2006 Gramophone Awards
The winners of the 2006 Classic FM Gramophone Awards - regarded as the Oscars of the classical music world - were unveiled on 28th September 2006 in a ceremony at London's Dorchester Hotel.
The Artist of the Year Award - as voted for by Gramophone readers - was presented to pianist Angela Hewitt. The other nominees were Sir Simon Rattle, Valery Gergiev, Gerald Finley, Veronique Gens and Steven Isserlis. The Editor's Choice Award - given by Gramophone editor James Inverne - went to Gerald Finley's Stanford Songs of the Sea with BBC NOW, conducted by Richard Hickox (his fifth Gramophone award) and released by Chandos.
Artist of the Year
At the time of Angela Hewitt's nomination, Gramophone noted:
"Some artists perform to such a consistently high standard that they attract a devoted following. Angela Hewitt has achieved this, and rightfully so. Technically dazzling, she is a chameleon of the piano, able to shift moods and character while still remaining indisputably Hewitt. The last year has seen two typically intelligent and sensitive recording projects. In her two volumes of Bach keyboard concertos - with which she rounds off her Bach cycle for Hyperion - she balances scholarship (combining two different types of keyboard) with elastic, alert responses to the music. In another recent disc, she makes a charming advocate for Chabrier's piano music, by turns nimble and sensuous. If Hewitt is one of the most intelligent of interpreters, she always remains a great entertainer. And that following is growing. "
Editor's Choice Award
Of Richard Hickox's recording of Stanford's Songs of the Sea, Andrew Achenbach for Gramophone noted:
"In both sets, Gerald Finley's firmly focused, ringing tone is a joy... he sings with unfailing ardour, intelligence and sensitivity. Hickox and his BBC Welsh forces provide exemplary support.
...[Choral ballad The Revenge is] most ably served by Hickox and company. Throw in an admirable booklet-essay by Jeremy Dibble and ripe, airy sound from Chandos, and it certainly adds up to a hearty recommendation."
Taken from Gramophone magazine, July 2006. Please visit www.gramophone.co.uk
The Telegraph added:
“The choral singing is splendid throughout, with the BBC National Chorus of Wales clearly loving the bluster and heroism of The Revenge, while the orchestra provides characterful, emphatic support.”
Click on the following link to hear an extract from Sailing at Dawn, taken from Songs of the Fleet Op.117:
