‘Here is yet another fabulous performance of unfamiliar repertory to grace the remarkable Hyperion catalogue … this is a work which has been neglected for too long. As David Fanning writes, 'this massive work bids fair for the accolade of the greatest work in the Russian chamber repertoire before Shostakovich's Piano Quintet' … the approach of the Goldners reveals true chamber music-making of intimacy, and of no less intensity. Lane, meanwhile, is every bit as virtuosic as Pletnev … these are fascinating works and the performances are suitably brilliant. Highly recommended’ (International Record Review)

‘Deliciously played by this remarkable duo partnership who show virtuosity and delicacy in equal measure. Altogether delightful music and captivating playing’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

‘Gabrilowitsch and Bauer have serious competition here. This is a splendid disc, chock full of charm and dash. Exceptionally fine—a must for all lovers of romantic ensemble pianism’ (American Record Guide)

‘Hyperion have again found the perfect acoustic for this most delightful and effective music. All in all, this is one of the classiest and most enjoyable two-piano discs I've ever had the pleasure of hearing’ (Classic CD)

‘Scintillating performances’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘The superb young countertenor Iestyn Davies … it's a beautiful recital: 78 minutes of pure bliss for connoisseurs and beginners alike’ (The Mail on Sunday)

‘Davies gives us the lovely 'The raptur'd soul' … and David's ravishing 'O Lord, whose mercies numberless' from Saul, and Cyrus's bravura show stopper, Destructive War, from Belshazzar … Davies sings them superlatively well’ (The Sunday Times)

‘By all accounts Guadagni put tonal beauty and dramatic insight before vocal display, and Davies’s unforced timbre, exemplary intonation and sense of style brings out the nobility of the music he inspired. Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen’s ensemble, also rises to CPE Bach’s stunning Symphony in D’ (The Times)

‘If Guadagni was noted for the delicacy of his phrasing and the richness of character in his voice, Davies fully emulates him in these performances of arias by Handel, Hasse and Arne, with defining interpretations of extracts from Gluck’s Orfeo and an eloquently poised aria by Guadagni himself. Arcangelo lends exquisite instrumental support’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘Through his effortless line, countertenor Iestyn Davies revivifies Guadagni's Orphic powers. He is particularly breathtaking in works by Handel, Arne and John C Smith, all of which were designed to show off the castrato's pellucid timbre … a refreshingly ambitious and superbly realised recording’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘A warm welcome to the first recording of this opera, a work of great historical importance and musically fascinating … enormously enjoyable, full of good melodies, richly orchestrated, never long-winded … this is certainly a set that I can recommend warmly to anyone curious about this byway of 18th-century opera and to anyone who is drawn to Arne's very individual and appealing style’ (Gramophone)

‘This sparkling performance readily explains why Arne's opera was such a success when first produced at Covent Garden in 1762. Roy Goodman's direction is inspired’ (The Guardian)