Media acclaim
Praise for A Beckett Miscellany
“Listening to these charming suites, epilogues, fantasias, dances, toccatas, and trios by Canadian composer Ronald Beckett makes one realize just how far the neo-tonal counter-revolution has come. Written over a 23-year period, these are cheery, player-friendly “works to be shared” (in the composer’s words) employing baroque counterpoint, occasional minirealist rhythms, and lots of diatonic tunes. Arcady, a chamber group founded by Beckett himself, plays with bubbly energy.”
– American Record Guide
“If Ron Beckett’s music is half as much fun to write as it is to hear, he must go around smiling all the time”
– Richard Todd, Ottawa Citizen
“Listeners who sometimes despair when listening to new music will delight in the beautifully lyrical music comprising A Beckett Miscellany.”
– Robert Reid, Kitchener-Waterloo Record
“…intellectually stimulating music that is fun and pleasant to listen to.”
– Murray Charters, Brantford Expositor
“He has drive, energy, movement and motion all bundled up in old and new style writing that never leaves you bored.”
– George Sandford, 701.com
“This CD demonstrates his solid craftsmanship and pleasant nature as a composer. Mr. Beckett should be commended for his creativity and obvious mastery at bringing people together to make music: a positive force.”
– Larry Beckwith, WholeNote
Praise for Welcome Yule
“Welcome Yule reminds us that Christmas music remains vital not only because often during songs,carols and hymns from the past, but because of new music.”
– Robert Reid, Kitchener-Waterloo Record
“Austere and beautiful in its long-ago way.”
– James Reaney, London Free Press
“To me, it felt like he (Beckett) had tied the age of chivalry and the modern age together with a warm Christmas ribbon.”
– Murray Charters, Brantford Expositor
Praise for A Baroque Messiah
“The wonderful rhythmic sense that Arcady expresses is a delight to hear in music that is too often presented as solemn and stodgy.”
– Murray Charters, Brantford Expositor
“The most energetic Messiah I have ever heard.”
– Stephen Marvin, Historical Bows
“The composer would be proud…the singing voices are crisp and clear.”
– Brian Whitman, Haldimand Press