Review: The Times ****

Geoff Brown reviews “Legacy, a Tribute to Dennis Brain” and gives the album **** for The Times.

"Ben Goldscheider’s album Legacy offers another example of Brain power, featuring one of our youngest and most succulent horn players in music new and old directly inspired by Brain’s artistry. The deepest musical rewards come from Poulenc’s memorial, Elegie, written in 1958, although for a powerful display of the instrument’s expressive breadth you can’t improve upon Huw Watkins’s Lament; Watkins also serves as Goldscheider’s persuasive piano partner. Another highlight is Malcolm Arnold’s solo Fantasy, a typical mix of knees-up and melancholy from a composer rarely on an even keel. Throughout, Goldscheider is almost his elder’s equal in smooth delivery and warmth, although the sunshine blaze of personality still places Brain on top.”

Read the full review here. (paywall)