music is, for the most part, fascinating and often intense. I will certainly look out for further releases of his music." - The Art Music Lounge "The loud and lively numbers are most impressive but there are, too, some stunningly beautiful gentle moments." - Organists' Review "This fifth instalment is self-recommending...the material is characteristically eclectic. Hakim is his own exemplary and expressive advocate in Augustin Party's fine recording. ★★★★" - Choir and Organ "Hakim has developed a highly virtuoso musical language …the meditative movements such as the 'Gregoriana', the 'Korean Prelude' or the three paraphrases on 'Ave maris stella' sound particularly expressive…the classical colours of fundamental and reed voices and mixtures of thirds make his music an enjoyable expression of the French style" - FONO FORUM -
A prolific composer and organist, Naji Hakim is truly one of the most versatile performer-composers working today, garnering praise from his numerous organ and composition competition prizes as well as an award from Pope Benedict XVI for his musical work in benefit of the church. This new recording with the Danish Chamber Players explores some of Hakim's works for chamber ensemble and organ, with performances from the Th. Frobenius & Sonner Organ of Vangede Kirke, Gentofte, Denmark. The Sakskoebing Praeludier are vigorously entertaining chorale arrangements. Concerto No. 4 stars the composer, firing off an explosively active finale - BBC Music MagazineBy far the strongest, leanest work is the vividly scored Concerto No 4 for organ and chamber ensemble ... The finale is a riot of joyous dancing - Gramophone -
London Early Opera follow up their debut release with a treasure trove of music by George Frideric Handel, as well as his contemporaries Thomas Arne and John Hebden, centered on the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens – a carnival of music and entertainments that entertained visitors for nearly 200 years. The booklet notes features images and expert commentaries of the Vauxhall Gardens by author David E. Coke and conductor and musicologist Bridget Cunningham. ★★★★★ Revelatory - a superbly performed, thoroughly enjoyable disc - Choir & Organ A treasure trove... highly recommended - The Northern Echo Bridget Cunningham's re-imagining of the first part of a typical evening's entertainment puts George Frideric centrestage, and sets the scene delectably with the flirtatious bustle of the Sinfonia to Acis and Galatea - BBC Music Magazine An attractive potpourri... bright, lively sound - The Observer A perfectly sensible and enjoyable approach to imagining what a typical night at Vauxhall might have sounded like. There is a charming ebba and flow to this hypothetical entertainment - Gramophone Most decorously sung and played by London Early Opera, conducted by Bridget Cunningham - Financial Times