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Tempo (UK) (April 2009)
"Darryl Poulsen is a real virtuoso. He is just as agile in the tricky lower register as he is in the stratosphere...The recordings of all three pieces (the Quintet and the Trio hail from Perth, the Quartet from Adelaide) are exemplary in terms of clarity and distancing." Music Web International (UK) (9 March 2009)
"In years to come this disc will also have documentary historic significance...A stunningly vivid recording of three rewarding contemporary works" Classical Lost and Found (US) (28 January 2009)
"All of the performances are superb... these performances must be considered definitive... This is a demonstration quality disc that will please audiophiles as well as modern music enthusiasts." The Horn Call (US) (October 2008)
"The recorded sound is very clear and natural, and balance between the instruments is excellent. All performances on this disc are exceptionally well done." American Record Guide (US) (May/June 2009)
" ... the ideas, the play of invention, the structural logic, and the expressive force of the music-all have an authenticity and individuality...it's expertly played and vividly recorded." Music Web International (UK) (April 2009)
"The playing is of a high standard...The music is lyrical and expressive, well recorded and beautifully played. Well worth exploring." Fanfare (US) (November / December 2008)
"Committed performances... The recording is clear and well balanced, and the production values of the CD notes and packaging are excellent... This release arrived too late for my Want List, but it may sneak into next year's. I am sure I will still be enjoying and 'deconstructing' Smalley's work in 12 months time." More information.......
2MBS Fine Music (Australia) (December 2008)
"An impressive showcase for Smalley. ***** (5 stars)" 3MBS FM Libretto (Australia) (October/November 2008)
"Interesting and attractive... performances are excellent; highly recommended." More information.......
The Sunday Times (UK) (9 November 2008)
"...exuberantly performed..." Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (13 September 2008)
"This disc contains some of the strongest chamber music written in this country... subtle, complex music, beautifully played, richly rewarding at first hearing and on many hearings thereafter." More information.......
Music and Vision (UK) (1 September 2008)
"Yet another triumph for Melba Recordings; the performers’ excellence, peerless sound engineering and refined design-production lend this entire album inestimable added value... In short, Through a Glass Darkly is mandatory ensemble for chamber music aficionados; a win-win release on all counts." More information.......
The Age 'Green Guide' (Australia) (3 July 2008)
"Well performed selection of chamber music by Perth composer Roger Smalley... a satisfying whole... worthy of a wider audience. ***½ (3½ stars)" More information.......
Limelight Magazine (Australia) (July 2008)
"A fruitful re-engagement with tonality... three meticulously crafted works... Performances are superb throughout. ***** (5 stars)" More information.......
Courier Mail (Australia) (26 June 2008)
"The disc's dark cover [is] handsome in the way of all Melba productions... scintillating performances... with Smalley on piano, the players manage and balance the music exquisitely, taut, unified and deeply thoughtful throughout the program. ****½ (4½ stars)" More information......
Readings Newsletter (Australia) (June 2008)
"Completely original, and highly accessible. Recording and packaging are up to the usual Melba standards." More information......
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