York Bowen Piano Concerto Nos 2 and 3; Symphonic Fantasia
Michael Dussek (Piano), BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Vernon Handley. Dutton Epoch CDLX 7187

"All this is superbly performed by Vernon Handley while Michael Dussek (who teaches at Bowen's alma mater, the Royal Academy of Music) plays with brilliant facility and the warmest musical commitment." 
Bryce Morrison, Gramophone November 2007

"Michael Dussek is clearly equally at home whether as a chamber musician or as a flamboyant concerto concerto soloist... The Piano-writing is immensley demanding but it is also highly pianistic and for the most part even the most challenging of passagework lies under the fingers. Dussek (the pianist on no fewer than 21 CDs in Dutton's Epoch Series!) performs both concertos with real panache and elan, revelling in the stunning array of figurations and textures while coaxing out the most gorgeous extended melodic lines."
International Record Review

"That indefatigable champion of British music, Vernon Handley, here presents a strong case for one of the 20th century's semi-forgotten figures, enhanced by the pianistic panache of Michael Dussek. The music of York Bowen (1884-1961) is firmly rooted in the 19th century, both from the point of view of its harmonic palette and in the broad romantic sweep and bravura of the Piano writing. Its combination of succulence, brilliance and strong melodic threads, coupled with the sensitivity and spirit of these performances, ought to win new admirers for two imaginative concertos and a Symphonic Fantasia of Straussian lyricism and verve."
The Daily Telegraph 

Excerpts: 1) Bowen Concerto no. 2 (Track 1)
                  2) Bowen concerto no.2 (Track 2).

York Bowen Piano Concerto No. 1, Violin Concerto Michael Dussek (Piano),Lorraine McAslan (Violin), BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Vernon Handley. Dutton Epoch  7169

FANFARE MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME PERFORMANCE

“Lorraine McAslan and Michael Dussek perform with fire and passion, bringing to Bowen’s unknown and under-appreciated concertos a sense of commitment that is indeed rare. Their incisive and insightful performances will not only focus attention on their abilities, but will surely raise the consciousness of the curious regarding this repertoire…This is a fine and much-needed addition to the collection of every Anglophile and one of the newest inductees in our Classical Hall of Fame.”

"Michael Dussek negotiates the note splattered Scharwenkian terrain with infectious bravado and sensitivity, and "Tod" Handley directs with all his customary sympathy and understanding." BBC Music Magazine, 5-star recording


"Dussek's performance is brilliant and sensitive by turns - he is a pianist who, on this showing, certainly deserves to make many more records."
International Record Review

"Michael Dussek displays scintillating tone and a fine technique"
Fanfare Magazine

Excerpt: Bowen Piano Concerto No. 1, 2nd Movement

Benjamin Britten Holiday Diary, 5 Waltzes, Notturno (Night Piece) Temporal Variations, Two Insect Pieces, with Sarah Francis, Oboe Hyperion CDA 66776

"One of the most magical discs of Britten yet made"
Fanfare

"Michael Dussek s'y montre remarquable, notamment dans Holiday Diary, qui marie humour, tendresse, truculence, reffinement avec une vivacité, une plénitude, une liquidité de toucher d'une lumière extraordinaire, en une rare affinité poétique avec l'oeuvre, culminant dans les résonances immobiles, le chatoiement sensuel de Night, où l'on admire un jeu de pédale d'une clarté et d'une fluidité miraculeuses. Dans lesValses, schubertiennes d'inspiration, Dussek deploié un superb cantabile, nuancé de demi teintes flottantes, remarquablement inspirées (variations de la Cinquieme), au gré d'un discours très ferme qui donne puissance et corps à des pages facilement évanescents."
Répertoire

"Michael Dussek proves a magnetic interpreter of the solo Piano music,bringing out the sparkle of the boyhood walztes (or "Walztes" as the boy Britten called them) and the Holiday Diary. He then finds intense poetry and magic in the Night Piece."
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Excerpts: 1) Fanfare from Holiday Diary 
                2) Waltz no.2

Edmund Rubbra: Complete music for Piano solo, with Rachel Dussek, Piano. Dutton CDLX 7112

"Here is an example of a record company getting everything right. An outstanding artist playing worthy yet neglected repertoire in beautifully recorded sound... It would be hard to imagine a more congenial, sensitive and perceptive advocate of this music than Michael Dussek, whose innate musicality and instrumental command are evident from first note to last. Everything is natural, nothing is forced, and the blend of lyricism,contrapuntal clarity and the underlying harmonic rhythm is exemplary.And the recorded sound is so perfectly matched to the spirit and texture of the music that it must be counted as an act of interpretation in itself."
BBC Music Magazine

