Schumann: Etudes symphoniques, Op. 13 (Symphonic Studies)

“ While in [Le Sage's] previous collection of Schumann's chamber music with piano he showed himself to be an attentive collaborator, his solo piano playing never really suggests that he has strong enough views on Schumann to justify a whole series of discs. In the Humoresque, the F sharp minor Sonata and the Etudes Symphoniques, his playing is perfectly correct and musical, but ultimately just tepid; if the Bunte Blätter Op 99 fares better, it's because the 14 pieces are less memorable musically and expressively far less ambitious.” The Guardian, 6th July 2008 **

“Throughout this recital Le Sage is especially good at conveying the music's impulsiveness, but he also responds well to the more poetic side of Schumann. These are altogether exceptionally sympathetic and rewarding performances.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2008 ****

“... her piano playing already bears the mark of the three great pianists who fashioned it, and of whom she has succeeded in creating an improbable synthesis: the panache of Martha Argerich, the musicality of Leon Fleisher and the Impeccable finish of Krystian Zimerman.” Diapason

“On his own, Aimard combines virtuoso panache with a limpid touch.” Daily Telegraph, Jan 2005