2017
CD Recording 'The English Orpheus'
Gramophone, August 2017 (Jonathan Freeman-Attwood)
'A considered exposé of Purcell’s still woefully under-exposed genius is always welcome, especially one as varied and intelligent as
Andrew Arthur’s, with his aptly named ensemble, Orpheus Britannicus, supporting his young mixed Choir of Trinity Hall, Cambridge.
The lingua franca here for Arthur is the composer’s church music – although Gallic influence is mere surface finery compared
to Purcell’s extraordinarily expressive and indigenous canvas – with a representative selection of anthems and canticles neatly offset
against stylishly delivered instrumental contributions.
Making the most of Purcell’s deeply elegant music requires a particular sensitivity to linear shape, lyrical articulation and clarity of texture,
not least in order to draw upon the pungency of the harmonic language. Arthur finds a remarkably atmospheric palette throughout, evident from the sprightly opening strains of O sing unto the Lord to the colourful and noble projections of the Te Deum, a grandiloquent conceit which translated easily from the panegyrics of William and Mary to influence Handel’s Georgian fare.
Alongside these pleasingly idiomatic features, the correlation between solo verses, string interludes and the full group in these pieces makes for a profoundly consequential experience, each section organically emerging from the last. Arthur never forces the pace or engages in quick-win mannerisms. The Bell Anthem is a case in point, where its lightly cascading opening (an almost Newtonian musical metaphor) sets the scene with an easy nonchalance, gradually injected with its delicious blend of inward reflection and balletic fervour...
...Of the other pieces, relish Arthur’s own playing of the mesmerising Voluntary and the bittersweet pearls of the great G minor Chacony.
Jehova, quam multi sunt, that most exquisite creation by a teenager, is afforded just the right balance between abstract wonder and rhetorical purpose. With this kind of expert control and youthful responsiveness, the poignancy of the music should penetrate the hardest of hearts.
The recorded sound is outstanding.'
CD Recording ' The Young J.S. Bach'
The Organ, November 2016 - January 2017
'Andrew Arthur is a very fine musician and his registration and tempos throughout this truly fascinating selection has educational as well as musically satistying aspects to make this one of the most significant issues of Bach's organ music to have come my way for a long time.' *****
MusicWeb International, March 2017
'...astute and authoritative musicianship...this production takes a special place in the Bach discography.
For many listeners, Bach's chorale settings on these discs will be new, given their relatively recent discovery. With Andrew Arthur's impeccable touch and grace, they could be no better advocated than they are here.'
2016
CD Recording ' The Young J.S. Bach'
Choir & Organ, November / December 2016
'...an organ of rarified conceptual coherence. Andrew Arthur, Director of Music at Trinity Hall, plays with a rhetorical subtlety and grace, and with a touch vocabulary always appropriate for challenging and revealing acoustics....this is a release of admirable quality.' ****
The Organ, November 2016 - January 2017
'Andrew Arthur is a very fine musician and his registration and tempos throughout this truly fascinating selection has educational as well as musically satistying aspects to make this one of the most significant issues of Bach's organ music to have come my way for a long time.' *****
MusicWeb International, March 2017
'...astute and authoritative musicianship...this production takes a special place in the Bach discography.
For many listeners, Bach's chorale settings on these discs will be new, given their relatively recent discovery. With Andrew Arthur's impeccable touch and grace, they could be no better advocated than they are here.'
Lark Reviews, October 2016
'This welcome release presents the ‘Neumeister chorales’ in lovely performances to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the inauguration of this organ. Providing added variety this well-structured 2 CD release places a number of other contrasting works to punctuate the collection.'
J.S. Bach - Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, Sunset Center, Carmel, California, 2016
Peninsula Reviews, July 19, 2016
'[Andrew Arthur's] performance was, as usual, on a very high level of technical and musical mastery.'
