Quotations from other reviews

***** “This is the starkest of music, but somehow one emerges changed from this disc. And changed for the better. What dedication of the performers, what astonishing music (why are these two’s music performed so little? Why are there so few recordings?). OUR Recordings has made a great stride, I hope, in changing all of this and allowing for recognition of two genius composers who came as a unit but who have individual voices. Ad I do not use the word “genius” lightly”.

Colin Clarke, Fanfare

“This engaging, atmospheric recording has been a pleasure to review. – The excellent notes, with much information about the composers and their lives, have been most helpful in writing this review. The brochure adds to the pleasure to be gained from this recording. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I learned a little new about two composers. I have been particularly impressed by Smirnov’s works. This release is well worth a listen”. Ken Talbot, Music Web International

 

 

 

*****“All of the featured compositions are characterized by an overall approach both brooding and agitated, with ever-shifting colors and textures. References to pieces by other composers are at times overt, and other times more fleeting and subliminal. While listening to these pieces, I thought often of the music of Alfred Schnittke. I’m not suggesting one would mistake the works of Firsova or Smirnov for Schnittke’s. But I do think there is a similar aesthetic at play, one that I find hypnotically compelling with regard to all three. The performances by the Rudersdal Chamber Players are penetrating, colorful, and intensely gripping. Recommended”. Ken Meltzer, Fanfare

 

 

 

Amazon rating: ***** “Gripping contemporary chamber music release.”

***** “All works receive world premiere recordings by Rudersdal Chamber Players, a Danish chamber ensemble founded in 2017. Their performances are flawless and totally idiomatic as the ensemble worked closely with both composers. It is hard to imagine that these works could be played any better, and the recorded sound is rich and detailed. The CD contains detailed liner notes about the music and all participating musicians. Overall, this is an excellent contemporary music release that deserves strong recommendation“. Anton Angelo, Fanfare

***** “A composer couple who left their homeland so their music could blossom. The USSR’s loss was our gain.

“Starting in 2019, the Rudersdal Chamber Players enjoyed a productive working relationship with both composers, and the ensemble continues to work with Firsova. The ensemble’s violinist, Christine Pryn, relates in the booklet how this relationship came to be, and expresses her appreciation for Smirnov’s and Firsova’s legacy. I do not expect to hear better performances to these four works, and this CD is treasurable for that reason, as well as for the quality of the music, and for what the music asks of us and the performers”. Raymond Tuttle, Fanfare

You can read much more about the album at https://www.ourrecordings.com/albums/love-and-loss

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