“No previous recording surpasses this newcomer in terms of <span class=”style8″>sweep</span> or communicative ardour.”
NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
Gramophone Magazine, "Portrait of the Viola" ASV
“Helen Callus plays with a sumptuous tone matched by flawless technique to give the most beautiful account I have ever heard of the Walton Concerto.”
NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
Classic FM Magazine (UK), Orchestral Disc of the Month June 2006 "Walton" ASV
“The night I wrote this review, I found her performance so moving, so addicting, that I kept listening to it over and over before I could bring myself to finish the review and go to bed. Very rarely have I felt a need to listen to a recording over and over. Only really great artistry can hold a listener <span class=”style8″>in thrall</span> like that, and that is the artistry of Helen Callus.”
NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
American Record Guide, July/August 2007 "Portrait of the Viola" ASV
“Callus’s virtuosity in Prokofiev’s Young Juliet and Mercutio is admirable, with every note note clearly in place in spite of the breakneck tempo. I enjoyed this lovingly produced CD immensely, and hope there’s more of the same to come.”
NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
The Strad Magazine
“Immediately distinguishing this recital is the distinctive timbre that Helen Callus elicits from her instrument—this is neither a darker-toned violin nor an anaemic-sounding cello. Also impressive from the start, in the movements from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, is the evenness of Callus’s phrasing and production of sound. With unforced dramatic impetus and natural intensity, these excerpts do not sound ‘reduced’ (partly because of the sympathetic transcriptions and partly due to the spirited and heartfelt performances) and one does not miss the orchestra. Furthermore, the recording is focused and airy and allows a good balance between the instruments-a real duo sharing the same space rather than being presented as a soloist and an accompanist.”
NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
International Record Review
“Her recording of the sonata and several other short pieces by Clarke reveals two virtues a soloist must have to become a real artist; an analytical mind and the imagination to express the wisdom gained from analysis. Callus’s main virtue is that she has more to say as the movement progresses, knowing how to make the more reflective passages more interesting. She navigates the dream-like currents of melody with much greater understanding. Callus doesn’t need brilliant passages to keep the music interesting.”
NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
American Record Guide
“Callus plays with great conviction and sensitivity…She has a lovely lightness of touch when required and can summon up great power and gravitas in the dramatic
passages.”NEW BACH SUITES CD REVIEW
Geoff Ogram - Music Web International, Gordon Jacob Concerti for viola and orchestra.