PROVOCATIVE THOUGHTS:
The late Patric Standford may have written these short pieces deliberately to provoke our feedback. If so, his success is reflected in the rich range of readers' comments appearing at the foot of most of the pages.
VIDEO PODCAST: Slava Ukraini! - recorded on 24 February 2022, the day the world woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin's Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. A fifty minute video which also features Caitríona O'Leary and Eric Fraad discussing their new film Island of Saints, and pays tribute to Joseph Horovitz, Malcolm Troup and Maria Nockin.
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Centaur Records, founded in 1976, is one of the oldest and largest independent classical labels in the United States. The company's recordings are available worldwide, and the catalogue also includes contemporary, crossover, electro-acoustic, historical, pops and world music.
Further information: centaurrecords.com
CD Spotlight. Tonal Brilliance - Brahms clarinet chamber music, heard by Patrick Maxwell. '... Brahms' incredible score is done full justice in this recording, which shows the best of the composer's last years and the glories of Romantic chamber music.'
Somewhat Delayed Reviews - Charming, Beautiful and Cunning - Sentimental songs performed by Vivian Montgomery and Pamela Dellal, heard by Endre Anaru
CD Spotlight. Fantastic Stuff - Busoni piano music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... gripping music making ...'
CD Spotlight. Stylish Playing - Some recommended commercial recordings, heard by Bill Newman. 'How dare they!'
CD Spotlight. A Fine Collection - Operatic bass arias sung by William Powers, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... a formidable mixture of operatic styles ...'
CD Spotlight. Perfection - Benjamin Britten folksong arrangements, recommended by Howard Smith. '... this release is worth several times it's weight in gold.'