‘This magnificent set courageously undertaken by Hyperion, a timely document of an interpretation fashioned from Nikolayeva's collaboration with the composer at the time of composition’ (BBC Music Magazine Top 1000 CDs Guide)

‘The recording is clear and atmospheric, and the playing has power, grandeur, character, intellectual clarity and unforced intensity’ (Gramophone)

‘The record that has given me greater pleasure than any other this year’ (The Sunday Times)

‘Performances which are at once gripping through their pianistic brilliancs and illuminating through their unflinching perception. Amazing’ (Classic CD)

‘A performing document of inestimable importance … Hyperion should be congratulated for masterminding this important issue’ (CDReview)

„Where this work is concerned, as in her playing of much else, she has rightly been called his High Priestess“ (Piano, Germany)