“Typically adventurous, Naxos programmes Rutter's pastoral prettiness with Glass's insistent dancing patterns and Francaix's lissom, quirky lyricism.” --BBC Music Magazine, Christmas Issue 2013 ****
“[the Glass] makes for an understated and appealing piece, and one to which Christopher D Lewis is as responsive as he is to the other works here - sensitively accompanied by the West Side Chamber Orchestra under the attentive direction of Kevin Mallon...If the programme appeals, then there is no need to hesitate.” --Gramophone Magazine, November 2013
“[the Glass] makes for an understated and appealing piece, and one to which Christopher D Lewis is as responsive as he is to the other works here - sensitively accompanied by the West Side Chamber Orchestra under the attentive direction of Kevin Mallon...If the programme appeals, then there is no need to hesitate.” --Gramophone Magazine, November 2013
Attracted by a delightful fusion of early music sonorities with modern expressiveness, the three composers in this amazingly rich and varied programme build on the magnificent harpsichord concerto legacy of J. S. Bach. John Rutter’s beautiful Suite Antique is full of rich and haunting themes, with a significant solo flute part and a jazzy Waltz which is as much Brubeck as Bach. Philip Glass delivers an exciting experience of virtuoso instrumental blending and solo expressiveness, and with typical wit and elegance. Jean Françaix’s Concerto is terrific fun throughout.
