A selection of 'chamber music' articles

Spotlight. Grammars of Space - John Dante Prevedini explores the music of composer and multi-instrumentalist Jérôme Descamps. '... a testament to the powers available to the resourceful composer-performer in the contemporary chamber idiom.'

Spotlight. A Great Release - Geoff Pearce appreciates Laura van der Heijden and Jâms Coleman's cello and piano recital. '... the performers do not appear to be recorded with microphones too close, which results in realistic blending, and also a feeling of distance, perhaps reflecting the distant and mysterious qualities of the moonlight.'

Spotlight. Excavations of Meaning - John Dante Prevedini recommends song cycles by contemporary American composer Douglas Boyce. '... an unusual vision bravely conceived and sensitively executed by all involved.'

Spotlight. Highly Individual - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by two generations of female composers. '... marvellous unfamiliar music ...'

Inspiring Joy - Jeffrey Neil talks to American composer Jenny Wei about the use of new technologies

Ensemble. Piquant Stylistic Contrast - Mike Wheeler listens to the chamber group Serenata

Ensemble. Dramatic, Frightening and Profound - Keith Bramich experiences multimedia compositions by Yannis Kyriakides

Ensemble. An Outstanding Concert - Ron Bierman listens to chamber music by Haydn, Ravel, Mendelssohn and Dvořák from Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon

Spotlight. Most Innovative and Interesting - Music for horn, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... one cannot help but be impressed with the performances, the power of the music and what it is expressing ...'

Ensemble. Propulsive Energy and Contemplative Interludes - Mike Wheeler listens to the Coull Quartet

Spotlight. Complex and Interesting - Songs for tenor, violin, cello and percussion, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... the tenor, Brian Thorsett, has an admirable technique ...'

Spotlight. A Fine Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to cello sonatas by Evan Fein and Johannes Brahms. '... I particularly enjoyed the new sonata by Evan Fein.'

Ensemble. Deep Friendships - Keith Bramich is impressed by Byron Wallis, Bérengère de Gromard and Jeanne Pinget's concert in memory of Malcolm Scott

CD Spotlight. A Bernstein No One Has Heard - John Dante Prevedini is impressed by a new release of early chamber music by Bernstein and Copland. '... thoughtfully curated and meticulously executed.'

Ensemble. Delightfully Unusual - Ron Bierman listens to some 'Fantastic Tales' at the La Jolla Music Society's Summerfest

Ensemble. Unexpected Pleasures - Ron Bierman was at the opening of La Jolla Music Society's Summerfest season

Ensemble. Ear-catching Details - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Ravel and Dvořák from the Tedesca Quartet

Ensemble. Another Case of Mendelssohn's Influence? - Mike Wheeler listens to Verdi and Borodin from the Victoria String Quartet at the Buxton Festival

Ensemble. Energising Freshness and Exuberance - Malcolm Miller listens to string quartets by three émigré Austrian-born composers

Classical music news. Making the world safe for small pianists - The Stretto Piano Festival and other forthcoming events, including the Verbier, Berkshire High Peaks, Presteigne and Oxford International Song festivals

CD Spotlight. Depth of Feeling and Maturity - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Christian Li's new album for Decca Classics. '... assured technique, passion, agility and grace ...'

CD Spotlight. A Particular Mexican Sensibility - Paul Sarcich is impressed by Mexican music recorded by Mr McFall's Chamber. '... a very interesting and well-presented disc.'

CD Spotlight. Quite Eclectic - Chamber music by Joachim Mendelson and Grażina Bacewicz, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... insight, commitment and verve.'

CD Spotlight. Contrasting Moods - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Dvořák from the Shaham Erez Wallfisch Trio. 'All three performers ... do full justice to the works they are presenting here ...'

Ensemble. Simply Bewitching - Mike Wheeler listens to chamber music by Schubert and Fauré from Ruth Rogers, Fiona Bonds, Katherine Jenkinson, Benjamin Russell and Viv Mclean

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - A spot of circumnavigation on a Sunday afternoon

CD Spotlight. New and Refreshing - Geoff Pearce is impressed by the music of contemporary Swedish composer Britta Byström. 'There is a sincerity about this music that speaks directly to the soul.'

CD Spotlight. Very Enjoyable - Geoff Pearce listens to the Tailleferre Ensemble. 'This is a lovely disc which will delight most listeners ...'

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Wanted: Digital or Analogue

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Behind the Wall of Sleep

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Randomness Run Riot

Classical music news. March 2023 Newsletter - Our March 2023 PDF newsletter has just been published, along with some extra classical music news and our February 2023 classical music obituaries

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - What's in a number?

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Selling like hot cakes ... maybe, hopefully

CD Spotlight. Very Worthwhile and Creative - Geoff Pearce discovers the music of Macedonian-born Mihailo Trandafilovski. '... the performers are outstanding ...'

CD Spotlight. Heartachingly Beautiful - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Dudok Quartet Amsterdam's performances of Shostakovich and Bacewicz. '... freshness and vitality ...'

CD Spotlight. Lifetime Favourites - Geoff Pearce listens to string quartets by Ethel Smyth and Frederick Delius. '... the recording ... is of pleasing quality.'

Ensemble. Poise and Command - Mike Wheeler listens to the Fitzroy Quartet

CD Spotlight. Some Delicious Playing - Geoff Pearce listens to Stravinsky. 'The BBC Philharmonic's performance is fine indeed ...'

CD Spotlight. Full of Colour - Geoff Pearce enjoys music by Alberto Hemsi. 'The performers show a real affinity with this music and deliver a sparkling and vivacious performance that is full of character at every turn.'

CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Attuned - Robert McCarney listens to music by Kevin Raftery. '... this is one of the most richly stimulating, impressive and sheerly enjoyable CDs of music, new or old, that I have heard in quite some time.'

CD Spotlight. Dante's Paradise in Three Parts - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Salvatore Sciarrino. '... the three soloists depict the protagonists of the journey to the top of Paradise very well.'

CD Spotlight. Freshness and Vigour - Robert McCarney listens to music by British composer Robert Saxton. 'This is a very well prepared and presented disc that does an excellent job of providing a portrait of the composer.'

CD Spotlight. A Plethora of Influences - Robert McCarney roundly congratulates Chandos and all involved with this CD. 'The playing by the various members of the ARC Ensemble is excellent throughout and the recording is crystal clear and atmospherically spacious.'

CD Spotlight. Outcast Composers - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to the Matangi Quartet. '... an excellent way to get acquainted with an important yet difficult period of Russian music.'

