This recording brings together three youthful masterworks all composed by Benjamin Britten before his 30th birthday. Originally released in 2005 'Britten: Les Illuminations' has been re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label's award-winning catalogue. These are highly insightful performances, widely considered to be modern reference versions to set next to Britten's own. Clio Gould and the ensemble demonstrate playing of impressive unanimity of purpose, joyous intensity and clarity of detail. The ensemble is joined by the Royal Philharmonic Society's 2012 'Singer of the Year' Toby Spence, for two of Britten's most popular song cycles. Toby Spence's voice is ideally suited to the wide-ranging demands that Britten makes on it; his tonal freshness and acutely observed articulation of the words are absorbing. Martin Owen, whose horn playing has drawn comparisons with Dennis Brain, is equal to every one of the near-impossible tasks set him by Britten in the Serenade. Re-defining the string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble inspires audiences with vibrant and powerful performances. Scottish Ensemble is the UK's only professional string orchestra, built around a core of twelve outstanding string players. The ensemble is known both in the UK and internationally for it's versatility and ambitious programming. Performing standing up, the individual layers bring an energetic and passionate dynamic to every performance.

Corinne Morris’s debut concerto recording is a landmark in a career shaped by extraordinary talent and remarkable determination. This evocatively titled recording reflects Corinne’s inspirational journey through a career-halting injury and back out the other side. An invitation to perform with the renowned Scottish Chamber Orchestra in summer 2016 revealed an instant rapport; Corinne’s recording partner was secured. Chrysalis marks Corinne’s return to form, as she takes centre stage in concertos by Monn and Haydn plus Couperin’s Pieces en Concert. Corinne returns to Monn’s original notes for her performance of the concerto made famous by Jacqueline Du Pre. In staying true to the composer’s intentions Corinne creates a purposeful and stylistic journey towards the Haydn Concerto. Overcoming the technical challenges presented by the Haydn concerto is of particular significance for the indomitable cellist. The personalized cadenzas are a fitting representation of her inspirational return to her virtuosic best.

Classical Music

Described by Gramophone Magazine as 'one of the best of our younger baritones,' William Berger makes his Linn debut with a program of arias from some of the finest operatic composers. Soprano Carolyn Sampson guest stars on several duets while the Scottish Chamber Orchestra provides sterling support throughout. Following a 2012 performance by Berger, the SCO and McGegan, the Herald commented that Cimarosa's 1792 cantata Il Maestro di Capello would be 'a highlight of [the] upcoming Linn disc this team is making.' the program encompasses arias from all of Haydn and Mozart's best-loved operas. William's warm, rich baritone and charismatic stage presence have won praise from audiences and critics alike. With his intelligent approach to characterization and thrilling interpretations, he's a rising young star on both the concert and operatic stage.

‘All My Sins’, the 2009 debut album from Glasgow’s rising star Maeve O’Boyle, is a master class in melodic, folk-tinged pop and showcases Maeve’s poignant, personal and deeply meaningful self-penned songs. Her unique blend of melodic pop, folk and rock won the acclaim of many established musicians and the press upon its release. Ms. O'Boyle first came to prominence in 2006 when she won a Danny award at Celtic Connections. Testament to her mounting status was an entry into The Scotsman ‘Scots Women of the Year’ in 2007 and a recommendation by the Daily Record showbiz editors as ‘One to Watch For’.

When Claire Martin returned to New York City in 1996, she recorded this album, Make This City Ours. This release was critically acclaimed and Claire was named ‘Best Vocalist’ at the 1997 BBC Jazz Awards. Claire has included in this album both classic jazz songs and contemporary works, including her own composition, “Empty Bed.” This album is being re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series, which offers listeners a second chance to enjoy the very best releases in Linn’s award-winning catalogue.

In the expansive acoustic of Hereford Cathedral, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, John Wallace and Colm Carey draw the listener into a late-Romantic world of outstanding and strikingly idiomatic ensemble music. Originally released in 2004, ‘The Trumpets That Time Forgot’ is now part of Linn’s ECHO series that offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue. “The playing of all three gentlemen is absolutely assured” – Int’l Record Review

Greek pianist George-Emmanuel Lazard's' superb debut release for Linn features two of the most famous works in the solo piano repertoire, both performed in breathtaking style. Originally released in 2006 'Liszt: Sonatas and Etudes' has been re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label's award-winning catalogue. Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor is one of the seminal works of the romantic piano repertoire and one of the most technically challenging pieces any pianist can undertake. Continuing this virtuosic theme, and demonstrating his great ambition as a pianist of the highest calibre, Lazard's also presents Liszt's Grandes �tudes de Paganini. This six-part composition, based on themes originally composed for violin by Niccol� Paganini, again places huge demands on the technical and interpretive abilities of the performer. As well as receiving a multitude of five star reviews upon it's release 'Liszt: Sonatas and Etudes' was chosen as one of '5 Essential Works by Franz Liszt' in 2012 by BBC Music Magazine. Born in Greece, George-Emmanuel Lazard's has a flourishing international career that has taken him from the United States and Mexico to Europe, Russia, Egypt, and the Middle East. During the past 20 years he has performed in some of the most prestigious venues worldwide including Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw, St Petersburg Philharmonia Hall, Palais des Beaux Arts, Festspielhaus, Cologne's Philharmonie, Stockholm's Konserthuset, Cite de la Musique in Paris, Vienna's Konzerthaus and Musikverein, Athens Megaron and Palace of the Arts in Budapest to name but a few. His appearances have received great critical acclaim; audiences and critics alike recognize him as one of the finest pianists of his generation. Lazard's has received a plethora of honorary awards and scholarships including being named an ECHO Rising Star.

