Piano Quintet, String Quartet & Idylls

"Powerful, committed performances that illuminate Frank Bridge's multi-faceted mastery"
(Disc of the Month BBC Music Magazine)

"This is a well balanced CD, with two relatively early works contrasted with his last major piece of chamber music. In fact, it was his last great work - with the exception of Rebus and the promise of the unfinished Symphony for Strings. In many ways this disc would be a good introduction to the sheer breadth of Frank Bridge's chamber works, providing that the listener is not afraid of engaging with music that leans towards German expressionism. The opening Piano Quintet is as good as early Bridge gets. I noted earlier that the Three Idylls is somewhat melancholic, but this 'mood' issue apart; they are one of the composer's masterpieces. As always with this kind of music, take each work at a time - I would plump for the order given on the CD.

The sound quality of the disc and the playing by the Goldner String Quartet and Piers Lane is superb. The programme notes are by Bridge scholar Paul Hindmarsh: they deserve study before and after listening to the music."
(Recording of the Month MusicWeb May 2009)