2015
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, Sunset Center, Carmel, California, 2015
Peninsula Reviews, July 29, 2015
'...the brilliant and seamless performance of Andrew Arthur on the harpsichord...one of the highlights of the concert'
J.S. Bach - St John Passion, Good Friday, Church of St Nicholas, Arundel
The Hanover Band & Chorus, Director: Andrew Arthur
West Sussex County Times, April 9, 2015
'Andrew Arthur very skilfully directed this performance from the chamber organ...
a sublime blend of voices...immaculate in every way...technically and emotionally outstanding'
2014
CD Recording ' The Trinity Hall Harpichord'
Early Music, November 2014
'An invigorating full chorus and superb buff stop add panache to a programme of Bach, Böhm, Purcell, François Couperin, Handel and Maurice Greene. Much credit goes to Trinity Hall Music Director Andrew Arthur, whose relationship with time is loose in the best way, as heard in the stylus phantasticus opening and plaintive recitative of Bach’s massive Toccata in D minor, BWV 913 that precedes the fireworks finale. The three Grounds of Purcell are enthralling in their inviting sense of dance, cantabile melodic freedom, and spotless, tasteful ornamentation, the lattermost pervading this thrilling inaugural recording on a lovely instrument.'
Solo Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival, 2014
Peninsula Reviews, July 21, 2014
'Arthur's understanding shone through the whole program, demonstrating his mastery of virtuosic display and his perceptive intellect as he explored the labyrinths of Baroque polyphony for a highly appreciative audience.'
2013
CD Recording: 'The Trinity Hall Harpsichord'
American Record Review, May/June 2013
'Arthur plays with poise and vigor.
He has created a comprehensive document of this new beautiful instrument that Trinity Hall will surely be proud of.' [sic]
CD Recording: Exultate Deo'
Organists' Review, June 2013 (Richard Popple)
'This CD is a delight...The excellent accompanist is Andrew Arthur. I remember giving a very favourable review of a recital he gave at All Saints, Margaret Street: the quality of his playing is equally evident in this CD.'
2012
CD Recording: 'The Trinity Hall Harpsichord'
Early Music Review, August 2012 (Noel O'Regan)
'This mixed programme of well-known works has been well chosen to put the new Trinity Hall harpsichord, constructed by Andrew Garlick after Goujon, through its paces. It also presumably includes Andrew Arthur's own personal favourites. He certainly revels in the music which is played with panache and a good sense of the various styles involved. The harpsichord proves itself a versatile instrument, full-blooded in the outer movements of the Italian Concerto and the other big pieces, subtle and singing on the single manual. A very satisfying recital of some of the best-known of all harpsichord music.
BBC Music Magazine, November 2012
'...stylishly played and intimately recorded' ****
Musica Antiqua, Oct-Dec 2012
'a commendable profile of an attractive instrument...Andrew Arthur's playing is unfussy and unpretentious, simply letting the music and the harpsichord speak for themselves. He plays in a thoughtful manner, allowing the expressive moments of the music to have full effect...to end there is impassioned grandeur in Handel's Suite No. 7 in G minor'
MusicWeb-International (John Sheppard)
'As recorded here [the instrument] is both sonorous and subtle. Irrespective of the quality of the performances its sound is in itself a pleasure to listen to from beginning to end of this recital...Andrew Arthur has a particular affinity for the music of Bach which rightly dominates this recital...at the same time, the real highlights of the disc are the items by Böhm and Handel. The Handel, one of his “Eight Great Suites”, is given a performance of real stature and Handelian panache...Although this recital has clearly been devised largely with a view to showing the instrument to its best advantage it is worth hearing simply for the quality of the music and music-making. If like me you were told when young by elderly pianists that the harpsichord lacked the ability to inflect a musical line or to sustain notes here is eloquent proof to the contrary.'