Ensemble. Vitality and Imagination - Mike Wheeler listens to the Delphine Trio, in his last report from the 2022 Buxton Festival

CD Spotlight. Effective and Uncomplicated - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by New Zealand composer Eric Biddington. 'These performances are a great testament to the Christchurch music making scene and to the composer who has been an important part of it.'

Ensemble. Beyond Earthly Existence - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on the International Chigiana Festival and Summer Academy

Classical music news. Bard Music Festival - Bard Music Festival, beginning 5 August 2022, explores the life and times of one of the last great romantics in 'Rachmaninoff and His World'

Classical music news. Pierrot Chamber Music Festival - The Pierrot Chamber Music Festival celebrates its summer season at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center in Garden City, New York, USA

CD Spotlight. Exceptionally Pleasing - String quartets by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The Arabella Quartet despatches these graceful cameos with aplomb, and the playing is immensely cohesive and consistently alive.'

Classical music news. June 2022 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our June 2022 newsletter - a special feature on women composers

Ensemble. The Complete Shostakovich String Quartets - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Quartetto Prometeo in Rome

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Listening - Music by Wolfgang Rihm, recommended for those who enjoy the challenges of listening to contemporary music, by Geoff Pearce. 'The performers here really excel and do this music justice.'

Classical music news. Obituary - Karl Korte (1928-2022)

CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Delightful - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by Poulenc. '... the performers are all very fine ...'

Classical music news. April 2022 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our April 2022 newsletter

CD Spotlight. Unjustly Neglected - Geoff Pearce listens to Enescu chamber music. '... a very fine recording ...'

CD Spotlight. Beauty and Emotional Depth - Geoff Pearce recommends Schubert's 'Winterreise', performed by Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis. '... everything that I could wish for ...'

CD Spotlight. Lovely and Very Effective - Music from Central and Eastern Europe for cello and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... very gifted, skilful and inspired ...'

CD Spotlight. The New Civic Composer - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by young Canadian Daniel Pelton. '... a remarkable collaboration uniting forces across Calgary's entire musical landscape despite extraordinary logistical hurdles.'

CD Spotlight. A Love Story in Two Quartets - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Janáček, played by the New Zealand String Quartet. '... an excellent reading ...'

CD Spotlight. True to the Composer's Original Intentions - Schubert's Octet, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the sound is detailed and crisp, and the balance is good.'

CD Spotlight. Immediate and Colourful - Geoff Pearce listens to Sebastian Fagerlund. '... probably definitive performances of these works.'

Ensemble. Unlocking Operatic Dimensions - John Dante Prevedini reviews the cinematic horror opera 'Cesare, Child of Night' by Jonathan Beard, Stewart Schill and Michael Cramer, and then interviews Jonathan Beard and Stewart Schill

Ensemble. A Gesture of Defiance - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Bartók and Schubert, played by the Iuventus String Quartet

Ensemble. Highly Effective - Chamber music from members of Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Rococo Charm - Boccherini quintets, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'These are finely polished scores and Les Ombres oblige with some sparkling virtuosity that is a pleasure for the senses.'

Ensemble. Virtuoso Exuberance - Mike Wheeler listens to the Pelléas Ensemble at the Buxton Festival

Ensemble. Fresh and Appealing - Mike Wheeler listens to the Françaix Wind Trio

CD Spotlight. A Prodigious Compositional Career - Gerald Fenech listens to music by French baroque composer Joseph Bodin de Boismortier. 'The Neumeyer Consort's performances display a mastery of Boismortier's language that is just astonishing ...'

Classical music news - Vienna Deadline - There are a few more days to apply for the 2021 Vienna International Music Competition

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Fantastic - Music by Schnittke for violin and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are great all round, and this is a useful addition to anyone's collection.'

CD Spotlight. Enigmatic yet Fascinating - Music by Rued Langgaard for violin and piano, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The conclusion of a visionary cycle that is worthy of serious attention.'

CD Spotlight. Animals or Aliens? - Keith Bramich listens, unprepared, to instrumental and chamber music by Enno Poppe. 'These academic new music works are expertly played but won't appeal to everyone.'

CD Spotlight. A Tango Like You've Never Heard Before - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by Kuljit Bhamra and Davide Giovannini. '... always colorful, never boring, even though at times overflowing with impressions.'

CD Spotlight. Six Composers, Piano, Strings and Voice - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to works by six female composers. '... performed profoundly ...'

CD Spotlight. Revisiting the Close Bond of Violin and Guitar - Kim Sjøgren and Lars Hannibal play music by Paganini and Sarasate, heard by Ona Jarmalavičiūtė. '... very elegant, vibrant, virtuosic and illustrative.'

CD Spotlight. Quietly Ambiguous - Stephen Francis Vasta feels vaguely let down by Mami Shikimori and the Wihan Quartet's performances of Fauré and Franck. '... wonderfully committed and incisive playing.'

CD Spotlight. Time and Space - Geoff Pearce recommends accessible contemporary music for cello by French composer Dominique Lemaître, played by Dan Barrett. 'All the artists involved, and especially cellist Dan Barrett, produce truly inspirational music making.'

CD Spotlight. Changes of Mood - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Carl Nielsen's music for solo violin and for violin and piano. 'The performances are of a high standard, as one would expect, and violinist Hasse Borup and pianist Andrew Staupe play the music with great affection and attention to detail.'

CD Spotlight. Particularly Arresting - Further music by the recently deceased American composer Paul Reale impresses Geoff Pearce. 'Although these works are in an unmistakably modern idiom, they are exciting, fresh and performed with panache.'

Classical music news - The English Music Festival - The Sussex-based festival plays its part in the return to music-making in the UK with an Autumn Festival on 9 and 20 October 2020

CD Spotlight. A Very Impressive Disc - Geoff Pearce listens to music for trumpet by Australian composer Brendan Collins. 'There is some fantastic playing by all the artists on the disc which is sure to delight all who hear it.'

Ensemble. Absolute Purity of Tone - American mezzo Joyce DiDonato's Met Stars Live recital from Germany, reviewed by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Somewhat Disturbing - Thought-provoking music by Naomi Pinnock, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances and attention to detail were impressive, which added to my enjoyment and comprehension of the music.'

CD Spotlight. Beethoven the Innovator - Cuarteto Casals plays a selection of Beethoven string quartets, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'All of the highest quality.'

CD Spotlight. A Swiss Household Name - Music for guitar by Hans Haug and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the enchanting playing of Marisa Minder is memorable throughout.'