"Michael Dussek,whose father studied with Rubbra at Worcester College Oxford,performs his usual selfless and flawless mission in facilitating access to works by deserving British composers."
Piano Journal

Recommended in The Good C.D. Guide

Excerpt: Prelude and Fugue on a theme of Cyril Scott

Arensky Piano Trios The Dussek Piano Trio Meridian CDE 84398"

A new coupling of Arensy's two Piano trios to set alongside the very best - and the competition is pretty fierce, too. The Dussek's are highly accomplished and sensitive players."
Gramophone

"This new account from the Dussek Piano Trio has the required sense of motoric urgency and a touching lyric sensitivity, too... Dussek relishes the Chopinesque challenges of Arensky's keyboard passagework."
BBC Music Magazine 

Excerpt: 2nd Movement of Arensky Trio No.1

Haydn Trio in C major Hob. XV, 27; Trio in E major Hob. XV, 28; Trio in G major Hob. XV, 25 "The Gypsy"; Trio in E flat major Hob. XV, 29.  Meridian CDE 84242 .

This recording has been played on radio stations internationally, including BBC Radio 3.

Excerpt: Trio in C, 3rd Movement

Brahms Trio in B major op.8; Trio in C major op.87; Trio in C minor op.101; Horn Trio in Eb Op.40. Dussek Piano Trio with Stephen Stirling, Horn. Meridian CDE 84227/8

"Faithful and sympathetic Brahmsian understanding...crisp attack and sharp dynamic contrasts...plenty to enjoy".
Gramophone 

Excerpts: 1) Horn Trio 4th Movement 
               2) Trio in C major 2nd Movement 
               3) Trio in C 3rd Movement.

Bridge Piano Trios  Dussek Piano Trio Meridian CDE 84290

"The highly committed performances by the Dussek Piano Trio would convert almost anyone to this composer's cause."
The Strad

"This disc is recommended to anyone wishing to investigate this composer further."
BBC Music Magazine

Excerpt: Salterello, from Miniatures

Bax Songs. Jean Rigby, Mezzo-Soprano, Ian Partridge, Tenor, Michael Dussek, Piano. Dutton CDLX 7136

"It helps that all three of the artists on this recording are so obviously deeply committed to Bax's music. No-one has done more than Ian Partridge to rescue early twentieth century music from the muddy end of the meadow. For her part Jean Rigby is in sumptuos voice. Would any other mezzo have been willing to tackle "At the Last" with a tessiture so low that it seems to be scraping along the gravelly bottom of the stream? But it's Michael Dussek who deserves the lion's share of the honours, for making you take Bax's demanding Piano writing at  much more than face value."
International Record Review

Excerpts: 1) The Fairies
                2) Lullaby

Edmund Rubbra Violin Sonatas, with Krysia Osostowicz, Violin
Dutton CDLX 7101

"Osostowicz and Dussek make out the strongest imaginable case for Rubbra's neglected Violin works. Their empathetic ensemble generates performances of flawless integrity and insight,and one wonders why Rubbra's superb Third Sonata, particularly, hasn't secured a niche in the repertoire. Recommended."
BBC Music Magazine 5-star recommendation

The Third Sonata "is a simply wondrous piece... fully deserving of the exalted advocacy it receives on this enterprising anthology.Indeed Osostowicz and Dussek form an outstandingly sympathetic partnership and they are handsomely served by impeccably balanced sound. An invaluable and enormously rewarding release, in sum, enthusiastically recommended."
Gramophone. Short-listed for Gramophone Award.

"The Second Violin Sonata, with Albert Sammons and Gerald Moore, was the first Rubbra work to reach the gramophone. Although Frederick Grinke and the composer himself recorded it for Decca in the early days of the LP, there has been no decent modern recording. Krysia Osostowicz and Michael Dussek are worth waiting for, since not only the recording but also, surprisingly, the performance eclipses both its distinguished predecessors."
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs Recommended in The Good C.D. Guide

Amazon.co.uk 5 stars.  “Heartfelt, utterly dedicated playing from this fine duo, beautifully recorded, of some uncommonly rewarding repertoire from the pen of an underrated British master.”