This trio CD (with bassist Dave Green and drummer Allan Ganley) strikes a balance between well played standards and upbeat catchy originals. "Angel Eyes" is almost a mandatory ballad for a pianist to play at some time - Newton's very soft approach would hush the nosiest audience. A lengthy workout of Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes" and a brief take on the nearly forgotten showtune "Stars in My Eyes" merit praise. Among Newton's works, the strutting opener "Ol' Blue Eyes" and the turbocharged title track stand out.

Return Journey' Sees David Newton Illustrate His Award-Winning Talents As a Composer and Jazz Pianist Through This Expressive and Heartfelt Eclectic Solo Exploration. Originally Released in 1994 'Return Journey' Has Been Re-Issued As Part of Linn's Echo Series Which Offers a Second Chance to Enjoy the Best of the Label's Award-Winning Catalogue. His Third Studio Album Finds Newton Performing a Collection of Original and Improvised Works Exploring the Notion of Time. Exuding Emotion, Power and Beauty 'Return Journey' Sees Newton Create a Reflective Mood with Some Hauntingly Beautiful Moments. The Complex Emotional Album Opener 'Stolen Time' Is Described By the Pianist As 'An Attempt to Capture the Experience of Discovering That There Really Is No Going Back.' Newton's Powerful Playing Draws the Listener in to Share His 'Journey' Which Culminates with the Exquisite Ballad Finale 'Gone Forever'. David Newton Has Been Playing Jazz Piano for Over Thirty Years and Has Worked with the Greatest Singers and Players in the World. His Playing Has a Great Depth of Both Emotion and Musicality Without Compromising Any of His Individuality. David Newton Has Been Voted Best Jazz Pianist in the British Jazz Awards for the Thirteenth Time in 2014 and Was Made a Fellow of Leeds College of Music in 2003. Newton's Recording Career Began in 1985 with Buddy de Franco and Martin Taylor and His First Solo Album Followed Soon After. Newton's Reputation As An Exquisite Accompanist Led Him to Regularly Work with Singers Carol Kidd, Marion Montgomery, Tina May, Annie Ross, Claire Martin and of Course Stacey Kent. 'This Brilliant Release on Linn Merits Greater Attention from Jazz Fans Across the Atlantic Ocean'

Gottlieb Wallisch, who has captivated audiences from many of the world's major concert platforms, impressed the critics with his superb interpretations of Mozart's Viennese repertoire. His second solo album on Linn further explores Mozart's rich piano repertoire of works associated with Paris and Vienna, many of which raised the standard for technical virtuosity. Gottlieb participated in the international cycle "Rising Stars" and gave solo recitals in Musikverein Vienna, Konzerthus-Stockholm, Societe Philharmonique in Brussels, the Athens Concert Hall and Carnegie Hall, New York. Numerous concert tours have also led him to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Germany and Switzerland.

Classical Music

After it's 'undeniably beautiful' (The Financial Times) Linn debut and it's 'excellently performed' (Fanfare) follow up, Cappella Nova releases a third volume of choral works by the leading contemporary composer, James MacMillan. Of the eight works performed here, six receive their premiere recording (only 'Missa Dunelmi' and 'Invocation' have been previously recorded). Cappella Nova has enjoyed a 25 year association with MacMillan; the choir has established an intuitive response to his work and a passion for his creativity that is evident on Alpha & Omega. 'Missa Dunelmi' is conducted by the composer; founding director Alan Tavener lends his enthusiasm and expertise for the remaining works. James MacMillan provides illuminating and fascinating insights into his work in a conversation with Rebecca Tavener included in the booklet note.

Performed by the talented Nigel North, this album is an outstanding collection of early lute music. The pieces chosen for this album contain a great deal of variety. The forty two pieces cover composers from France, England, Italy, and the Low Countries, showing how each region used the instrument differently. This album is being released as part of Linn’s ECHO series, and was originally released in 2000. Nigel North is one of the world’s most respected lutenists. He is also an active teacher, accompanist, director, and writer.

With tracks by Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Nick Drake and David Sylvian, Claire Martin (the First Lady of British Jazz) takes a rare side-step from her traditional jazz roots on ‘Take My Heart’ (1999). Claire invited Noel Gallagher to play acoustic guitar on Help! whilst other notable contributors include Paul Stacey, Gareth Williams, Arnie Somogyi. Jeremy Stacey, Jason Rebello and Mornington Lockett. Claire Martin co-wrote a few of the songs on ‘Take My Heart’, including Pleading Guilty, which is Joni Mitchell-esque in style, and Inner City Girl.