CD Spotlight. Matching Words with Music - Gerald Fenech listens to music for soprano and clarinet by Lori Laitman, Kalmen Opperman and Diana Rosenblum. 'The programme is delivered with panache and polished maturity ...'

CD Spotlight. An Unusual Debut - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Ravel, James Francis Brown and Liana Alexandra, performed by Andrea Oliva and the Hemisphaeria Trio. '... an innovative program by a very promising ensemble.'

CD Spotlight. Ostentatiously Evocative - Vadim Gluzman plays music by Pēteris Vasks, heard by Patrick Maxwell. 'The music on this impressive recording deserves much larger recognition ...'

Classical music news. Diabelli Variations - American pianist David Korevaar completes his Beethoven project and will appear in a virtual recital at Snake River Music Festival with violinist Charles Wetherbee

Ensemble. Bring Back the Blue and the Light - Maria Nockin was impressed by Jonas Kaufmann's recital with Helmut Deutsch in New York Metropolitan Opera's new 'Met Stars Live in Concert' series

Ensemble. 'New Music' in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the last of the Accademia Filarmonica Romana's summer concerts

Drastically Revised - Giuseppe Pennisi looks at the detail of the replanned 2020 Salzburg Festival

Profile. Connecting the Natural and Human Worlds - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to the Welsh composer Hilary Tann

CD Spotlight. Youthful Influences - Early string quartets by William Alwyn, heard by Patrick Maxwell. '... carried off with impressive dexterity by the players ...'

CD Spotlight. Undoubted Historical Importance - Paul Sarcich listens to music by Nikos Skalkottas. '... Skalkottas is no slave of Schoenberg - he has his own take on Schoenberg's methods and one could not confuse the two.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Colours and Flavour - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music from Sharon Isbin and the Pacifica Quartet. '... an original program and excellent rendering make very pleasant listening.'

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.'

CD Spotlight. Youthfulness and Energy - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to chamber music by Paul Hindemith. '... an explosion of happiness and a real whirlwind from the very fast introduction to the vibrant finale ...'

CD Spotlight. The Host and the Guest - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to a celebration of Eastern and Western musical cultures. '... truly striking performances.'

CD Spotlight. Highly Effective - Gerald Fenech listens to miniatures by William Mathias. '... splendid and sweetly unaffected performances ...'

Ensemble. Compositional Fury - More Beethoven string quartets in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Beethoven String Quartets - Giuseppe Pennisi attends two concerts marking this year's Beethoven anniversary

Ensemble. Vaughan Williams and Jazz? - Mike Wheeler listens to a talk from Stephen Johnson, and to two works by Vaughan Williams played by John Wilson and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

Ensemble. A Remarkable Partnership - Mike Wheeler listens to music for violin and piano by Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Wieniawski/Gounod and Debussy/Heifetz from Emmanuel Bach and Jennifer Hughes

Classical music news. Obituary - Barry Tuckwell (1931-2020)

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Engaging - Villa-Lobos, Bax and Bolcom from Kerry Duwors and Futaba Niekawa, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the sheer musicianship, combined with flawless technique and imaginative programming, never fails to impress me.'

CD Spotlight. Contrast and Energy - Modern wind chamber music, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This is an enjoyable disc with quite a diversity of styles, performed by musicians of high calibre. I think most people who listen to these works will enjoy them.'

CD Spotlight. Interesting and Entertaining - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Paul Reale. '... a fantastic disc ...'

CD Spotlight. Jewel in the Scottish Musical Crown - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė is impressed by Mr McFall's Chamber. '... a vivid kaleidoscope of impromptu freely expressed creativity.'

CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Scottish Flavour - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music and songs by Judith Weir. '... a fantastic disc ...'

CD Spotlight. The French Romantic Experience - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a CD box set from Palazzetto Bru Zane in Venice. '... almost a mini course in French Romantic music, and well worth a try.'

CD Spotlight. Highly Enjoyable - Patrick Maxwell listens to Brahms from the Primrose Piano Quartet. '... the playing is meticulous and the overall effect magnificent.'

Ensemble. Finely Balanced - Mozart, Shostakovich and Beethoven, played by the Artesian String Quartet, and heard by Mike Wheeler

Piquant Ensemble. Contrasts - A cello and violin recital by Katherine Jenkinson and Ning Kam, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Something of Rare Beauty - Twentieth century oboe sonatas by York Bowen, Petr Eben, Henri Dutilleux, Eugène Bozza, Francis Poulenc and Camille Saint-Saëns, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'What a fantastic and inspiring team Alex Klein and Phillip Bush make.'

Ensemble. Hausmusik in the Palatine Hall - by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Blaringly Unusual - Maria Nockin listens to Pittance Chamber Music's opening concert

Ensemble. Lieder with Harp - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a world tour by Diana Damrau and Xavier de Maistre

CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Engaging - Piano quartets by Andrew Anderson, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... compelling and unique.'

CD Spotlight. Quite Unusual - Orchestral storytelling by Jon Deak, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances here are very good, the music colourful and inventive, and I can imagine that this disc may appeal more to people with children than to adult listeners.'

Ensemble. Airborne Twice - Giuseppe Pennisi attends a cello and piano recital unexpectedly

Ensemble. In a Pleasure Garden - Music by Michele Dall'Ongaro and Verdi in a chamber music format, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Classical music news. Stanisław Moniuszko Competition - The deadline for applications to take part in a new Polish music competition is 23 June 2019

CD Spotlight. Seldom Recorded - Music for horn and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... two superb musicians enjoying themselves in music which is not well-known ...'

CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Chamber music by Nigel Osborne, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beguiling and vivid performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Sheer Musicianship - Geoff Pearce listens to music for viola, played by Matthew Lipman. '... a delight for the listener and aficionados of the viola.'

Ensemble. An Impressive Joint Local Debut - Alex Binns and Dora Chatzigeorgiou step in with a Derby Cathedral recital, following a sudden last-minute cancellation, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Spiritual and Emotional Depth - Piano trios from the Delphi Trio by Beethoven, Brahms and Bolcom, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An invigorating mixture of past and present, brilliantly executed and sumptuously recorded, which is truly worth investigating.'

Classical music news. Chagall Quartet Tour - The Chagall String Quartet from Italy will tour China in October 2019

Ensemble. Exemplary Clarity - Haydn, Glass and Beethoven from the Marmen Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Great Performances - Music for oboe and cor anglais by Phil Salathé, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This composer is technically assured, and has a unique perspective and voice.'

