International Record Review

[Parry1912]

I think I still take Gramophone mainly because of that wonderful archive - but then, delving into it does remind you of what we've lost!

I know what you mean! It was only access to the archive that prompted me to start subscribing again. It really is a wonderful resource.

As to IRR, it's worth remembering that they do have many first-rate reviewers. Aside from the gentlemen posting on this forum let's not forget Calum MacDonald, Robert Matthew-Walker, John Warrack et al. If they could just poach Richard Osborne ...

[Don Petter]

As to IRR, it's worth remembering that they do have many first-rate reviewers. Aside from the gentlemen posting on this forum let's not forget Calum MacDonald, Robert Matthew-Walker, John Warrack et al. If they could just poach Richard Osborne ...

I've been a staunch supporter of IRR ever since its break from the Gramophone, but I find RM-W the least likeable reviewer. He may know his subject but his long sentences are so loaded down with multiple asides and parenthetical phrases that reading him is often like wading through mud.

[ostuni]

I must admit that I bridled slightly at seeing RM-W in that list: too often, I feel, he's been assigned discs to review where he's doesn't show enough knowledge of/sympathy with the material. I'd add Simon Heighes to my own list of names whose views I respect. (Or maybe, as with much of this topic, it's just that his prejudices fall into line with my own...)

[Alison]

I don't think anyone in IRR can quite match Piers Burton-Page. A really probing critic, wholly without self importance, whose writing in itself gives great pleasure.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

I don't think anyone in IRR can quite match Piers Burton-Page. A really probing critic, wholly without self importance, whose writing in itself gives great pleasure.

Alison, I utterly endorse these sentiments - quality writing to which the rest of us should aspire.

[VodkaDilc]

I don't think anyone in IRR can quite match Piers Burton-Page. A really probing critic, wholly without self importance, whose writing in itself gives great pleasure.

....but PB-P writes in IRR!

There are other superb critics in IRR too, such as Nicholas Anderson, Simon Heighes, Robert Layton, Ivan Moody, John Warrack, Marc Rochester and so on. Many were originally in Gramophone, but that's not surprising since IRR was founded by Gramophone stalwarts such as Barry Irving.

[Barbirollians]

....but PB-P writes in IRR!

There are other superb critics in IRR too, such as Nicholas Anderson, Simon Heighes, Robert Layton, Ivan Moody, John Warrack, Marc Rochester and so on. Many were originally in Gramophone, but that's not surprising since IRR was founded by Gramophone stalwarts such as Barry Irving.

Well they remain on the list of reviewers but RL has not reviewed anything for ages . NA one or two over the last few months and the same applies to the others above whilst some of the ropey reviewers seem to be reviewing six or so discs each issue.

Piers Burton Page writes well but he gave Marwood's dreary Schumann Violin Concerto recording a rave review !

[Alison]

I don't expect to end up enjoying everything that PB-P does.

It's the lucidity of the reviews, the attempt to see where the interpreter is coming from that I greatly value.

(and yes. I knew he writes for IRR - thought that was our subject!)

[amateur51]

I don't expect to end up enjoying everything that PB-P does.

It's the lucidity of the reviews, the attempt to see where the interpreter is coming from that I greatly value.

(and yes. I knew he writes for IRR - thought that was our subject!)

Crossed wires, I think Alison.

I like PB-P too - always a top read, whereas this issue's four-pager by Robert Matthew-Walker about various Toscanini releases took me several goes to get through and he didn't mention the giant RCA box once in comparison

[richardfinegold]

Well they remain on the list of reviewers but RL has not reviewed anything for ages . NA one or two over the last few months and the same applies to the others above whilst some of the ropey reviewers seem to be reviewing six or so discs each issue.

Piers Burton Page writes well but he gave Marwood's dreary Schumann Violin Concerto recording a rave review !

Fanfare has many reviewers on it's roster, but seemingly assigns about 50% of the reviews to two critics (Jerry Dubins and Lynn Rene Bayley). These are probably the two most controversial critics on their roster. Not only do many readers write in to complain about them, but other Fanfare reviewers frequently attack both of them quite frequently in the pages of the magazine. A few issues back, the Editor/owner of the magazine felt compelled to explain that the reason he assigns so many reviews to these two reviewers is that they are both retired, and therefore have more time on their hands to devote to reviewing.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

News which may interest some folk here: from the November issue, it will be possible to subscribe to a digital edition of IRR. I've already seen the November issue in pdf mode, which has the advantage of being fully searchable and will be received 4/5 days before the print issue.

Do take a look at the review of Vivaldi's Catone in Utica in the November issue, which is not only a superb piece of writing, but also very well researched.

[jayne lee wilson]

Now all we need ("all...!") is an online archive.... I'm well into baroque vocal this year, Zelenka et al, will look out keenly for that Vivaldi..

[Parry1912]

Now all we need ("all...!") is an online archive

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

Now all we need ("all...!") is an online archive....

I believe that is planned, though not imminent.

[VodkaDilc]

I'd be far more excited about a resumption of the annual index which they produced for the first few years. My complete IRR archive is onshelf, rather than online. I'd just like a more speedy way to access it. I would be most unlikely to make use of an online IRR. For me, nothing would replace the expectation of sitting down with a pristine copy - and IRR always seems pristine, unlike some more cheaply produced magazines.

(I asked Barry Irving about the index a few months ago and he said it's something he'd like to see return - when time allows.)