A Stunning Album!
Lizzy | UK | 02/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is contemporary classical music at its best! Stylish, melodic and absolutely divine, Bellatrix should be in everyone's music collection."
Outstanding, rapturous
Kenneth P. Turner | Caldwell, NJ United States | 11/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The violin and guitar pieces (Urban Dusk, The Red Light) on this CD are exquisite and rapturous. Unlike so much "modern" music, they are harmonious, almost archetypal. I hope Mr. Gruss gets the recognition, one day, that these pieces merit. Bellatrix itself grows on you the more you listen, and it hurts because it gets under your skin. The piano pieces, unfortunately, you can forget, but as to the rest: this composer has something special that's very much worth your time. He also has a web site, I don't know if I am allowed to mention it but I am sure you can figure out how to find it."
Old and New!
Mark Krendel | Philadelphia | 11/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I simply love how this musician understands the beauty of the old world music but doesn't compose a simple rehashing of the tradition. Instead what we get are deep, inspired and profoundly modern sensibilities blended with the depth of emotion found in the aesthetic of Romanticism. This music could be equally comfortable in an old European concert hall as it would in a 21st century pavillion.
It's perfect for any time of day, any activity and any environment. It really is that good. And totally refreshing to hear a contemporary composer who isn't just losing his or herself in self-indulgent technicality. This is expressive, original and yet truly Classical music."
