Rachmaninov: Preludes Op. 23 Nos. 1-10 (complete)

“He writes in the sleeve notes of a long-held desire to record Rachmaninov and [in the Vocalise] you feel he totally understands the composer's unique harmonic world. It's worth acquiring the CD for this track alone.” The Observer, 31st July 2011

“[Bax] has technique to burn but also has the unteachable ability to tug at the heart strings...In the transcriptions, Bax pays particular attention to the intricate weaving of separate voices, and is truly affecting in his own arrangement of Vocalise. This is one of the most intelligent and engrossing Rachmaninov recitals of recent years.” Classic FM Magazine, September 2011 *****

“With this intricate and enterprising recital, the wondrously gifted Alessio Bax fulfils, in his own words, a long-cherished dream...he finds all of the composer's dark-hued melancholy, playing with an impeccable sense of vocal line and with an intense and stylish rubato...if his Op. 23 Preludes lack the classic quality of, say, Lympany or Osborne, his vividness and personality weaven their own intoxicationg spell.” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011

“Nebolsin is a Russian pianist with all of the technical skills necessary to handle this difficult music. More important is his musical ability to make far more of the Preludes than a mere splattering of notes and empty bravura” American Record Guide

“undoubtedly a fluent pianist” Gramophone Magazine

“…Rachmaninov's Preludes… are perfect visions of their composer's inner world, haunted by death and depression yet infused with a generous, intimate spirit. Pianistically, Berezovsky is magnetically compelling. His control of colouring and dynamics is superb, as the C sharp minor prelude makes evident, rising across a tremendous spectrum to a towering fullness of sound.” BBC Music Magazine, October 2005

“All in all a recording that, despite misgivings over individual Preludes, is one to savour and live with, combining the passion, grace and poetry we have come to expect from this compelling artist.” Gramophone Magazine, December 2005