2nd disc reviews
Music for Brass Septet 2 transports the listener to the Baroque theatre: music by Handel, Purcell, Rameau and Blow. This is brass instruments in their element, and some of our reviewers seem to have agreed:
This is virtuoso playing: glossy, brilliantly articulated, audaciously coloured, technically flawless. You can hear the admiration for the source material in Knight’s arrangement of the Blow and Cox’s Rameau, Handel and Purcell.
BBC Music Magazine (Performance ★★★★ Recording ★★★★★)
The performances are what one expects from U.K. brass players – bright, clear, full and rounded in tone, with the right blend of heft and lyricism when called for.
WQXR New York: Album of the Week
The most interesting, innovative and perfectly played disc of brass ensemble music I have ever encountered…As a person with an in-built aversion to transcriptions and arrangements, that commendation is all the more surprising, the two members of the group, Simon Cox and Matthew Knight, having perfectly achieved the sound and period feel of these excepts from the Baroque era…The speed of articulation of all involved is riveting, while chording, balance and rhythmic unanimity is immaculate; their ability to play pianissimo right off the musical map for most brass groups.
David Denton
Complete success!
Ouverture (German)
Spectacularly virtuosic playing.
Musical sensibilities, tonal beauty, balance, intonation, technique… all struck me as faultless.
Devoted brass music fans absolutely must not miss Septura’s spectacularly virtuosic playing! However, even if you do not often listen to brass, you owe it to yourself to hear what finesse is possible at the highest level of the art.
Expedition Audio
This Septura brass CD is an excellent addition to any music lover’s collection. Their musicality and technical playing abilities have set a high standard for Baroque music on brass instruments.
International Trombone Association Journal
Stylistic perfection. …this album along with Septura’s first has already received the highest plaudits from far and wide, …a veritable feast of beautifully portrayed artistry allied to virtuosic deliverance.
