Concert & Recording Reviews
Melbourne-based composer Andrew Anderson (b. 1971) is hardly a household name, though on the strength of this recording one must wonder why.
...There’s a contemplative feeling throughout [the second quartet], with overlapping melodies and peaceful sunny passages, occasionally interrupted by dark clouds. This is a lovely disc, beautifully performed and recorded. It makes one hanker to hear his music played live.
gloriously rich and atmospheric
...I believe that this composer has a special talent, writing music which is compelling and unique. This is reinforced by the quality of the Australia Piano Quartet's performances, which are committed and of a very high quality. I have seldom had such pleasure as in listening to these new works, and I hope that this composer is recognised widely. His music is very accessible and never trite. This is a must listen to CD!
... that lovely, rich lyricism which made such an impression in the First Quartet still blossoms in the second, and now all the more poignantly because it often represents a greater release of tension, after some slightly more dissonant passages.
...What is astonishing is how natural and perfectly proportioned the two quartets are. Nothing sounds forced or hard-working, the construction is well proportioned, the themes are characteristic and testify to a wonderful ingenuity.
This collection highlights Anderson’s gift for expansive melodies in intimate form.
CD Review: “Andrew Anderson: Piano Quartet, Violin Sonata, In Black Ink”. Limelight July 2018, pg 77
[The album is] a gentle entry point into contemporary classical music - and a fulfilling end point, too. This is the sort of album that makes one proud of Australian composition.
CD Review: “Andrew Anderson: Piano Trio in E Minor” Limelight June 2016, pg 77
...the trio begins with a commanding Dramatico and Emma Jardine (violin), William Hewer (cello), and Benjamin Kopp (piano) present the simple and thematic opening on equal footing.... The piano opens Religioso - described in the notes as "a contemplative movement of hope". It's emotionally effective through resounding independent lines... The spirit of Saint-Saëns can be heard in the following Poco agitato, a frisky movement that leads into Inquieto. After a firery opening, it comes to a serene conclusion.
This work certainly has enough presence to hold its own on the album.
Concert Review (Miniatures for clarinet & piano, City Recital Hall, Sydney): Small Scale Wonder – Full of Delight (18th October, 2017). garjones.com.au
This playful and at times moving work was surprisingly sharp within the taut constraints of its small scale. … These were tasty morsels, full of wit and craft. One wanted to taste them again.