SPONSORED: DVD Spotlight. Olympic Scale - Charles Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, reviewed by Robert Anderson.
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Of Irish extraction, the composer Ernest John Moeran was born in West London on 31 December 1894. He studied with John Ireland. Collecting folk songs was one of his favourite hobbies, mostly in the UK's East Anglia region. There is a streak of this passion in much of his music, which inhabits a world of Romanticism with the colour of his ancestry evident. The single symphony - alas, rarely heard - is a good portrait of the man and his passion and predilections. He died at Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland, on 1 December 1950.
CD Spotlight. Benjamin Britten and James Joyce - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to two sets of English folk and other songs. '... very good listening ...'
Ensemble. Pin-point Delicacy and Precision - Mike Wheeler is impressed by the Eblana String Trio
CD Spotlight. Highly Interesting - British music for cello and piano, enthralls Gerald Fenech. 'An important addition to the genre's discography in excellent performances, sound and annotations ...'
A Higher Standard - Malcolm Miller reports from the Wigmore Hall / Kohn Foundation International Song Competition
Ensemble. Nicely Varied - A seasonal programme from the Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Glorious Singing - A recital by Alice Coote and Graham Johnson, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... interpreted with great zest and passion ...'
Ensemble. Fascinatingly Varied - The Eblana String Trio and David Curington at Derby Chamber Music, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Subtly Harmonized - Moeran solo folksong arrangements delight Patric Standford. '... a delightful exploration of the sensitive and creative treatment of folksongs ...'
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 ...'
CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Recording - The complete solo songs of E J Moeran, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully sung ...'
Ensemble. A Remarkable Event - Paul Sarcich visits the West Cork Chamber Music Festival
Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton
Record box. Accomplished playing - Kumiko Ida's British piano album, appreciated by Patric Standford