REVIEWS: An irresistible discovery, winningly championed by a new orchestra...The resurgence of interest in the music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor reaches another milestone with this long-overdue...

REVIEWS:

An irresistible discovery, winningly championed by a new orchestra...The resurgence of interest in the music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor reaches another milestone with this long-overdue first recording of his Violin Concerto...Abetted by polished and passionate playing from the recently formed Johannesburg PO under its British-born chief Michael Hankinson, Philippe Graffin triumphantly demonstrates what an effective, endearing work it is...The choice of Dvořák’s concerto as a coupling would no doubt have pleased Coleridge-Taylor; the Czech master was his favourite composer. Again, there’s no missing the wholehearted commitment of all involved...Graffin plays with such vibrant character and imagination, and the whole venture radiates such a life-affirming spontaneity and joy in music-making that any relative drawbacks dwindle into insignificance. An enjoyable momento of what was clearly a special project, then, but it’s primarily for the Coleridge-Taylor that you should snap up this delightful issue.

-- Gramophone (Andrew Achenbach)

"This is an exquisite concerto, though it may require repeated audition before it begins to weave its magic. Once in your soul, however, it will steal your heart with its exceptional craftsmanship and long and flowing melodic lines. Sooner or later, you will be wondering where this concerto has been and why it has not been recorded previously.

The Dvořák concerto, penned almost three decades before the Coleridge-Taylor, proves an ideal companion, as it too was championed in America by Maud Powell and progresses through darkness to light...by virtue of these virile and undeniably persuasive performances, Graffin and the Johannesburg Philharmonic establish themselves as staunch and compelling advocates for both works. The music is propelled by fervent, inspired, and imaginative interpretations; it also sells itself by way of exceptionally competent but not necessarily ingenious construction that holds up well under continual scrutiny. Unquestionably, this is an impressive release for all concerned and one hopes it is a herald of things to come."

-- Fanfare (Michael Carter)