Ensemble. A Powerful Experience - Rimsky-Korsakov and Messiaen from Ensemble Mirage, heard by Mike Wheeler

Classical music news. Music Mountain - The Connecticut-based concert series celebrates ninety continuous years

CD Spotlight. Very Interesting and Original - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by John McCabe and David Ellis. '... superb performances delivered by the Camerata Ensemble.'

Classical music news. Rosalie Coopman - Brixworth Music Festival announces the winner of its International Competition for Women Composers

Ensemble. A Children's Game - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to special Rossini in a special place

Classical music news. Schubertiade 2019 - Austria's unique festival celebrating Franz Schubert in two different locations has announced its 2019 concerts

Ensemble. Pin-point Delicacy and Precision - Mike Wheeler is impressed by the Eblana String Trio

Ensemble. An Odd Couple? - Kurtág and Brahms in concert, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. An Endurance Test - Rossini, Monti, J S Bach, Mozart, Handel, Vaughan Williams and Dave Maslanka from the Syzygy Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Scuttling Crabs - Music for vibraphone and wind quintet, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'There is some great vibraphone and bassoon work here ...'

Ensemble. Collective Flair - Haydn, Bartók and Dvorák from the Zelkova Quartet impress Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. In the Loft - The Chicago music scene in 2007, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'With chamber music writing of this calibre American audiences can rest assured; their future is in more than capable hands.'

CD Spotlight. Not an Obvious Connection - Debussy and Jazz, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'For those with wide enough ears it will be an attractive and thought-provoking listen.'

CD Spotlight. Superbly Enjoyable - Early chamber music by Peter Dickinson impresses Malcolm Miller. '... a welcome addition to a select repertoire is Dickinson's Four Duos for flute and cello, brightly played here by Rosanna Ter-Berg and Lydia Hillerudh ...'

Ensemble. A Delightful Surprise - Beethoven, Turina and Schumann from the Aquinas Trio impress Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Always Interesting - Orchestral music by Henri Dutilleux intrigues Geoff Pearce. 'The performances by soloists and orchestra are absolutely first class. Dutilleux should be heard much more than he is ...'

CD Spotlight. A Very Joyous Disc - Brahms arranged by Kenneth Woods impresses Alice McVeigh. '... this is an excellent performance representing a useful, joyful and even inspired addition to the orchestral repertoire.'

CD Spotlight. Double Meanings? - Seattle-based ensemble Torch, heard by Keith Bramich. '... the music sounds modern, jazzy, light and almost aleatoric-sounding.'

CD Spotlight. Poetic Inspirations - Music for oboe, viola and piano, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Here ... is a chamber music CD qualifying emphatically as "a must" for eager music lovers everywhere. It doesn't get any better.'

CD Spotlight. Sensational - Maxwell Davies from the Hebrides Ensemble, recommended by Roderic Dunnett. 'As an approach to Maxwell Davies' music, this could scarcely be bettered.'

Ensemble. Puppyish Ebullience - Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Mendelssohn, Ravel, Dushkin, Bob Marley, Coleridge-Taylor and Monti from the Kanneh-Mason Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Stunningly Performed - Trios by Schumann, Smit, Mozart and Françaix, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Music is in fine hands for the future with young artists of this calibre.'

CD Spotlight. Adeptly Handled - String Quartets by Elgar and Delius, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'From the soft yet unified opening attack, we know that the Villiers Quartet will serve the score well.'

Ensemble. Late Romanticism - Giuseppe Pennisi is moved by Richard Strauss and Schoenberg played by the Stradivari Sextet

CD Spotlight. Excellent and Compelling - Chamber music by John McCabe impresses Geoff Pearce. 'This is a fantastic disc, both for the performances and also for this largely unfamiliar music.'

Ensemble. Angel of the Apocalypse - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Messiaen in Rome

Ensemble. Deeply Involving - Haydn, Britten and Schubert from The Alke String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Bordering on the Casual - The American Horn Quartet, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'One can only marvel at such shared virtuosity in technique with an instrument with no escape routes; no latitude for error.'

Ensemble. Debussy Perspective - Giuseppe Pennisi samples a concert series marking the one hundredth anniversary of the French composer's death

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Superb - The Altius Quartet plays Shostakovich, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'I hope that the Altius Quartet goes on to record the whole cycle, and perhaps the Piano Quintets and Trios as well. This is a very fine ensemble of exciting young musicians.'

Ensemble. An Effective Combination - Music for viola and harp from Oliver Wass and Luba Tunnicliffe, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Centres of Excellence - Roderic Dunnett looks back to the 2017 Three Choirs Festival at Worcester, and forward to 2018 in Hereford

CD Spotlight. Immaculately Crazy - Red Priest's 'Baroque Bohemians' impresses Alice McVeigh. '... extreme alternations of mood, from manic charges to bucolic brusqueness, with serious offbeat percussive work ... and general anarchy ...'

CD Spotlight. Very Satisfying - Chamber music by Gerard Schurmann impresses Geoff Pearce. 'This fine performance is taut, accurate and driven.'

Ensemble. Too Many Notes? - Mike Wheeler listens to Dohnányi, Mozart and Brahms from the Rogeri Ensemble

CD Spotlight. Elliptical Orbits - String quartets by British composers, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... the Kreutzer Quartet brings a faultless degree of unanimity and understanding to this selection of late twentieth century string music.'

CD Spotlight. Worthy of Brahms - Chamber music by Marteau and Zemlinsky, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... never boring, but full blooded and passionate. All the players have complex passages and are equal partners.'

CD Spotlight. Brilliantly Performed - Mozart chamber music, highly recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'One cannot fault the playing on this lovely disc ...'

Ensemble. Asking Better Questions? - Schubert, Barber, Beethoven and Shostakovich from the Brodsky Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Piquant Contrast - Mike Wheeler listens to Schulhoff and Tchaikovsky from members of the Fibonacci Sequence

CD Spotlight. Superb Compositions - Chamber sonatas by Giovanni Stefano Carbonelli, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances abound in real vitality, rhythmic verve and dramatic engagement, and Carbonelli's genius is allowed to shine in all its exuberance.'

CD Spotlight. Playful Counterpoint - Telemann in the French style, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'The distinguished musicians of the Hanoverian Ensemble display a characteristic eighteenth century affinity of expression that Telemann's urbane work requires.'

CD Spotlight. Stylistic Evolution - Béla Bartók's six string quartets, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech

CD Spotlight. Sheer Beauty - Dvorák serenades, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances by the Czech Nonet ... and the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields conducted by Neville Marriner ... are exemplary, and all the colourful harmonies and exuberant rhythms are brought out with a virtuosity that is quite unmatchable.'

