Dutton Epoch’s Romantics in England,
featuring the Walter MacFarren cello sonata
The recordings on this CD of sonatas [by Macfarren and Balfe] … not only add fresh insight into the nature of the cello repertoire written by a generation of early Victorians … one is also reminded just how influential the presence of Alfredo Piatti, the great Italian cellist, was on English cello playing in the nineteenth century. Spooner and Mosley bring a vivacity to the more felicitous Mendelssohnian world of Macfarren’s work” (Gramophone, September 2009)
Dutton’s explorations of neglected repertoire represent some of the most laudable endeavors of recent times. The pieces are imaginatively chosen without fail, and this disc provides no exception … Spooner gives [the Macfarren] the greatest advocacy, playing with a beautiful tone throughout that he uses to great expressive effect … Kathryn Mosley, who accompanies … does so with panache … In many ways this disc is revelatory in terms of repertoire. It is also a delight to listen to and is unhesitatingly recommended.” (Fanfare, 2009)
This is a fine and enterprising cello and piano recital that is worthy of wider notice from more than just the cello fraternity. The dedicated research and willingness to devote valuable time to mastering obscure repertoire, both of which underpin it, deserve a rich reward … [the Macfarren Sonata] is a captivating piece, rendered with vigour and conviction by Joseph Spooner and Kathryn Mosley … another Dutton triumph.” (International Record Review, June 2009)
the music is a pleasure to hear and is played with beauty” (American Record Guide, July/August 2009)
“Judging by the performances here, we have many pieces which should be rightly considered as welcome additions to the mainstream cello/piano repertoire. Joseph Spooner plays with a clear passion for each work, and is accompanied with great sensitivity and skill by both Kathryn Mosley … This is a great retrospective of British music outside the ‘usual’ musical timelines, and deserves repreated hearings.” (http://www.myreviewer.com/, accessed June 2009)
English Music Festival, Yorkshire, 2017
“English song had the place of honour in bringing the Festival to a resounding close.
The pianist was always sympathetic and the challenging tremulous figuration, high and fragile, came across superbly in the Orr song Along The Field.
Singer [Baritone Christopher Foster] and pianist gave every appearance of knowing that they were channelling one of the great song-cycles. [Finzi Let Us Garlands Bring]
This was an intriguing, occasionally humorous and very moving concert which closed the Festival in a fitting dazzle.” (Rob Barnett, Seen and Heard International)