Classical: New releases

Martinu Piano Trios

Angell Piano Trio (ASV Quicksilver)

The prolific Martinu only composed three piano trios and they're nicely assembled here on an enterprising recording by the up-and-coming Angell Trio. They capture the conflicting spirits of the Neo-Classical First, the Haydn-esque Second and the brooding Third. With a duo for violin and cello thrown in for good measure, this is a fine budget disc. HHHH

John Woolrich Ulysses Awakes and other works

Orchestra of St John's, Smith Square, Lubbock (ASV)

Woolrich hardly seems to be out of the London limelight these days, his music frequently programmed. This eclectic selection shows him to be a maverick voice. Aside from his reworking of Monteverdi, there's It Is Midnight, Dr Schweitzer for 11 instruments, a Mozart adaptation and four concert arias. Interesting, revealing and rewarding. HHHH