Arkivmusic (customer review)
'...an extraordinary performer...in 79 minutes he ranges over both familiar and unfamiliar Baroque masterpieces, all together showing an astonishing variety of harpsichord colors and textures, recorded in close up glory. From darkly moving Couperin, through Bach, Bohm, Greene and Purcell, to a magisterial virtuosic Handel, Arthur is in full command. Brilliant execution; gorgeous sound' *****
Bach - Mass in B minor
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival, 2012
Peninsular Reviews, July 15, 2012
'...wonderful solo and ensemble performances by orchestra members, and by the excellent continuo organist Andrew Arthur.'
Handel - Organ Concerto in Bb Major, Op. 4
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival, 2012
Peninsula Reviews, July 16, 2012
'Andrew Arthur shone brightly again on the organ.'
2011
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival 2011
Peninsula Reviews, July 18. 2011
‘powerful playing’
Solo Spotlight, Church of All Saints, Carmel Bach Festival, 2011
Peninsula Reviews, July 201, 2011
Toccata in D Minor for Solo Harpsichord, BWV 913
‘…a richly detailed performance with beautiful articulation and commanding virtuosity.’
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2010
Handel - The Coronation Anthems
Church of St Paul, Knightsbridge, London
Church Times, January 14, 2011
'...it was [Andrew Arthur's] refined musicianship which shone throughout, and guaranteed that this Handel tribute was exceptional for its concentration, precision, and polish. All these qualities were also apparent in the centrally placed Bach Concerto for Harpsichord in D, for which strings from the Orpheus Britannicus orchestra played with noteworthy sensitivity and luminosity...intelligent and musically convincing...a handsome way for the Chandos Chamber Choir’s members to initiate their next 25 years of choral distinction.'
A Celebration of S.S. Wesley
Trinity Hall Chapel, Cambridge
Orpheus Britannicus Vocal Consort, Conductor: Andrew Arthur
British Music Society, Devember 2010
'splendid performances...wonderful sensitivity...beautifully judged'
George Frideric Handel - Endless Melody
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival, 2010
Peninsula Reviews, July 23, 2010
'Under the direction of Andrew Arthur, the evening’s concert showcased superb instrumentalists and some fine ensemble playing by members of the Festival Orchestra. In addition to conducting the orchestra, Arthur also gave us some brilliant keyboard performances throughout the evening...A master of details, Arthur’s articulation was clear, his ornamentation stylish, and his phrasing delightful as he repeatedly linked musical phrases from organ to orchestra...The Suite No. 7 in G Minor for Solo Harpsichord gave Arthur an opportunity to showcase his exceptional technical and dramatic abilities.'
2009
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival 2009
The San Francisco Classical Voice, July 29
'delightful, flawless in execution, and paced to perfection'
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CD Recording: 'The Buxtehude Influence'
Organists' Review, February 2009
'...enormous admiration for the beauties of this handsome 2006 instrument by the Danish firm of Carsten Lund...Andrew Arthur, Director of Music at Trinity Hall, brings expertise and scholarship to this repertoire. Well-selected pieces and colourful registration present the Dane in most sympathetic light - a comprehensive tour of the organ's resources into the bargain...Ever thought-provoking. Bravo!'
Choir & Organ, January/Febraury 2009 (Douglas Hollick)
'This new, beautifully crafted small organ provides some lovely sounds, particularly the flutes, and Andrew Arthur exploits every available combination from the 20 stops...He plays this cleverly devised programme with musicality and an excellent understanding of the music...this recording should be of interest to many...'
Early Music Review, February 2009 (Andrew Benson-Wilson)
'...a good understanding of period performance style and technique. Bach's Fantasia in G minor and the Bach Passacaglia are given particularly fine performances, showing just what a smallish organ is capable of when played well.'
The American Organist, February 2010
'Andrew Arthur is active in numerous musical endeavors as a keyboard player and conductor. His breadth of experience and musicianship is evident in these performances. His playing is energetic and strong, with clear, pronounced articulation that is flexible, expressive, and improvisatory where appropriate. His imaginative registrations are musically appropriate, often using a single stop or small combination, giving an air of intimacy. This is a fascinating, meticulously presented study of the cross pollination of two great musical minds.
