Ysaye: Rêve d'enfant, Op. 14

“Bristling with flair, deft phrasing and sweet-toned purposefulness Graffin's account of the sonatas can hold its head high with the best of them. The two 'fillers' ooze Gallic charm combined with wistfulness.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2006 ****

“Bristling with flair, deft phrasing and sweet-toned purposefulness Graffin's account of the sonatas can hold its head high with the best of them. The two 'fillers' ooze Gallic charm combined with wistfulness” Gramophone Magazine, August 2006

“Faure-lovers have long prayed for a CD reissue of the two sonatas from Grumiaux and Paul Crossley. And they won't be disappointed. The sound itself is pleasing-better, even, than I remember it on LP. And there is a radiance in the playing suggesting an unerring understanding of structure and style that somehow goes hand in hand with the joyous spontaneity of new discovery. The hyper-sensitive suppleness of Grumiaux's shading and phrasing is a particular delight, as is his awareness that just as much of the musical message comes from the piano-particularly in the Second Sonata. As for Crossley, not for nothing has he come to be recognized as one of this country's most dedicated Faure specialists. It would certainly be difficult to over-praise the subtlety of the two artists' interplay in both works” Gramophone Magazine

“Rachel Kolly d'Alba's playing immediately grabs our attention. Passionate commitment to the music, rich tone and constantly varied expression combine to leave a powerful, memorable impression...while stressing the dramatic and colourful side of each work, her interpretations are well balanced and persuasive, too.” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011

“The way she gently eases into the magical final section of Saint-Saens' Violin Concerto's slow movement is unforgettable, so too her beguilingly seductive handling of Ravel's volatile gypsy inflections and introspectively dreamy Chausson. Apart from the slightly claustrophobic sound in the Saint-Saens, this is a perfect showcase for a young player whose musical insights are of the higest calibre.” Classic FM Magazine, November 2011 ****

“Impressive playing from the extrovert and intelligent Kolly d'Alba. She gives her all in the hothouse Romanticism of Saint-Saens and is sensitive to the mesmerism of Chausson's Poème and Ravel's Tzigane.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2011 ****

“Kolly d'Alba is a fearless, passionate and responsive violinist, although her power (as recorded) may be too strong for Saint-Saens's delightful concerto. She can charm though, as the enchanting central movement demonstrates.” International Record Review, January 2012

“Raphael Wallfisch's and John York's playing in the Franck has an air of spontaneity and enjoyment which exudes a very natural ebb and flow, while the ample ambience allows them to make the most of the 'big' moments, such as the central climax in the finale.
The disc also scores through its imaginative programming, placing the two Franco-Belgian sonatas alongside music by the great violinist who inspired them. Ysaÿe's unaccompanie Cello Sonata is an impressive, sombre work; as in the more familiar violin sonatas, echoes of the Baroque are placed within an impressionistic context. Wallfisch's account is magnificent – full-blooded, yet very clear and precise.
The Lekeu, with its opulent, passionate piano part and predominately lyrical string writing, transcribes just as effectively for the cello as does the Franck. And its grand emotions inspire a very wholehearted response. Thoroughly recommended.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010