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"Four Stars ... terse to the point of aphorism, (the 12 settings) are perhaps the most Webern-like of all Birtwistle's works, capable of opening up huge, expressive vistas from just a handful of notes; Amy Freston and Adrian Brendel catch that spareness perfectly." - The Guardian "Four Stars ... Brendel's shining hour is his sublime accompaniment to soprano Amy Freston ... superb camaraderie ... with this series of intimate, often dramatic, frequently pensive and always captivating musical creations, Birtwistle demonstrates why he is one of the most compelling and innovative living composers. The disc, with its impeccable sound, is both emotionally and intellectually gratifying." - All About Jazz This album of Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s chamber music and songs, mostly of recent vintage, was issued in 2014 to celebrate the great British composer's 80th birthday and features an exceptional cast. Heard together and separately is the trio of Austrian pianist Till Fellner, Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili and English cellist Adrian Brendel, joined by soprano Amy Freston and baritone Roderick Williams. These concentrated songs demand the utmost of their performers in precision, expression and timing. As in Webern’s settings, the few words and notes on the page can seem to imply whole worlds of thought and feeling.