What people say about James Murray's writing, courses and talks...
Critical Acclaim for booklet notes:
'James Murray's booklet notes are distinctly superior' International Record Review Aug 2002
'There is an excellent leaflet...giving much useful information about the composer and his music, a model of its kind'. Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs 2005/6 (Regis RRC 1161 Dyson Vocal Music)
'Regis ... also provide texts and translations and an essay on Dame Janet's career by James Murray, so what walked in the back door as a dirt-cheap bargain is now revealed as a quality product.' MusicWeb Janet Baker Regis RRC1225
'The accompanying documentation includes a perceptive essay about Di Stefano, written by James Murray. Recital discs seldom fare so well as this in terms of documentation.' (MusicWeb) Giuseppe Di Stefano Regis RRC1202
'There are excellent notes by James Murray. Why can't Decca provide this kind of detail in their notes?' (MusicWeb) HMS Pinafore Regis RRC1088
'Not only is the booklet beautifully presented, clearly printed and well edited, it has the benefit of excellent and informative notes by James Murray' (MusicWeb) Glinka Overtures etc Regis RRC1142
'James Murray's booklet notes are distinctly superior' International Record Review Aug 2002
'There is an excellent leaflet...giving much useful information about the composer and his music, a model of its kind'. Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs 2005/6 (Regis RRC 1161 Dyson Vocal Music)
'Regis ... also provide texts and translations and an essay on Dame Janet's career by James Murray, so what walked in the back door as a dirt-cheap bargain is now revealed as a quality product.' MusicWeb Janet Baker Regis RRC1225
'The accompanying documentation includes a perceptive essay about Di Stefano, written by James Murray. Recital discs seldom fare so well as this in terms of documentation.' (MusicWeb) Giuseppe Di Stefano Regis RRC1202
'There are excellent notes by James Murray. Why can't Decca provide this kind of detail in their notes?' (MusicWeb) HMS Pinafore Regis RRC1088
'Not only is the booklet beautifully presented, clearly printed and well edited, it has the benefit of excellent and informative notes by James Murray' (MusicWeb) Glinka Overtures etc Regis RRC1142
Recorded Music Society testimonials and reviews:
"I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation - as did our members, judging by their body language and comments that I overheard during the break. Your enthusiasm and detailed knowledge of Jerome Kern were very apparent, and much appreciated. A lively presenter makes all the difference!"
This is to thank you enormously for your incredible insight into the 'goings on' in that period in Germany. You had us spellbound and there will, quite rightly, be demands for your return.
Just to say thank you again for a very interesting and entertaining evening. Much of the music was new to many members and they greatly enjoyed it.
"Huge thanks to James Murray for his fascinating talk on Eduard Künneke today. There was genuine joy on the faces of the people listening to Künneke's infectiously entertaining music. A lovely way to spend a cold, wet November afternoon!"
"James accompanied this most informative and stimulating talk with photographs of the musicians and venues where they performed and well-chosen musical excerpts. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject, together with the tuneful content of his presentation ensured an informative and lively evening for his St Matthias Hall audience."
"I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation - as did our members, judging by their body language and comments that I overheard during the break. Your enthusiasm and detailed knowledge of Jerome Kern were very apparent, and much appreciated. A lively presenter makes all the difference!"
This is to thank you enormously for your incredible insight into the 'goings on' in that period in Germany. You had us spellbound and there will, quite rightly, be demands for your return.
Just to say thank you again for a very interesting and entertaining evening. Much of the music was new to many members and they greatly enjoyed it.
"Huge thanks to James Murray for his fascinating talk on Eduard Künneke today. There was genuine joy on the faces of the people listening to Künneke's infectiously entertaining music. A lovely way to spend a cold, wet November afternoon!"
"James accompanied this most informative and stimulating talk with photographs of the musicians and venues where they performed and well-chosen musical excerpts. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject, together with the tuneful content of his presentation ensured an informative and lively evening for his St Matthias Hall audience."
Comments about James' Courses
'Very useful to have a tutor with 'hands on' experience of opera who introduced material in an interesting and cheerful manner. I would certainly welcome a follow up course.'
'James' extensive, in-depth knowledge was enthusiastically conveyed with little reference to notes. Examples from his personal experience enlivened the talks further and aided recollection of a particular topic.'
‘Well prepared with lots of anecdotes backed by solid facts and a willingness to adjust course to class desires.'
'I found the copious handouts most helpful. I decided to look further into many of the operas, only to find that James has told me all I needed to know!'
'James has an incredible depth of knowledge which has given us a deeper insight. This was a thoroughly enjoyable course. May we have more?'
'Very useful to have a tutor with 'hands on' experience of opera who introduced material in an interesting and cheerful manner. I would certainly welcome a follow up course.'
'James' extensive, in-depth knowledge was enthusiastically conveyed with little reference to notes. Examples from his personal experience enlivened the talks further and aided recollection of a particular topic.'
‘Well prepared with lots of anecdotes backed by solid facts and a willingness to adjust course to class desires.'
'I found the copious handouts most helpful. I decided to look further into many of the operas, only to find that James has told me all I needed to know!'
'James has an incredible depth of knowledge which has given us a deeper insight. This was a thoroughly enjoyable course. May we have more?'