Penguin Guide Rosette Winners

“Alain is a completely involved communicator.
More than anyone else she delves into the very soul of these works. Thus we have an intensely prayerful Prière, a majestically statuesque Grandepièce symphonique while the Chorales are delivered with an unexpected degree of fervour; perhaps the Third is a shade overfervent since some of the semiquaver figurations lack absolute clarity – something which after one or two hearings serves to heighten the excitement but which might, after repeated listening, become irritating. This is a highly authoritative release not just in terms of playing but also in Alain's accompanying notes.
The Caen organ is a particularly fine specimen of a Cavaillé-Coll, dating from 1884 – 25 years after the St Clotilde organ for which Franck wrote much of this music. The recording captures it, and the church's atmosphere, effectively.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“An early recipient of a Penguin rosette, this classic 1980 recording blazes with a musical incandescence rarely captured in the studio. One of the all-time great sonata discs.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2006 *****

“Kaja Danczowska's account of the Franck is distinguished by a fine sense of line and great sweetness of tone, and she is partnered superbly by Krystian Zimerman. Indeed, in terms of dramatic fire and strength of line, this version can hold its own alongside the finest" Penguin Guide” Penguin Guide, 1994 edition