CD Spotlight. Splice the Mainbrace - Red Priest's 'Pirates of the Baroque', heard by the late Howard Smith. 'The foursome are outrageous, hugely entertaining, and Red Priest take no prisoners.'

CD Spotlight. Wonderful Advocates - Hindemith's complete string quartets, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... each rendition is an endless source of pleasure, where precision and attention to detail are the consistent hallmarks of some breathtaking music-making.'

Ensemble. Something Rich and Strange - Mozart, Shostakovich and Beethoven from the Coull Quartet impress Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Rare Treat - Mozart, Duncan Ward and Poulenc wind chamber music, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Beautiful Tone - Glazunov and Taneyev String Quintets, enjoyed by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... the Gringolts ensemble plays expertly, projecting the music's sense of "symphonic" weight and importance while maintaining the vivid interplay among the parts.'

Ensemble. Most Impressive - Mozart, Enescu, Stravinsky and Brahms from Savitri Grier and Richard Uttley, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Totally Compelling - Schoenberg's arrangements of Mahler songs impress Geoff Pearce. '... I found this version very interesting and overall, more intimate ...'

Ensemble. An Attractive Sound-world - Mike Wheeler listens to the Thorne Trio

CD Spotlight. Gorgeously Irresistible - Piano quintets by Granados and Turina, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an almost instinctive sense of interplay between the players ...'

CD Spotlight. Well Worth Exploring - Music by Marshall, Bryars and Pärt, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... refreshing immediacy and striking originality ...'

CD Spotlight. Vigorously Interpreted - Butterworth, Gurney and Warlock, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the programme embraces all that is best of English song-writing in the initial phases of the twentieth century ...'

Ensemble. Sensitive Handling - Tchaikovsky, Delius and Brahms from the Villiers String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Beyond Words - Rachel Brown's Revolutionary Flute Quartets, highly recommended by Alice McVeigh. 'The double-CD is worth buying for this slice of Gluck alone.'

Ensemble. Death and the Maiden - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Patricia Kopatchcinskaja and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

CD Spotlight. Full of Life - Trio Koch plays Moszkowski, Milhaud and Martinu, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the players show a superb understanding of the melodic line and harmonic structure ...'

CD Spotlight. Riveting Discoveries - Music from Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... as absorbing as it is enticing.'

Ensemble. Close Partnership in Action - J S Bach, Shostakovich, Oliver Davis and Brahms from Katherine Jenkinson and Alison Farr, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Re-writing the Rule Book - Rutter and Fauré Requiems performed by the Armonico Consort, heard by Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight. Rapturous Creations - Trio Karénine plays Robert Schumann piano trios, and impresses Gerald Fenech. '... commanding authority, rewarding depth and devil-may-care exuberance ...'

Ensemble. Echo of Globalization - France at the Festival of Nations, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Well Worth Exploring - Chamber music by Franz Mittler, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Both string performers ... prove excellent advocates for this full-blooded music.'

Ensemble. Sparkle and Brilliance - An exploration of the celebration and imitation of national styles, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Magical Stillness - The Elias Quartet plays at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Into the Unknown - Music by Luigi Gazzotti, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... meltingly tender renditions ...'

Ensemble. A Dynamic Entity - Malcolm Miller reports on the 2016 BPSE Beethoven Chamber Music Competition

CD Spotlight. An Interesting Disc - Chamber music associated with Frans Preumayer, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the performances ... were truly marvellous by all concerned.'

CD Spotlight. Sheer Enjoyment - Don Gillis' music for wind quintet, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... always well-crafted, easy to listen to and often fun.'

Ensemble. Haydn the subversive? - The Zelkova String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wide-ranging Character - Andrew Dunlop, Ria Nolan and the Eblana String Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Familiar and Otherworldly - The City of Tomorrow, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... funny, playful, and full of light.'

Ensemble. Off-the-beaten Track - Chamber music from Katherine Jenkinson, Julian Bliss and Alison Farr, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Pulsating Energy - Chamber music by Joaquín Turina impresses Gerald Fenech. '... wonderfully characterized and atmospheric readings ...'

CD Spotlight. Utmost Precision - Music by David Kechley impressed the late Howard Smith. 'Stimulating, unpretentious, singularly different.'

CD Spotlight. Totally Cohesive - Mozart and Brahms clarinet quintets, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... a gem of a disc ...'

CD Spotlight. Feisty and Wiry - Music by Fernando Lopes-Graça, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are wholly committed ...'

CD Spotlight. Feral Wildness - Music by Osias Wilenski, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Lauded for his compositional style, Wilenski's unique works range from narrative symphonic poems and operatic spin-offs to instrumental miniatures.'

Ensemble. A Compelling Musical Experience - Beethoven, Bartók and Tchaikovsky from the Eeden Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Mood Music - Music by Pamela J Marshall, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are professional and committed ...'

CD Spotlight. Sympathetic and Inventive - Music by Ferenc Farkas for oboe and strings, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'The Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra performs with obvious care and commitment ...'

CD Spotlight. Star Musicians - Piano trios by Saint-Saëns, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... tonal variance and measured passion ...'

CD Spotlight. Worth Acquiring - Bridge Chamber Virtuosi, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'From start to finish, an exhilarating recording.'

CD Spotlight. A Real Gem - Chamber music by Zae Munn impresses Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are committed and unified ...'

CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - Boccherini chamber music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... exquisite stuff from beginning to end ...'

CD Spotlight. Highly Appealing - Chamber music by Robert Kahn impresses Gerald Fenech. '... zealous advocates of Kahn's cause ...'

Ensemble. Quartet for the End of Time - Mike Wheeler continues his reports from Buxton

Ensemble. Helmut Lachenmann at Eighty - Malcolm Miller attends a study day and concert in London

Ensemble. Nicely Varied - Beethoven, Mozart, Crusell, Françaix and Schubert from members of Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Very Worthwhile - Vocal music by Michael Murray impresses Geoff Pearce. 'I could not fault the performances, and believe that they represent Michael Murray's vocal works well.'

CD Spotlight. A Middle Course - Music by Bruce Babcock, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently distinctive and unfailingly proficient.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Superlative - Music by twentieth century women composers impresses Geoff Pearce. '... the Trio des Alpes is committed and convincing ...'

Ensemble. Undeniably Spellbinding - A cello and piano recital by Jessie Richardson and Simon Callaghan, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Stunning Works - Music for string quartet by James MacMillan, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. '... expressive, virtuosic, and replete with subtle hues.'