Excerpt: 2nd Sonata, 1st Movement

York Bowen Suite for Violin and Piano, Cello Sonata, Violin Sonata Endymion Ensemble. Dutton Epoch CDLX 7120

"These musicians play Bowen with dedication and enthusiasm. I particularly commend the pianist, whose warmth of tone and virtuosity reflect the fact that Bowen was himself a pianist. These three works are all major additions to our knowledge of this composer, strong statements from three periods of his compositional life, of consistently high quality, beautifully played."
American Record Guide"

Michael Dussek revels in some Rachmaninov-like virtuoso figuration."
BBC Music Magazine

"The rehabilitation of York Bowen continues apace with this appealing triptych of chamber works, passionately performed by members of the Endymion Ensemble."
Gramophone

Amazon.com 5 stars. “The early Suite for violin and piano was written for Fritz Kreisler, and it breathes an air of sultry Romanticism that is highly engaging and may remind you a little of Fauré. Krysia Osotowicz plays here with world-class technique and considerable sensitivity, while Michael Dussek offers hand in glove accompaniment.”

Excerpts: 1) Suite 1st Movement 
               2) Suite 4th Movement.

York Bowen 2 Piano Trios, Horn Quintet Endymion Ensemble Dutton CDLX 7115

"Superb performances"
Guardian 5-star recording

"Admirably played - a feast of romantic chamber music rewarding to explore."
Gramophone

Excerpt: Rhapsody Trio

Edmund Rubbra Piano Trios nos. 1 and 2; Oboe Sonata etc. Endymion Ensemble. Dutton CDLX 7106

"A peach of a disc."
Gramophone

"An outstanding issue."
Record Review

Recommended in The Good C.D. Guide

Excerpt: Oboe Sonata 3rd Movement. Melinda Maxwell, Oboe.

Edmund Rubbra Cello Sonata with Pierre Doumange, Cello. Also Rubbra String Quartets nos. 1 and 3 played by the Dante Quartet
Dutton CDLX 7123

"Pierre Doumange teams up with pianist Michael Dussek for a cogent and impassioned account of the 1946 Cello Sonata, more convincing than either comparative rival."
Gramophone

"An urgent, profoundly expressive reading of the Cello Sonata."
BBC Music Magazine, 5-star recommendation

Excerpt: Cello Sonata 3rd Movement

Dohnanyi Sextet, Fibich Quintet, Endymion Ensemble

“Both these works break the mould of conventional piano chamber music with scoring that mixes string and wind instruments. The resultant colouring is so beautiful and distinctive that one wonders why so few other composers explored such possibilities. This is an outstanding chamber music disc and a truly worthy addition to the catalogue.”  Classic CD 5-star recording

"The Endymions play with great feeling and panache; they are splendidly recorded and can be strongly recommended."
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Excerpt: Dohnanyi Sextet, 3rd Movement

Dunhill Chamber Music Endymion Ensemble Dutton Epoch 7152

"This is a fine disc indeed of some magnificent chamber music, beautifully performed by the gifted members of the Endymion Ensemble."
International Record Review

"The performances are excellent, spontaneous,committed and always at home in the locality of the writing. Excellent recording, too. If you love music that breathes the English countrside, you will find it in Dunhill's chamber music; the Endymion players create just this evocation" Gramophone

Excerpt: Quintet 3rd Movement

L. Berkeley Chamber Music, Endymion Ensemble Dutton Epoch CDLX 7100

"An auspicious start to the Endymion's planned series of British music, with incisive, sympathetic performances of a varied sequence of solo and ensemble pieces by Lennox Berkeley." 
BBC Music Magazine

"Fine new recordings of Lennox Berkeley's elegantly fashioned music...the Endymion Ensemble do it proud."
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Excerpt: Toccata for Violin and Piano. Krysia  Osostowicz Violin

Kenneth Leighton Piano Trio, Partita for Cello and Piano, Metamorphoses for Violin and Piano, with Andrew Fuller, Cello and Lorraine McAslan Violin Dutton CDLX 7108

"The performances (by three superb musicians) are magnificent - pure, nuanced, expressive, even exalted. Dutton's sonics are wonderful: full, vivid, natural, immediate. On every level - music, performance, recording - this is one of the best recordings of modern chamber music you will ever hear."
American Record Guide

"This most impressive disc... is an ideal introduction to this important, but still underrated composer.He is not underrated by these artists,however, who play with passionate conviction and splendid "
Gramophone

"There are committed and powerful performances from all three artists, who are completely inside this fine music. This is a first-rate recording, and the recorded sound is in the top flight."
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Amazon.com 5 stars “A beautifully played disc of some fine chamber music.”

