Mendelssohn: Song without Words, Op. 30 No. 6 in F sharp minor 'Venezianisches Gondellied No. 2'

“Martin Stadtfeld is a classy pianist who is clearly at home in these delightful Mendelssohn scores with the First Piano Concerto being particularly successful.” MusicWeb International, 11th June 2013

“Initially I was not entirely convinced by the modern copy of an 1830 Pleyel...But soon I was relishing the clarity and sheer beauty of the sound and, for the most part, of Ronald Brautigam playing. He is, without any doubt, one of the finest pianists around, and his despatch of Mendelssohn's fastest pieces is thrilling.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2013 ****

“a rare opportunity to hear some of the composer's most beloved works as he might have heard them...There is, of course, much to savour and admire...but I miss the modern grand piano's sustained, singing tone” Gramophone Magazine, March 2013

“Ronald Brautigam’s Mendelssohn is so good it’s easy not to notice how good it is. That is, this playing feels so natural, so effortless, so perfectly songlike (cantabile!) that it’s tempting to think, “why wouldn’t the music sound like this?” ..This Mendelssohn breathes like a living thing...If you don’t think a fortepiano can sing, think again. A superb recital.” MusicWeb International, April 2013

“this sweeps the board in this repertoire.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition

“Korstick - who has recorded extensively for CPO - specialises in romantic music, and is clearly completely at home in this repertoire...This is a disc that I cannot fault at all - highly desirable.” MusicWeb International, November 2012

“These performances, taken from public concerts in 2005-08, ably document Vassily Primakov's technically secure pianism. To my ears, however, the pianist does not invariably find his way into the expressive worlds explored in this varied programme. I most appreciate some of the quieter moments in Bach's C minor French Suite...where Primakov seems really to be listening to himself and responding to the implications of the music.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2011 ***

“Primakov gives a truly joyous reading of the opening 'Prelude'. The pedalling is sparse enough to allow the warm harmonies room to breathe. His clarity of sound in the upper register is also very welcome...[Clair de lune] doesn't disappoint. Full of fantasy, Primakov never overstates anything and doesn't dwell in the sumptuous harmony....notes ring out with a bell-like quality which is totally appropriate in this music.” International Record Review, January 2012

“It's a treat to hear [Drake] take centre stage...the recital evokes lullabies and moonlight, nostalgia and intimacy, all of it cushioned by Drake's warm sound, beautiful phrasing and affectionate touch...There's a lovely unity to it and the pieces are well ordered to complement one another.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2011 ****

“Ironically, this solo recital may serve its most useful purpose in an accompanying role, for sophisticated background music at a small gathering or dinner party. Not that there's anything wrong with that…” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011