music of finely wrought eloquence
Gramophone, November 2019, review of Cloud & Mirrors
The Suite for cello and guitar (2005) is striking for the ways in which Charlton combines the instruments so timbre and texture converge in numerous and intriguing ways – not least the engaging Tarantella and soulful Cantilena.
Fantasy (2011) is an amalgam of technological and harmonic innovation over an ingenious and resourceful three-part sequence.
Alan Charlton’s Jubilate Deo had incredible presence
The Scotsman, 13 July 2004, review of Jubilate Deo
an outstanding work
Classical Music Magazine, Premières of the Year 2003, review of Look and Bow Down
There can be no doubt about the excellent skills of Alan Charlton to write chamber music. Each guitar part has a definite personality and has ‘something to say’.
Classical Guitar Magazine, review of Cançion del Oeste
What a wonderful contribution. This piece deserves to be played in concert halls everywhere. And I can strongly recommend it to enrich the repertoire of intermediate or high level students.
[The session with the Lindsay Quartet] produced something encouraging in Alan Charlton’s String Quartet no.1. Certainly, it pleased John Casken, chairman of the panel
The Times, 11 October 1995, review of String Quartet no.1, Manchester Composers Platform, 1995
the material is attractive, the single-movement structure interesting and the personality distinctive
The Times, review of String Quartet no.1, performed by the Cat String Quartet, Harrogate International Festival, 9 August 1994.
Even at a first hearing, on 9 August, the First Quartet by Alan Charlton showed signs of immense promise, structural skill, technical fluency and imagination.
Musical Opinion, review of String Quartet no.1, performed by the Cat String Quartet, Harrogate International Festival, 9 August 1994.
…and Alan Charlton’s music (played live by himself and Rachel Skinner), sets the pre-show tone and stridently complements the action at key moments.
Venue Magazine, review of The Marquise, Bristol Old Vic Theatre, May 1993