Ensemble. Vigour and Freshness - Clarinettist Julian Bliss joins Andrew Gourlay and Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Something Transcendent - Music performed by A Far Cry, heard by Howard Smith. '... evidently capable hands ...'

CD Spotlight. Fluent Inventiveness - Viola sonatas by Gál and Krenek, recommended by Howard Smith. '... remarkable high standards.'

CD Spotlight. Dedicated Advocates - Robert Still's four string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. 'Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.'

CD Spotlight. Seldom Recorded - Violin Sonatas by Copland and Zeisl, heard by Howard Smith. '... Schiff has developed as fair and sweet an approximation of her Olympian mentor as one may reasonably expect.'

CD Spotlight. Real Enchantment - Pergolesi Chamber Cantatas, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... episodes of tender pensiveness ...'

Ensemble. Poise and Freshness - Haydn, Mozart and Janácek from the Jubilee String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Musical Polymath - Peter Dickinson's eightieth birthday concert, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Barnstorming Mendelssohn - Mike Wheeler listens to the Aquinas Piano Trio

CD Spotlight. A Real Discovery - Eastern European music for bassoon and piano, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... great performances from Maria Wildhaber and her colleagues ...'

CD Spotlight. Scintillating Performances - Asian music for string quartet impresses Howard Smith. '... an exemplary, highly recommendable release.'

Ensemble. High Fives - Mike Wheeler listens to Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra and to the NAC Wind Quintet

CD Spotlight. Surprisingly Genial - Music for string quartet by William Zinn, heard by Howard Smith. '... the string writing is outstanding in its proficiency.'

Disarming Ease - The New Zealand String Quartet impresses Howard Smith

CD Spotlight. Real Interest - Greg Bowers' 'Rational Passions', heard by Geoff Pearce. '... committed and skillful playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Let It Be - The Beatles for string quartet, heard by Howard Smith. 'The four Wihan players ... give this disc their best shot.'

CD Spotlight. An Ideal Pairing - Brahms cello sonatas, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... honourable, fluent and enjoyable playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Euro Folk Champions - The Apollo Chamber Players, impress Howard Smith. '... this scantily adorned traditional music derives straight from the heartbeat of regions in Southern, Eastern, and Central Europe.'

CD Spotlight. Entrancing Ideas - Slovenian flute music, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... advanced, imaginative, exhilarating, jubilant and utterly irrepressible.'

CD Spotlight. Divertingly Arranged - Music from China and the USA, heard by Howard Smith. '... less conclusive ...'

CD Spotlight. Irrepressible Delights - Piano trios from the 1890s, heard by Howard Smith. '... compelling feeling and technical assurance ...'

CD Spotlight. Commanding Authority - Shostakovich and Schnittke string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. '... vivid sonic immediacy.'

CD Spotlight. Clearly Inescapable - Gerard Schurmann's chamber music impresses Howard Smith. '... potent, consuming, thematically cogent and burning with zeal.'

CD Spotlight. Characteristic Patina - Brahms chamber music, heard by Howard Smith. '... Walther-Korevaar-Fejér are exemplary in all three works.'

CD Spotlight. Very Practical - Hindemith music for clarinet, appreciated by Robert Anderson. 'Richard Stoltzman has every opportunity to display his outstanding technique ...'

CD Spotlight. Higher-level Synthesis - Music for string quartet by Toshio Hosokawa, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... the Arditti ensemble produces the effect masterfully.'

Ensemble. Deeply Gratifying - The first performance of Ian Venables' new clarinet quintet, heard by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Closely Argued - Mike Wheeler listens to Andrew Dunlop and the Eblana String Trio

Ensemble. Depth and Elegance - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Printemps des Arts in Monte Carlo

Ensemble. High Spirits - The Piatti String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautifully Presented - The Heron Piano Quartet, recommended by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A Composer of Note - Graham Waterhouse receives standing ovations at Munich's Gasteig, by Tess Crebbin

Ensemble. Crisp Elegance - Chamber music in Arizona, heard by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Conscientious Objector - Unknown music by Benjamin Britten, heard by Gerald Fenech

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Work - Grieg and Finnissy for piano quintet, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the whole disc is an unexpected serendipity.'

CD Spotlight. Collaborative Effect - Martha Argerich and friends in Lugano, heard by Barbara Sealock. 'Among the recorded gems of 2013 ...'

CD Spotlight. Haunting Images - Mahler arranged by Schoenberg, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'An unusual interpretation of "Das Lied" in excellent sound and presentation ...'

Ensemble. Power and Delicacy - Eloisa-Fleur Thom and Mark Austin, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Searingly Passionate - Katherine Jenkinson and Ning Kam open Derby Chamber Music's new season, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Rather Extraordinary - Alec Roth's new string quartet, enjoyed by Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight. Mature Style - Music by Gershwin and David Nisbet Stewart, heard by Howard Smith. '... Stewart's impressive Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.'

Ensemble. Thanksgiving and Transcendence - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to orchestral and chamber concerts at the Salzburg Summer Festival

CD Spotlight. A Formidable Achievement - Music by Newton D Strandberg, heard by Patric Standford. '... well worth serious acquaintance.'

Ensemble. Household Rituals - Contemporary and modern music at Aix-en-Provence, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Higher Truth - The Wihan Quartet plays Schubert, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... one of the most important interpreters ...'

CD Spotlight. Quiet but Clear - Beethoven's Op 18 String Quartets, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... the Allegri's light touch works.'

CD Spotlight. Scrupulously Represented - Chamber music by Kurt Rohde, heard by Howard Smith. '... dramatic and powerfully intimate.'

CD Spotlight. Ebullient Temperament - Unfamiliar delights from Trio Solis, recommended by Patric Standford. '... a superb recording of very fine ensemble playing.'

CD Spotlight. Enjoyable Performances - Tasmin Little plays Strauss and Respighi, heard by Ron Bierman. '... a winning program ...'

Ensemble. Beautifully Captured - Mike Wheeler listens to the Mavron Quartet

Ensemble. A Fascinating Insight - Georg Tintner's 'The Ellipse' and music by other Viennese émigrés, heard by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. European Impressionism - Quartets by Ravel, Debussy and Saint-Saëns, heard by Howard Smith. '[Quatuor Modigliani] attack it with some vehemence.'

CD Spotlight. Intimate Style - Schubert's String Quintet in C pleases Stephen Francis Vasta. '... unusually sensitive, freshly considered ...'

