REVIEWS: Aschenmusik: Robert Schumann/Heinz Holliger (ECM New Series 481 0957) Swiss oboist/composer Heinz Holliger is joined by cellist Anna Luezinger and pianist Anton Kernjak, to perform his Romancendres; referring to Schumann’s lost Cello Romances of 1853 which Clara Schumann burned on Brahms’ advice. This act of destruction spurred Holliger to compose this “music from the ashes”.

The album is framed by Schumann’s own works, including his Romances for Oboe and Piano and Studies in Canon Form. This highly desirable album marks Holliger’s 75th birthday.

Duo Gazzana (ECM New Series 4810894) Italian sisters Natascia and Raffaella Gazzana perform a mix of works for violin and piano.

Alfred Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style is a unique allusion to the past while Hommage a’ JSB by the Ukranian composer Valentin Silverstrove evokes various on themes of the Leipzig master.

Also included are Walton’s rarely heard Toccata and Poulenc’s Sonate pour violon et piano. Highly recommended.

French Music for Flute and Harp (Kontrapunkt 32345) Flautist Ulla Millmann and harpist Tine Rehling, two of Denmark’s leading instrumentalists, join forces to record a superb collection of late romantic and early impressionist works by French composers, including Saint-Saens, Ravel, Debussy and Faure. Compelling listening.