Review by Philip Scowcroft:
in the September 2001 issue of the BMS [British Music Society] Newsletter [no. 91]
Review from the Manchester Evening News 17 August 2001
David W Solomons: Songs of Solomons
Stephen Taylor, countertenor, Jonathan Leonard, piano
(New Century Classics NCC2003, GBP 8).
MANCHESTER composer David Solomons has written a number of
gentle, wistful songs with lullaby like, harmonically slowly evolving piano accompaniments, which these soloists perform with obvious affection. I actually prefer the cheekier comic numbers, especially his reworking of a familiar medieval lyric in a form suitable for hayfever sufferers: "Summer is i-cumen in, Ludhe sing tishoo".
It could be a useful encore piece for recitalists.
The echoey acoustic of the Oxford college chapel, where the recording was made, serves the voice well, but not so much the piano.
Robert Beale
Review by Ian Milnes written on 20 May 2001 for the Dunelm website:
David W Solomons: The Songs of Solomons Stephen Taylor, countertenor, Jonathan Leonard, piano NEW CENTURY CLASSICS NCC2003 (GBP 8.00) I had not heard any music by David W Solomons before this CD arrived, yet I found all these ten songs immediately thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and varied. Some are humorous, which make good contrasts with the more serious (often moving) songs, thus producing a well-balanced programme lasting 37 minutes 36 seconds. The piano parts (two of which have been arranged from the original guitar accompaniments by Richard McHale) are superbly written, with contrasting textures, always transparent, over which the lovely voice lines float effectively. A variety of modes is used, adding to the overall interest.
Jim Pattison's recording is first-rate, making full use of the acoustics of Westminster College Chapel, Oxford, with excellent, sensitive and well-balanced performances by Stephen Taylor (counter-tenor) and Jonathan Leonard (piano).
The booklet is splendid, including the words of all the songs, and concise notes on the music, composer and performer, with their photographs.
Very highly recommended.
Ian Milnes.
Information on the reviewer Ian Milnes
Ian Milnes (b.1943) grew up in a musical family in Leeds. At the age of eleven he took up the violin, and when thirteen he went on to the viola and began to compose. He achieved Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Textiles at Leeds University but the decline in this local, traditional industry led him to apply for the position of Tutor-Librarian at Leeds Music Centre (which became the City of Leeds College of Music in 1972) which he assumed in January, 1969.
In 1973, ill health forced him to resign his post there, and he became manager of the book and score departments of Banks' music shop in York. He taught some music and continued composing during this period. In 1979 he was appointed founding manager of The Bookland Music Shop in Chester, and is currently a member of the staff there, working on a part-time basis. Latterly, he has been teaching composition and acting as musical arranger/advisor on a Celtic opera initiated by a group of Chester poets and musicians whilst developing his reviewing and critical facilities.
He has been composing for 43 years during which time - being ever conscious of the needs of young musicians - he has written a variety of music for them to enjoy playing. In December, 2000, the first movement of his Sonatina in G major for viola and piano, WN106, (1991) was selected by the Guildhall School of Music, London as a set piece for its next string syllabus.
Dunelm Records has compiled two CDs of his music, DRD0058 (mainly of historical interest) and DRD0059 of modern recordings of 15 of his works.
And here are some reactions from various listeners:
Canon Albert Radcliffe writes:
Thank you very much indeed for the CD, which I have played and enjoyed greatly.Its subleties deserve to sell well. And though to my ear there are fine and distant echoes of Elizabethan lute songs, may you be another Schubert!
Natalie Mayer writes (in the Countertenors group):
Howdy folks - Natts piping up here, doing a bit of advertising.As those of you on the countertenors list know, the CD "Songs of Solomons" just came out recently.
It's a selection of songs written by our own David Solomons and performed by Stephen Taylor (countertenor) and Jonathan Leonard (piano). I think it's particularly charming and wonderful, with some very lyrical bits (particularly Rose), some very danceable things in 7 beat meter, a song about hay fever, and other such delicacies. Let's all show our support for countertenors and new art song by getting our own personal copies of the CD.
Stephen Taylor has a very lovely voice, by the way, and is well worth listening to. Direct all inquiries to David himself please, and tell him Natts sent ya
To order this CD please use one of these links (references to countries refer to the best value for you) To order for the rest of Europe: Musik Fabrik
To order for the USA and all other countries: CDbaby