Rich Colours - Mike Wheeler listens to the Eblana String Trio and pianist Andrew Dunlop

Ensemble. Cruelly Written Out - Simon Broughton listens to works by Gideon Klein and Hans Krása

Ensemble. Nimble Playing - Music for saxophone and piano played by Huw Wiggin and James Sherlock, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Close Encounters - Maria Nockin listens to Yehuda Hanani, Erin Keefe and Jeffrey Swann

Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - Listening with New Ears. A Listening Strategy for Webern's String Trio

CD Spotlight. Truth in Music - The Zodiac Trio, heard by Keith Bramich. '... young wine, already highly palatable ...'

Ensemble. Agile and Impassioned - J S Bach's Suites for solo cello, heard by Michael Tremberth

CD Spotlight. Competition is Savage - Smetana, Dvorák and Freddie Mercury, heard by Howard Smith. '... performances to bask in.'

Ensemble. Sturm und Drang - The Gould Piano Trio, heard by Michael Tremberth

Ensemble. Informative and Exhilarating - Chamber and instrumental music from China and elsewhere, heard by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Crunchy Bitonality - Music by Julian Dawes, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Bounce and Swagger - Musica Donum Dei's 'Handel and Other Visitors to London', heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Sizzling Confidence - The Benaud Trio impresses Howard Smith. '... a CD of exceptional providence.'

CD Spotlight. Irridescent Colourings - The Debussy Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... beautifully balanced ...'

Ensemble. A Natural Stage Presence - Guild Music's concert to celebrate the launch of two new CDs, reviewed by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Serene Flow - Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Dvorák from the Aquinas Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Wondrous Music - Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... impeccable ensemble, just intonation, a rich variety of tone colours, and a youthful freshness of approach.'

CD Spotlight. No Faulting - Bach arrangements for string trio, heard by Howard Smith. '... their adroit three-part Baroque 'dovetailing' never lapsed ...'

Ensemble. Total Rapport - Jonathan Dormand and Marisa Gupta's Fauré, Brahms and Prokofiev impress Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Lush Romanticism - Chamber music by Vittorio Giannini, heard by Bill Newman. 'A welcome ... for this invaluable release.'

CD Spotlight. Intuitive Understanding - Dvorák string quartets, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'I enjoyed these flavorful performances when listening more casually ...'

CD Spotlight. Searing Lyricism - Schubert from Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... I have enjoyed most the slower movements.'

CD Spotlight. Late Romanticism - Trio Brancusi plays Enescu, welcomed by Bill Newman. 'The performances are all first rate ...'

CD Spotlight. Doubly Welcome - Chamber music by Hamilton Harty delights Bill Newman. '... an unforgettable wit and charm ...'

Ensemble. Potent Emphasis - Malcolm Miller was at the recent Bloch and Israeli Music competitions

Ensemble. Uniquely Memorable - The Kronos Quartet at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Lyrical Eloquence - Brahms piano trios, heard by Robert Anderson. '... an unusual and most welcome expressive range from the strings ...'

CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Recording - John Joubert's string quartets, heard by Alice McVeigh. 'The Brodskys throw themselves into the lament for Shostakovich ...'

Ensemble. Enchanting Music - The Castalian Quartet and friends, heard by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Excellent Throughout - Shostakovich and Prokofiev string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. '... flawless technical address and heartfelt aim ...'

CD Spotlight. Drama and Poetry - Schubert late string quartets, recommended by Howard Smith. '... as good as it gets.'

Ensemble. Judge not lest you be Judged! - Malcolm Troup reports on the 2012 Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's chamber music masterclass, concert and competition

CD Spotlight. Joyous Appreciation - Schumann's Piano Quartet and Piano Quintet, heard by Robert Anderson. '... all the requisite drive and poise.'

Ensemble. Thrilling Renditions - Martino Tirimo plays Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

DVD Spotlight. Seen and Heard - Modern music from the Kreutzer Quartet, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... whimsical, fickle and modernistic ...'

Ensemble. Compellingly Memorable - Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert from the Allegri Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Superb Playing - Bill Newman listens to a selection of instrumental chamber music in London

CD Spotlight. Unconventionally Scored - Quartets by Roger Reynolds and Peter Lieberson, heard by Howard Smith. 'These performances can hardly be faulted ...'

Ensemble. Splendidly Evocative - Beethoven, Cecilia McDowall and Schumann from the English Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautiful Discourse - Chamber music from Lydia Artymiw, Arnaud Sussman, Toby Appel and Yehuda Hanani, reviewed by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Mandatory Repertoire - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. 'Unquestionably seminal performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Impressive Music - Songs by Havergal Brian, heard by Patric Standford. '... equal to the intimacy of the skilfully fashioned miniature.'

Ensemble. Brilliant in the Extreme - Mozart and Brahms from the Razumovsky Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Lilting Charm - Bill Newman listens to the Danish String Quartet

CD Spotlight. Revealing Bach - The Goldberg Variations and The Art of Fugue, heard by George Balcombe. '... musical richness and instrumental knowledge ...'

CD Spotlight. Dubious Tampering - Chamber arrangements of Mahler and Debussy, heard by Howard Smith. '... a highly skilled, finely rehearsed unit.'

Ensemble. 2011 Specials - A roundup of London concerts enjoyed by Bill Newman, featuring recitals by Alice Sara Ott, the Emerson Quartet, Martin Fröst and Roland Pontinen, the Orchestra of the Polish EU Presidency, Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä and Roope Grondahl, and Martino Tirimo's Rosamunde Trio

CD Spotlight. Gorgeous Colours - Schubert from the Tokyo Quartet, heard by Howard Smith. '... a great deal in their favour ...'

Ensemble. Deeply Affecting - A Remembrance Concert in Clapham, attended by Michael Graubart

CD Spotlight. Consummate Artists - Zemlinsky and Messiaen from Ensemble Liaison, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Melba's spot-on quartet recording ... fares brilliantly ...'

Ensemble. Airy Textures - The Piatti String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Extremely Beautiful - Arrangements of Dvorák songs recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The intense rapport between both artists can immediately be felt ...'

CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Coupling - Mendelssohn and Franck quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... strenuous and compelling ...'

CD Spotlight. Restful Indeed - English music by Hurd, Milford and Blackford, heard by Howard Smith. '... an ideal approach in music of pastoral character.'

CD Spotlight. Moderate Interest - Chamber music by Craig Madden Morris, heard by Howard Smith. '... Kwak is a more than capable soloist ...'

CD Spotlight. Imaginative Work - Chamber music by John Veale and Robert Crawford, heard by Patric Standford. '... well managed ...'

