“Madeleine Mitchell’s playing is most appealing. Her tone is sweet and bright, and she and Andrew Ball are unfailingly sensitive to the nuances and character of each piece. The programme has several focuses of attention, culminating in a true song (Strauss) featuring a radiant-sounding Elizabeth Watts.”

Duncan Druce

“This CD… merits consideration on several levels. [Mitchell’s] touching sense of inner repose makes a touching impression… her sensitive musicianship comes as a welcome antidote to the thrusting lusciousness of other violinists... her phrasing is quite outstanding. Andrew Ball… is an admirable accompanist. The recording quality throughout is good. Recommended.”

Robert Matthew-Walker

“This is an album of charming music, brought to shimmering life by Madeleine Mitchell’s spirited yet sensitive virtuosity.”

“Most [of these pieces] are rarities and it is delightful to have them here, especially when played with such warmth and finesse. This is a CD full of small joys, wonderfully played. The sound is close and warm.”

Tim Homfray
 

“Mitchell is a performer who delights in taking her “red violins” to schools and other non-specialist audiences, and these are just the sort of tunes that could be relied on to captivate them.  But there is clearly also a serious musician operating beneath the show-womanship, and there are some unexpected rarities in the mix. Throughout Andrew Ball provides excellent support.” 

Serena Fenwick

“It’s good to see Madeleine Mitchell back in the recording studios. Admirers of Frank Bridge will note the contents with interest; interest will then turn to outright enthusiasm... charmingly done. Mitchell’s more intimate playing brings its own rewards. Throughout Andrew Ball, with whom Mitchell has played as a duo for so many years, proves a subtle colourist. The Potton Hall recording is warm and naturally balanced and I like the booklet, which has some imaginative photographic touches.”

Jonathan Woolf

“Listening to this CD is a delight from start to finish. The title is more than apt as throughout each carefully prepared piece, Mitchell’s violin truly sings and creates that calming and soothing effect which makes one forget all worldly troubles. Te lovely booklet… is almost worth the price of the CD alone. Mitchell herself wrote the notes which make fascinating reading. Truly a CD to cherish and treasure, keep it for a cold evening tucked away by the fireplace and just let it sink in. Utterly magical!”

Gerald Fenech
 

“Madeleine Mitchell’s heart-on-sleeve approach works especially well…If you like your violin miniatures con espressivo with lashings of vibrato and tasteful portamento then this is the disc for you” -  ***

Julian Haylock

“...a beguiling programme…surprising delights. Wonderful lyrical tone, captured in fine sound. Andrew Ball is a perfectly discreet accompanist. Elizabeth Watts’s divine performance confirms that she is an exceptional young talent. Overall, an enjoyable disc.”     ****

Christopher Dingle

“Madeleine Mitchell has promoted much contemporary music, but now her violin turns wistful and melodic, wrapped in early 20th-century reveries. The seven charming Frank Bridge selections show her at her best.”      ***

Geoff Brown