Richard
Crabtree
ARCM
Reviews
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THE
STRAD
Richard Crabtree has admirable expressive qualities and facile instrumental command. At its best, the sound he draws from his Nathaniel Cross viola is both warm and radiant, and he amply fulfils the stylistic requirements of the music, responding with a fitting degree of suppleness and intensity in the Legend, sensitively supported by Matthews. The
Fantasy Sonata arrangement works well and is an engaging curiosity.
The duo offer a vivid, perceptive performance, the Lento being particularly
well done and the folk-like finale effectively characterised. |
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CD
REVIEW ... valuable enterprise for Richard Crabtree and Charles Matthews to provide and perform the work in their arrangement for viola and piano - its initial reception created sufficient interest for the Arnold Bax Trust to support this recording. The transcription is striking and satisfying enough, and Crabtree and Matthews give a polished, sensitive and well integrated performance. Ian Lace |
| HI
FI NEWS The hypnotic qualities of Bax's music are fully in evidence. There is a busyness in the piano part of the Fantasy Sonata which keeps the violist constantly on his toes. The Legend, written two years later - an original work, previously intended as part of a Second Viola and Piano Sonata - is altogether more convincing, and a fine piece. There is something of the majesty of Sibelius in this music, with its unquenchable thirst for melodic fulfilment. I still cherish recordings by Lionel Tertis and Herbert Downes, but here, also, the balanced pairing brings a serene and noble commitment from both players. ... fine performances, and undoubtedly a significant release. Bill Newman |
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