‘Very special indeed. Hyperion's immaculate piano sound helps, too. But Ohlsson's phrasing is perfect: no exaggeration, simply rapturous harmonic textures projecting elegant melodies … all Ohlsson's much-admired distinction in the Romantic piano repertoire is on display here, and Griffes can never have sounded better’ (Gramophone)
‘Ohlsson's performances throughout are a judicious blend of absolute technical security and fantasy, giving especially appealing treatment to the single melodies that emerge occasionally from Griffes's teeming textures. With exemplary recorded sound and useful notes, this album makes a compelling case for a masterly figure in American musical history’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘As Garrick Ohlsson's superb performances show, Griffes's piano writing is wonderfully fluent, and works like De profundis of 1915 and the Piano Sonata of two years later suggest that all the stylistic elements were finally beginning to cohere into a real musical personality’ (The Guardian)
‘This belated recognition is worthy of attention by any lover of piano music’ (Liverpool Daily Post)
‘The unusual sound-world of an exceptional talent, cut short at the prime of his life … veteran American pianist Garrick Ohlsson is a master colourist and he makes one feel these works cannot be played in any other way’ (Singapore Straits Times)
‘Ohlsson does a brilliant job, playing each piece as if it were the most valuable masterpiece ever written. The American pianist’s engaging interpretations may be the best reason yet to give Griffes a new lease of life. This album is a valuable addition to the recorded repertoire, reminding us that the early 20th century was a remarkably creative, if not revolutionary time, in art music—even on this side of the Atlantic’ (Musical Toronto, Canada)