CD Spotlight. Powerful Capabilities - Piano trios by Weinberg and Shostakovich, heard by Howard Smith. '... notable gusto ...'

CD Spotlight. A No-nonsense Approach - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... not quite the whole story.'

DVD Spotlight. Admirable Intentions - Gillian Rogell teaches chamber music, observed by Howard Smith. 'It's all fairly basic stuff ...'

CD Spotlight. Often Spectacular - The American String Project, seen and heard by Patric Standford. 'The performers are undoubtedly superb ...'

CD Spotlight. Equal Partners - Chamber music by Barbara Harbach, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. '... more humor than can be found in the entire oeuvre of many contemporary composers.'

CD Spotlight. Positively Spellbinding - Music for clarinet, piano and cello, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a fine recording ...'

Ensemble. Meticulously Handled - The Rivoli String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Varied Moods - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, heard by Robert Anderson. '... admirably captured ...'

Ensemble. An Eclectic Mix - Mieczyslaw Weinberg's 'The Portrait' at Opera North, experienced by Mike Wheeler

An Ever-Active Hive - Robert Anderson examines the latest score from Acuta Music

Ensemble. Inspired Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Many Levels - Chamber music by Mozart and Smetana, heard by Howard Smith. '... judged to perfection ...'

CD Spotlight. Poignant Sounds - String quartets by Peter Garland, heard by Patric Standford. '... remote and apparently disengaged ...'

CD Spotlight. An Appropriate Memorial - Songs by Moeran, Warlock and Geoffrey Stern, heard by Patric Standford. '... a well balanced programme and clean, clear studio performances ...'

Ensemble. A Touch of Élan - Héloîse Geoghegan and Michael Joyce, heard by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. Cultural Delights - Gerald Fenech visits Slovenia for Festival Maribor

Ensemble. Truly Miraculous - The Emerson Quartet, heard by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Recording - The complete solo songs of E J Moeran, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully sung ...'

Ensemble. Most Memorable - A recital by Soojin Han and Tadashi Imai impresses Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Delightful Spirit - Balkan music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... a near perfect blend of timbre and balance ...'

DVD Spotlight. Forthright Tempos - The Wihan Quartet plays Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... little to truly set their work apart ...'

CD Spotlight. Matchless Artistry - The Wihan Quartet plays Dvorák, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the finest of bravura chamber performances.'

CD Spotlight. A Vigorous Spirit - Music by Matthew Taylor, heard by Patric Standford. '... skill and personality in equal measures ...'

Ensemble. Top Class Musicianship - Roderic Dunnett visits Gloucester for the 2010 Three Choirs Festival

Most Welcome - The first edition of two Elgar movements for oboe quartet, reviewed by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight. Strength and Lyricism - Chamber music by Hugh Wood, heard by Patric Standford. '... taut stamina.'

Seemingly Improvisatory - Pieter Wispelwey's Bach cello suites at Tanglewood impress Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. A Remarkable Event - Paul Sarcich visits the West Cork Chamber Music Festival

CD Spotlight. Grandest Lines - Donald Tovey's cello concerto, heard by Robert Anderson. '... satisfyingly masterful.'

CD Spotlight. Great Abilities - Piano trios by Donald Tovey, heard by Robert Anderson. '... diatonic convictions ...'

Ensemble. Under the Tuscan Sun - Giuseppe Pennisi attends the beginning of the Tiroler Festspiele 2010

CD Spotlight. A Shattered Mirror - Paganini caprices arranged for string quartet, heard by Howard Smith. '... technically cluttered.'

Truly Charming - John Sant'Ambrogio's 'The Day I Almost Destroyed the Boston Symphony, and Other Stories', read by Kelly Ferjutz

CD Spotlight. Powerful Beauty - Works by Fauré for Cello and Piano, recommended by George Balcombe. '... a profoundly moving sound ...'

CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'

CD Spotlight. Musical Novelties - Café music from Vienna, enjoyed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Brisk Ebullience - Lawrence Budmen sends a second report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival

CD Spotlight. Impeccable Technique - Beethoven's middle string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The outer movements induce some grinding of teeth.'

CD Spotlight. Perfection of Ensemble - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no excuse for the near-supersonic velocity ...'

Thank You Mama - Bill Newman talks to pianist Igor Tchetuev

DVD Spotlight. Extreme Individuality - A film about Delius, seen by Paul Sarcich. '... a commendable breadth.'

Balancing Act - Beethoven in E flat, with Julian Jacobson and friends

CD Spotlight. Towering Achievement - Beethoven's late string quartets impress Robert Anderson. '... full marks to these players ...'

CD Spotlight. Diversely Experienced - Music for bassoon, harpsichord and double bass, impresses Howard Smith. '... an outright "tour de force".'

CD Spotlight. Faultless Performances - Beethoven from The Nash Ensemble, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... a class of its own.'

Thoughtfulness of Approach - A recital by Australian pianist Jayson Gillham, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. An Immensely Successful Event - Thomas Bielinski reports from the West Cork Chamber Music Festival 2009

Ensemble. Refreshing Contrasts - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition

Ensemble. Lightness and Transparency - New World Symphony, the American orchestral academy, ends its season with an all-Tchaikovsky programme, reported by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. A Delightful Afternoon - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Chameleon Musicians

CD Spotlight. Shaken and Stirred - Maurice Steger plays Giuseppe Sammartini, recommended by Jennifer Paull

CD Spotlight. A Broader Canvas - Chamber music by Sibelius, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... fresh and unfamiliar music, put across with such conviction ...'

Record Box. Stirring Performances - String chamber music by Imogen Holst, recommended by Gerald Fenech

CD Spotlight. Pride of Place - Piano music by Frank Bridge, praised by Howard Smith. 'A standing ovation for Mark Bebbington ...'

Ensemble. Velvety Tones - Farewell American performances by the Beaux Arts Trio and an Amernet String Quartet recital, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

A Terrific Introduction - A guide to Mozart's instrumental music, recommended by Ron Bierman

Ensemble. World Class Chamber Music - Malcolm Troup on the recent BPSE chamber music masterclass and competition in London

Ensemble. Much to applaud - Malcolm Miller reports on an impressive array of talent at the BPSE Beethoven Chamber Music Competition 2005

CD Spotlight. Strongly crafted - Chamber music by Dan Locklair, reviewed by Carson P Cooman. '... an important American voice who deserves further recognition and performances.'

Record box - Quick-change artist. Encounters with Poulenc, by Basil Ramsey

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Copland's centenary