BBC Music Magazine, January 2009
'...scrupulously considered performances...'
MusicWeb-International (John Sheppard)
'a fascinating and delightful pair of discs'
All Music (James Mannheim)
'...spectacular...a quieter instrument than is usual with Bach and Buxtehude, but the clarity of the lines, thanks in part to intelligent registrations by organist Andrew Arthur, is unmatched. Many lovers of Baroque organ music will want to have this recording simply beacuse it sounds so different to the norm, and because it reveals both intricacies of counterpoint and small details of ornamentation.'
2008
J.S. Bach - The Six Brandenburg Concerti, Director: Andrew Arthur
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival, 2008
The San Francisco Classical Voice, July 29, 2008
'The main event was the evening concert in the Sunset Theater. Andrew Arthur, at the harpsichord, directed members of the Festival Orchestra in all six of the assorted concertos that Johann Sebastian Bach sent to the Margrave of Brandenburg in 1721...which here became the chamber music gems that Bach probably intended them to be...Throughout the concert, ensemble was excellent, to which due credit should be given to Andrew Arthur’s unobtrusive direction from the keyboard...a rich and successful concert.'
J.S. Bach - St John Passion, Good Friday, Chichester Cathedral
The Hanover Band & Chorus, Director: Andrew Arthur
Chichester Observer, March 27, 2008
'Directing from the organ, Andrew Arthur successfully drew from the performers outstanding quality, both musically and dramatically. He achieved a perfect blend of sound from the chorus, soloists and band.'
2007
'Splendours of the Baroque', The Hanover Band, Director: Andrew Arthur
Shrewsbury Chronicle, November 1, 2007
'Directed with precision and breadth of vision by Andrew Arthur at the harpsichord...a truly musical experience which went straight to the heart.'
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival 2007
Peninsular Reviews, July 14, 2007
'Andrew Arthur performed the Bach Concerto for Harpsichord in A Major, BWV 1055, with five string players from the Festival Orchestra led by Elizabeth Wallfisch...Arthur’s fine musicianship and refined sense of style triumphed, especially in the lovely Adagio slow movement, where his tasteful ornamentation and embellishment were superb.'
Church of the Wayfarer, Carmel Bach Festival 2007
Candlelight Concerts: Violin: Elizabeth Wallfisch; Harpsichord: Andrew Arthur
The Herald, July 25, 2007
'...in the Bach Sonata in E Major for Violin and Harpsichord, BWV 1016, the pure violin tone of the opening adagio was delivered in a gently floating line in an intimate and personal manner. The allegro had a charming dance-tune character, and the ensuing adagio was refined and expressive. Arthur made an expert partner, the harpsichord easily heard in this setting...The most impressive collaboration of the evening came in Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord in A Major, BWV 1015. The andante featured sensitive responses between the players as they created a tranquil tone and mood. The virtuosic allegro was expertly delivered. Another andante was a meditative processional, and the presto was captivatingly light.'
J.S. Bach - St John Passion, Good Friday, Chichester Cathedral
The Hanover Band & Chorus, Director: Andrew Arthur
Bognor Observer, April 12, 2007
'Directing the performance from the organ, Andrew Arthur ensured a perfect blend of sound between chorus, soloists and the Hanover Band...The commanding and incisive sound of the Hanover Band Chorus far excelled what could reasonably be expected of 16 voices. This was choral singing at its very best – sensitive and brilliant.'
