Arriaga & Wikmanson: String Quartets

Advantages: Great music, great performances
Disadvantages: Unfamiliarity

...I’ve loved the Piano Quartet since first hearing it on R3. Written at Oxford as a teenager it is an astounding (and humbling) creation, which betrays its creators years if you can mentally re-score sections, such as the opening of the last movement, for a rock band – those pounding chords and short motifs are heavy-metal rifs for piano and strings! The ‘rock’ turns into ragtime at the end – not sure if that’s progress but it’s definitely fun! The rest of the disc will not disappoint – except for the teenager’s complaint (mine!) that it’s not loud enough!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Excellent modern music
Disadvantages: None

...Karl Jenkins became famous a few years ago with Adiemus. However, he has composed many more modern pieces, including Palladio. Many people will have heard it without knowing, as it has been used on the advert for Scottish Widdows, and a diamond advert. This beautiful piece for string orchestra is a definite must for any serious collection. The CD also features Adiemus variations, Passacaglia and String Quartet No. 2, all of which make interesting listening. The CD is worth buying just for Palladio alone, performed brilliantly by the London Philharmonic Strings. Highly recommended.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: dynamic and gripping
Disadvantages: none

...Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth. The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be. Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful