Thomas Simaku’s album reviewed by the BBC Music and Musicweb-International

Described by the French National Radio as ‘astonishing music’, Thomas Simaku’s new album con-ri-sonanza is performed by internationally acclaimed musicians Quatuor Diotima and Joseph Houston. Released by the Swedish label BIS Records, the CD has been selected by the BBC Music Magazine in their February 2021 issue, in which the critic writes: ‘I wasn’t at all familiar with Simaku, but I’ve come to appreciate greatly his ability to create unflinching visceral soundscapes. The pieces featuring string quartet are especially compelling here.’ 

A comprehensive review has been published by the Musicweb-International. Describing the piano quintet, con-ri-sonanza, as ‘a deeply moving piece of music’, the reviewer writes: "The performances recorded in the composer’s presence are just splendid, technically assured and strongly committed. They do Simaku’s often complex but nonetheless rewarding music full justice. As already noted in earlier reviews, Simaku’s music is a hard nut to crack but, for my money, well worth cracking. Now I long to hear some of his ensemble music and his orchestral music (the Concerto for Orchestra won the first prize at the International Competition for Lutosławski’s 100th birthday).’