2006
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival 2006
Peninsula Reviews, July 17, 2006
'an impressive reading of a relentlessly energetic Bach Prelude & Fugue in G BWV 541'
J.S. Bach & G.F. Handel - 'Concerto Fireworks', Director: Andrew Arthur
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival 2006
Penisula Reviews, July 20, 2006
'We who are pianists wish harpsichordists would just keep their hands off our Bach “piano concertos.” But then, when someone like Andrew Arthur performs the Bach Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052, so fantastically, with such incredible finesse and authority, well, then, sigh, we just have to admit we are beaten...Arthur’s approach to the D Minor Concerto demonstrated exceptional clarity in the musical line, clear articulation of complex rhythmic ideas, beautiful handling of ornamentation and embellishment in the slow movement, and virtuoso mastery in the fast moving final movement...he absolutely had me convinced there was no other way to perform it, so authoritative was his performance. The cadenzas in the outer movements were especially effective, and the ensemble with the strings was first rate.’
‘Also very impressive was Arthur’s performance of the opening work on the program, Handel’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 6, in which his playing was always solid and natural, nicely stylistic and eminently satisfying.'
'During his performance of the Bach Concerto in C Minor for Two Harpsichords and Strings, BWV 1060, with Yuko Tanaka, we again heard stylish playing that was full of satisfying details. Both artists seemed perfectly comfortable in their duo roles and gave us some fine ensemble. The lovely slow movement of this concerto with the keyboards projecting the melodies against the pizzicato strings was magical.‘
'Throughout this concert Andrew Arthur could be seen seated at the harpsichord conducting the ensemble, and his quiet, modest manner on stage suggests that he is a thorough musician who truly serves the music while not drawing undue attention to himself. Well, actually, that’s not entirely true, for ultimately the fineness and stylistic integrity of each performance itself caused a light to shine brightly on his talent.’
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| Andrew Arthur directs from the harpsichord at the Carmel Bach Festival |
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CD Recording: 'J.S. Bach - Organ Chorales from the Leipzig Manuscript, Vol. 1
Early Music Review, April 2006 (Andrew Benson-Wilson)
‘…impressive...a musical rhetorical style of playing that avoids all excesses...clear articulation and a good sense of phrasing.'
The Amercan Organist, February 2007
'a musically gratifying presentation of these familiar masterworks…[Andrew Arthur's] solidly controlled tempos allow the music to breathe, and encourage polyphonic clarity. His precise rhythms and clear articulations are enhanced by effective agogic accents… The plenum works are imbued with vigor, while the quiet ones are expressive without being sentimental.'
Organists' Review, May 2006
'This CD is from a performer who has certainly thought about the music at an intellectual level...Andrew Arthur's attention to detail and particularly his harmonic awareness are impressive. Tempos are carefully chosen, eschewing the temptation to race - a tendency in the performance of Baroque music that has continued far too long. [He] allows pieces such as the second setting of 'Komm Heiliger Geist' to flow naturally and spontaneously; the articulation does not advertise itself, though if you attend to that aspect, it is extremely skilled. The interspersed free organ works receive fine performances...'
The Gramophone, October 2006
'...clean and precise playing which follows the letter of the score with scholarly precision and does so with well judged and highly sensible tempi. Students of Bach's organ music may find a valuable source of reference here.'
2005
The Hanover Band - Bach Cantatas & Concerti, Arundel Festival
The Littlehampton Gazette, September 1, 2005
HANOVERIAN CONCERT TREAT
'Sunday's capacity audience obviously hoped for perfection from the highly anticipated two-hour all-Bach programme. And they were not let down...The performances were presented with typical exuberance, controlled in masterly fashion from the keyboards by director Andrew Arthur.'
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival, 2005
The Herald, July 20, 2005
'As a grand finale to an exemplary and highly enjoyable recital, the "Toccata and Fugue in D minor", BWV 565 was delievered with a highly intelligent and impelling sense of purpose. The combination of intensity and exuberance and the strength, majesty and conviction that demonstrated the full organ's resources were all handled with consumate skill by Arthur.'
J.S. Bach - The Six Brandenburg Concerti, Director: Andrew Arthur
Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel Bach Festival, 2005
Peninsula Reviews, July 21, 2005
'How often do we have an opportunity to hear all six Brandenburg Concerti in one evening? Well, not too often, but on Thursday evening at the Carmel Bach Festival we had precisely such an opportunity, and it was a dazzling and moving experience.'
