CLASSICAL: NEW RELEASES

Schumann Piano Works Freddie Kempf (BIS)

The dynamic young pianist eloquently addresses two bravura works by the young Schumann - Carnaval and Humoresque. He shows fine phrasing, all-round shaping - particularly of the diverse Carnaval sequence - and pristine technique. With clear and close high-fidelity sound and the bonuses of the Toccata and Arabesque as fillers, it's certainly worth hearing what Kempf has to say about Schumann. HHHH

Love's Lore Stella Dickson, Capital Virtuosi (ASV)

Sixteen British folk melodies are given the virtuoso treatment by the string septet Capital Virtuosi rounded off to mesmerising effect by Stella Dickinson's plaintive oboe and cor anglais. Paul Hart's arrangements are economical and fastidious, and there's a wonderfully glowing nostalgia throughout. "Early One Morning", "Scarborough Fair", "Blow the Wind Southerly" and others are translucently captured and immaculately played. HHHH