Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 ‘Moonlight' (Mondschein Sonata)

“Moiseiwitsch was a virtuoso in the most aristocratic sense, incomparably fleet and vivacious in the Pathétique's Allegro di molto con brio, coolly without falseness or special pleading in the Adagio, sleek and feline in the finale. He eases his way into the Moonlight's Allegretto with typical insouciance and you can only marvel at his dazzling and propulsive spin through the Waldstein. Such playing is beyond price...” Gramophone Magazine, Awards 2006

“The performances take virtuosity to its limits, without sacrificing themselves to it. And in the long-breathed opening of the Moonlight Sonata, Steen-Nøkleberg creates an hypnotic effect thanks to the immaculate evenness of his playing. It's in fast movements that he gets the bit between his teeth in a way that suits the tempestuous nature of the music.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2006 *****

“There is wonderful playing here, inspired by insight and qualities of intellectual inquiry and rigour ... but you wouldn't expect anything less from Alfred Brendel, would you? ... this is Brendel at his very best.” Gramophone Magazine

“Lugansky is that rare animal, a Russian pianist equipped not only with all the technical armoury and brilliance one expects as a matter of course, but a musician of integrity and deep thoughtfulness, his mind always concentrated on conveying his own, considered view of what the composer wanted, not on making an impression for his own sake.” (International Record Review)