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
'...the soloists, Andrew Arthur, harpsichord, Naomi Guy, violin and Kimberly Reighley, flute, delivered some brilliant playing. As always, when we hear this concerto, we marvel at the long and intense first movement keyboard cadenza. Andrew Arthur is the complete keyboard virtuoso and, not surprisingly, he whipped up the cadenza to a high point of excitement...his playing represents the cutting edge of our current understanding of Baroque keyboard performance practice...richly detailed and impressive indeed.'
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2004
CD Recording 'Organ Music for Passiontide'
The Gramophone
'THIS SCEPTR'D ISLE'
'...Equally cohesive is Andrew Arthur's Passiontide selection from All Saints, Margaret Street, London. The recording has no trouble in capturing the full glow of the newly restored 1910 Harrison organ. A largely French and German programme is divided by a centrally placed Howells's Psalm Prelude (Set 2, No. 1) in a performance of incandescent sensitivity. The longest work is Bach's Partita on Sei gegrüsset, for which Arthur produces a bevy of beautiful tonal Baroquetteries, proving once again that a Romantic English specification can adopt several foreign accents.'
Music in the Round - UK Bach Tour 2004
Principal Players of the Hanover Band
Shropshire Star
'The interpretation of Brandenburg Concerto No.5 was outstanding, etched into memory by the work of flautist Rachel Brown, and the mastery of harpsichordist Andrew Arthur.'
Shrewsbury Chronicle
'The Fifth Brandenburg, which closed the first half, provided a counterweight to the opening cantata…The players throughout showed enthusiasm tempered with brilliant ensemble technique, ably led from the harpsichord by Andrew Arthur. An evening to remember.'
The Guide, Portsmouth
'The Fifth Brandenburg Concerto contains one of the most stunning solo parts in keyboard literature, and Andrew Arthur proved a match for its demands.'
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| Andrew Arthur performs Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 with Principal Players of The Hanover Band |
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Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival, 2004
The Herald, July 21, 2004
'Organist Andrew Arthur who is the festival’s chief keyboard artist led off the day’s events with a very satisfying, well chosen and accessible all-Bach recital in the Carmel Mission.
Arthur was in his usual fine form as an assured master of the instrument. His proven ability to control the powerful modern Mission instrument is admirable and impressive. There was much virtuoso brilliance but also a finely attuned grasp of the inherent musical values of his medium.'
2003
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival, 2003
The Herald, July 23, 2003
'Arthur is an absolute master of his keyboard, no matter what its size (as demonstrated in the evening concert), and his control of the challenging large console in the Mission was most impressive. In a high powered program which included two Fantasias, BWV 537 and 562, the Passacaglia & Fugue, BWV 582 and six chorale preludes. he diplayed his intuitive, soundly based grasp of his instrument, making this a very enjoyable musical experience. Playing for a large audience, Arthur began with the imposing Fantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 537. He chose a measured tone, which sounded very good in the open acoustics of the mission. The clarion passages of the fugue were very well brought out. Arthur included six chorale preludes based on Lutheran hymn tunes. Of this group, 'An Wasserflüssen Babylon' with its gently toned ornamented melodic line, was meditative and spiritual sounding. 'Schmücke dich' was another thoughtful and calm interpretation. It was very well voiced to maintain its reflective quality. Several others were bright and spirited, using the principal and reed stops. 'O Lamm Gottes' was delightfully rendered with a flutelike sweetness which made the instrument seem to sing. The Fantasia in C minor, BWV 562 had a trumpet-like opening and an imposing full organ tone, which continued with a processional quality, making for a commanding, impressive performance. The well known Passacaglia & Fugue, BWV 582 was the highpoint of the program in a monumental reading, which showed fine musical strength. There was a firm grasp of the intricate variation elements of the work. Arthur brought out brilliant tone with strong attacks and rhythms and tempi, which were always under control. It was an exemplary performance to conclude a fine concert.'