Excerpt: Trio 1st Movement 

Hurlstone, Parry Cello Sonatas, Harty Romance and Scherzo, Waldesstille, Schmetterling  Andrew Fuller Cello, Michael Dussek Piano Dutton Epoch CDLX 7102

"Andrew Fuller and Michael Dussek's performances are accomplished,committed and exceptionally well prepared and Dutton's excellent recorded sound beautifully complements the superb ambience of the Henry Wood Hall."
Gramophone

"A splendid performance and recording".
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Excerpt: Hurlstone Sonata 4th Movement

Benjamin Dale: Works for Violin and Piano, Sonata in E major, op.11 (1922) Lorraine McAslan Violin, Michael Dussek Piano Dutton Epoch

Excerpt: Violin Sonata 1st Movement

Max Reger: Sonate F-Dur für ViolinCello und Klavier, op.78 (1904)
Sonate g-Moll für ViolinCello und Klavier, op.28 (1898) Reimund Korrup Cello, Michael Dussek Piano. Antes CD 9001

Excerpt: Prestissimo assai

Songs by Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov Vassily Savenko Bass- Baritone and Michael Dussek Piano Meridian CDE 84399

"Savenko's smooth and attractrive voice is well suited to this repertoire...Michael Dussek is an excellent accompanist".
American Record Guide

Amazon.com 5 stars “With this disc, Vassily Savenko and Michael Dussek have not only opened up a neglected area of the song repertory but have done so with impeccable performances that come as close to being definitive as any performance can be.”

Excerpt: Rimsky-Korsakov  The Waves Part

Beethoven works for Cello and Piano: Variations on a Theme from Judas Maccabeus;  Sonata in G Minor op.5,no.2; Sonata in A Major op.69 Ofra Harnoy Cello, Michael Dussek Piano RCA

Excerpt: Variation 3 from Variations on a Theme from Judas Maccabeus

Dvorak Works for Cello. Ofra Harnoy, Cello, with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Sir Charles Mackerras, Michael Dussek Piano RCA Dig 09026 68186-2

"Michael Dussek proves a fresh and alert accompanist in all three of his items."
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Excerpts: 1) Slavonic dances: op.46 No.3
               2) op.46 No3.

Excerpt: Gershwin transcribed Heifetz It Ain't Necessarily So.

Bantock Cello Sonata in B minor, and F# minor, solo Sonata in G minor. Andrew Fuller Cello, Michael Dussek Piano. Dutton CDLX 7107

“First-rate performances of some appealing cello rarities” Gramophone

Editor’s Choice, Gramophone Magazine

Bantock Violin Sonatas Nos 1 and 2; Cronach; Salve Regina. Lorraine Aslan Violin, Michael Dussek Piano and Sir Granville Bantock. Dutton CDLX 7119

“Lorraine McAslan brings a lovely, mellow tone to the central movement of no.1, and more succulent tone plus characterful double-stopping to the opening of no.2. Michael Dussek’s piano playing – always excellent – is varied, alert and supportive.”
The Strad

Amazon.com 5 stars “The performances are utterly committed and the sound is top-notch.”

Coleridge-Taylor. Violin Sonata, African dances, Hiawathan sketches, Petiti suite de Concert. David Juritz Violin, Michael Dussek Piano. Dutton CDLX 7127

"David Juritz and Michael Dussek play this charming music beautifully and tastefully." American Record Guide"

Well worth a listen, especially as David Juritz and Michael Dussek sound as if they have been playing the music for many moons."
Gramophone

"The performances here are excellent".
Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Amazon.com 5 stars “My particular favourite is the compelling Sonata in D minor which, surprisingly, was not successful in its own time. It is richly and perfectly recreated here by Juritz and Dussek.”

“The singers and players of Exaudi and Endymion turn in eloquent, dedicated performances in first-rate sound, making every note – as Lutyens intended – count.”

BBC Music Magazine, 5-star Recommendation

Hurlstone. Piano Quartet in E minor,  Trio in G, Adagio (from Sonata in D major). The Dussek Piano trio with James Boyd (Violin). Dutton CDLX 7128

“The excellent Dussek Piano Trio”. Penguin Guide to Compact Discs

Amazon.com 5 stars “This is Hurlstone at his best.”

York Bowen. Sonata for Flute and Piano, Sonata for Oboe and Piano, Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Sonata for Horn and Oboe. Endymion Ensemble Dutton CDLX 7129

“The Endymion Ensemble are both assured and pliant purveyors of this engaging music. Nor can there be any reservations about Tony Faulkener’s beautifully judged sound and balance. Unhesitatingly recommended.” Gramophone