Chopin: Scherzo No. 4 in E major, Op. 54

“This invaluable reissue of discs dating from 1952-53 is a reminder of Jorge Bolet's early stature. The first-ever recording of Prokofiev's malignant, ferociously demanding Second Concerto is of so much more than documentary interest...nothing can dim one's sense of Bolet's massive and unswerving authority, a quality at once lyrical and magisterial...A true aristocrat of the keyboard, his warmth and humanity strike you at every turn.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2011

“Immense, yet light-fingered keyboard power from Richter, whose mastery opens out great vistas of space around the music.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2012 *****

“one of the most individual things about this stunning debut by Benjamin Grosvenor is his pervasive sense of balance and his unerring blend of Classical restraint and Romantic ardour...He is a virtuoso who declines the mantle of virtuoso, every gestures being put exclusively and exhilaratingly at the service of the music. Grosvenor's playing exudes joy and spontaneity, seeming to release rather than interpret the music.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2011 *****

“In Gaspard he magically combines the micro-refinement of a Pogorelich with the poetic wisdom and golden touch of a Perlemuter, and in Chopin's Scherzos integrates the music's hurtling mood-swings with mesmerising intensity.” Classic FM Magazine, September 2011 *****

“evidence of an awesome talent, a pianist with fantastic natural reflexes in the Cziffra class and, more excitingly, a musician with purpose and imagination, whose playing transcends the sterile confines of the studio...Crowning all is a masterly Gaspard in which an astonishing array of touch and tonal colouring are brought to bear in Grosvenor's vivid, distinctly defined characterisation of all three movements.” Gramophone Magazine, October 2011

“This release is quite superlative in every way...Grosvenor's fleet-fingered virtuosity is a match for the finest...Despite this, there's a modesty and humility to these readings which is wonderful to behold...Grosvenor is seemingly incapable of producing an ugly tone and the richness of colour and nuance has been perfectly captured by the Decca engineers. This is essential listening.” International Record Review, September 2011

“Both the main works here...demonstrate the brilliance of Grosvenor's technique as he takes the challenges of Chopin's pieces in his stride, and vividly conjures up the colours of Ravel's piano writing, if rather underplaying the pieces' nightmarish qualities” The Guardian, 18th August 2011 ***

“It's an immensely confident set, comparable to Evgeny Kissin's early performances – the most impressive aspect being not his obvious command of technique, but an intellectual and emotional understanding of the music way beyond his tender years.” The Independent, 8th July 2011 ****

“This recital disc shows his ability to twin youthful exuberance with impeccable technique and magisterial musical intelligence...Grosvenor's balance of oratory and ornament, gesture and poetry – evident, too, in Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit – are moving as well as impressive. He's a phenomenon: modest, poised and natural, as well as brimming with talent.” The Observer, 17th July 2011

“The first thing you notice is the limpid surface of Grosvenor’s playing, the warm tonal gleam that he conjures up from the keys. It is a beautiful sound, and beneath it there are seams of passion, discretion and emotional affinity with the music...there is little to quibble with in this recital, which shows intelligence coupled with a command of keyboard colour and musical characterisation that are remarkable.” The Telegraph, 14th July 2011 ****

“Have you ever heard a more aqueous evocation of Ravel’s water nymph? Grosvenor’s Steinway instrument seems permanently underwater, swimming through the softest of rippling textures...Grosvenor, you can tell, is a Romantic pianist, almost from another age. He doesn’t deconstruct, or stand at a distance. He jumps inside the music’s soul.” The Times, 8th July 2011 ****

“Characteristically, Lugansky imbues this Chopin recital with concentrated thought. Not for him any gratuitous pyrotechnics...the consistently absorbing feature of his performances is the way they dig so deeply and lucidly into the substance beneath the surface.” The Telegraph, 23rd April 2010 ****

“If you view Chopin primarily as a revolutionary firebrand rather than an introverted dreamer, then this recital is definitely for you...[Lugansky's] performance of the sonata is terrific, with monumental drama in the outer movements, a nerve-ridden scherzo, and a largo that remains notably insistent and driven” The Guardian, 13th May 2010 ****

“This is not for those who thrill to outrageous or self-conscious novelty but more for listeners left to marvel at the miracle that is Chopin. There is a moving transparency and reserve about Lugansky's way with the Third Sonata...His refined brilliance, too, makes something special of the Fantaisie-impromptu” Gramophone Magazine, September 2010

“Lugansky's focus in this Chopin prgramme is unrelentingly inward, the surface as polished and immaculate as a Steinway's lid. His tone quality is always singing, pure and richly cushioned” BBC Music Magazine, September 2010 **

“This is a very French-style Chopin concept album...There are more than a few Proustian hints: this is a Chopin a la recherche du temps perdu...Queffelec places emphasis on subtlety, elegance, singing tone and an intimacy of spirit.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2010 ****