REVIEWS)

Gothic Voices: A Laurel for Landini (AV2151)

Fransesco Landini (1325 - 1397) was regarded as the most influential composer of his age. This recording offers a selection of his ballate and madrigali, with a brilliant display of polyphony by the Gothic Voices. Mezzo-soprano Catherine King, baritone Stephen Charlesworth and tenors Steven Harrold, Julian Podger and Leigh Nixon are joined by guest artist Andrew Lawrence-King on medieval harp. Vibrant and expressive, this is a first-rate recording.

Sun: Vytautas Barkauskas (Avie2163)

This music from Lithuanian composer Vytautas Barkauskas was forged in the historic breakup of the Soviet Union and summarises the turbulent time. His Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra is a work of profound. It was dedicated to Yuri Bashmet who plays with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra. Symphony No 5 is related to the Chernobyl disaster and veers between the reflective and doom laden, while pulsating with an underlying energy. Thought provoking.

Handel’s English Cantatas (Avie2153)

The Brook Street Band perform Handel’s English Canatas drawing from popular areas from three of his most fashionable operas Giulio Cesare, Teseo and Ottone.Instead of translating the original Italian opera texts into English, the unknown librettist has assigned each aria a new text in a pastoral vein and excluded the recitatives. The result casts Handel’s music in a refreshing new light. Soprano Nicki Kennedy and alto Sally Bruce-Payne are accompanied by an small ensemble comprising two violins, cello and harpsichord. Accompanied by informative programme notes by Tatty Theo, this CD makes for a wholly satisfying musical experience.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7 (AV2169)

The Manchester Camerata conducted by Douglas Boyd present live recordings of Beethoven Symphonies no 4 and 7.