Liszt: Valse De L'opera Faust S407 - CD

“…Stephen Hough has technically and spiritually digested the first book of Années de pèlerinage to the extent that he can risk personalising certain pieces without sounding the least bit mannered. …he pushes the espressivo rhetoric of the brooding introduction to 'Vallée d'Obermann' and skill keeps the music's narrative trajectory alive through his exquisite tonal control and subtle pedal effects.” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2005

“Outstanding'” CD Review

“The highlight of this disc is Chopin's Chants polonais - Fialkowska plays all six that Liszt transcribed, and blends drama with lyricism. Others may bring more intimacy, but this is classy playing. Liszt's transcription of the 'Gretchen' movement from A Faust Symphony is also colourful.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2012 ****

“The Polish-Canadian plays from the heart...the reason to buy this CD is the Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude, a piece of extraordinary beauty that plays to Fialkowska’s strengths – her romantic sensibility, her sense of poetry, her unaffected artistry and knack of showcasing the music’s Chopin-esque brilliance.” Financial Times, 30th October 2011 *****

“The emphasis here is on variety within variety, on Liszt's generous and extraordinary response to other composers...Fialkowska takes the Faust Waltz by virtuouso storm...We need many more records from this master-pianist” Gramophone Magazine, January 2012

“There’s not a dud moment in the recital. And this is impressive playing on any account, more so when you read that Fialkowska’s career was nearly derailed by a tumour discovered in her arm in 2002. After groundbreaking, successful treatment she resumed playing in 2004 and sounds better than ever. I think I’m now a paid-up Liszt fan.” The Arts Desk, 3rd March 2012

“an enchanting recital...The poise, spectrum of tone and sheer naturalness of her playing makes the Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude utterly compelling, the instinctive expressiveness of Liszt’s Chopin arrangements likewise...this is a disc to be treasured by admirers of elegant pianism.” The Telegraph, 11th November 2011 *****

“Liszt discs aren’t thin on the ground but this one stands out...the playing of these lesser-heard pieces is magical. Highlights are the sublime Bénédiction de Dieu dans la Solitude; the joyously rippling Chopin paraphrases, Six Chants Polonais; and Gretchen, the composer’s rapturous transcription of the slow movement from his Faust Symphony.” The Times, 22nd October 2011 ****

“Faust and Rigoletto paraphrases, delivered with crystalline roguishness, are a delight” BBC Music Magazine, August 2011 ***

“he plays the virtuoso to the hilt and it is hardly surprising that his performance of the "Faust" Waltz caught the ear of Horowitz...From the opening clarion call to attention to the central glittering cascades, Thibaudet gives us all his dry-ice sparkle and the sort of ear-tingling brilliance that quickly made him the envy of so many of his colleagues.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2011

“First Hand's classily presented two-disc set… is a treasure chest of Cherkassky rarities. …these studio recordings have the same vitality and spontaneity as his live performances. …the Hungarian Rhapsody No 13 and the Faust Waltz (especially the stunning coda) are examples of pure pianistic joie de vivre. But above all... are the sheer beauty of sound, individuality of conception and musical imagination that Cherkassky brings to whatever takes his fancy. Required listening for all students of the piano.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2009

“If lightning finger-work and improvisational musicianship are your priorities, then Simon Barere live will prove a must.” Gramophone Magazine

“[This] will delight both devotees of transcendent virtuosity and poetic sensibility, for the colour and pellucid tone Petri displays... are equally matched by an almost prodigal disregard of - normally - testing passages... The notes and documentation from this company remain the standard for others.” Classic CD