Remy Ballot, Klangkollektiv Wien
Beethoven Quartet
Gramola
★★★★

PRODUCING a new recording of Beethoven is always a daunting task simply because there is such a rich history of Beethoven recordings that almost matches the rich history of Beethoven’s work itself. Conductor and violinist Remy Ballot is unfazed.

This new release showcases string quartets no 16 and 14 as arranged for string orchestra, which draws out a symphonic quality in contrast to the traditional conversational character of a string quartet.

We are presented with an unwinding dialogue which is delivered with such sincerity that never adds too much schmaltz, but doesn’t shy away from it either. The third movement of the 16th quartet is especially touching.

This new release is remarkable, and a wonderful introduction to the scope of Ballot’s talents, and I hope he’ll appear in Britain soon.

Shaun Ng
De Machy: Pieces de Violle
A415 Music
★★★★

THE work of Marais has been close to me for many years, not least because he was one of, if not the composer I kept playing when I was a naive student having a go at the viol.

This CD features four suites by Marais, which are not only a great introduction to the composer, but also a wonderful way for those unfamiliar with the expressive potential of a viol to become acquainted with a very dear instrument.

Shaun Ng’s playing is a joy, and he is a musician truly in command of his instrument. The character of each movement of the suite is treated carefully, and without knowing the differences between a courante or allemande a listener can feel that character without it becoming stale or mechanical.

For my first encounter with Ng’s playing, this is a very welcome discovery.

The King’s Singers, Fretwork
Tom + Will
Signum Classics
★★★★★

2023 marks the 400th anniversary of the deaths of William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes, two composers who are truly important figures in the history of music in Britain.

The coming together of two British ensembles with a great history of celebrating Britain’s early music is something I’ve been very excited about, once I first caught wind of this release.

What makes the release all the more special is the inclusion of two newly commissioned works by James MacMillan and Roderick Williams. MacMillan’s Ye Sacred Muses is genuinely heart-felt, and the connection to Byrd is far from self-congratulatory.  

Fretwork and the King’s Singers are a wonderful match and complement each other well.

As a lover of Byrd and Weelkes’ music, this is a great album; but for someone who has yet to encounter the joys of Weelkes or Byrd this album is a glorious introduction to both composers.