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO HEAR LIVE EXCERPTS FROM THIS RECITAL
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Soloists' Spotlight - Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival
Handel - Concerto for Organ in G Minor, Op. 4, No. 1
Peninsula Reviews, 23rd July, 2003
'Who could ever believe that an organ concerto could be so much fun? Arthur’s precise rhythm and effortless mastery in the Allegro movement just grabbed you by the throat and never let go.'
The Herald, 23rd July, 2003
'Using the festival's own small "positif" organ, Arthur displayed exemplary technical fluidity and agility and a fine sense of humor in bringing out the bird calls in the happily chirping allegro.'
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO HEAR MORE EXCERPTS FROM THE
CARMEL BACH FESTIVAL 2003
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Handel - Organ Concerti, Corona del Mar Baroque Music Festival
The Orange County Register, June 24, 2003
'Andrew Arthur returning as soloist from his fondly remembered 2001 festival appearance brought his usual precision and astute musicality.'
J.S. Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
The Hanover Band, Brighton Early Music Festival
The Argus, May 26, 2003
'...fine work from harpsichordist Andrew Arthur...'
The Complete English Hymnal - Volume 7 (PRIORY RECORDS)
Sound & Vision, 2003
'I love this recording and congratulate Harry Bramma and his perfect and sympathetic organist [Andrew Arthur]...Memorable & treasurable'
Organists’ Review, February, 2003
'The organ playing on this recording is excellent throughout'
2002
The Mission Concert, Carmel Bach Festival
San Francisco Examiner, July 7, 2002
'An exquisite orchestral gem graced by Andrew Arthur’s nimble touch, Handel’s organ concerto"The Cuckoo and the Nightinglae", proved to be one of the highlights of the evening.'
2001
Organ Recital, Church in the Forest, Carmel Bach Festival
San Francisco Classical Voice, July 23, 2001
'Arthur planned his program in the same sort of order as concerts we know the composer [Bach] performed, namely, beginning and ending with a large praeludium and inserting chorale preludes and variations between the two. The bookends to the concert demonstrated Arthur's good understanding of style, articulation, and maturity. Into the opening Prelude and Fugue in C (BWV 545), between those pieces, he cleverly inserted the slow movement of the Fifth Trio Sonata. This creation of a three-movement work, though rarely done, is an example of the way Bach used to play his music. It served as an extremely effective and interesting opener and had a stamp of individuality.
Expert Handling of Instrument
The chorale partita (a set of variations on "O Gott, du frommer Gott") that followed showed Arthur's sensitivity to phrasing and demonstrated his ability to handle the instrument's unsteady wind pressure, a common feature of 18th century organs that many modern players find awkward.'
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO HEAR LIVE EXCERPTS FROM THIS RECITAL
(Broadband conection recommended)
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| Poulenc - Organ Concerto, Corona del Mar Baroque Music Festival
The Orange County Register, June 19, 2001
'At the center of the confident, colouful and engaging performance sat organist Andrew Arthur, a U.K native, who played with spirit, precision, and a keen ear for the dramatic moment. That, plus his deft pedal work and silky touch, gave a full and resonant voice to the solo passages.’
Los Angeles Times , June 19, 2001
‘A long line of first-rate organists have participated in the festival. The latest is the British musician Andrew Arthur, who took the soloist’s duties in the Poulenc [concerto]….Arthur brought impressive authority and resourceful virtuosity to the part……tightly and sincerely performed.’
2000
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival
Monterey Peninsula Reviews, July 2000
'...vibrant playing...rhythmically pristine and beautifully controlled....All the expressive devices were highly successful....magnificent clarity...a high level of musicianship'
1999
Organ Recital, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Bach Festival
The Herald, July 1999
'Virtuosic eloquence'
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