‘Howard Shelley attacks it all with gleeful extravagance. He is also directing the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra from the piano as he plays music of often atrocious difficulty, which is something of a tour-de-force in itself. It's great fun’ (The Guardian)

‘Shelley reminds us of why he is so suited to this repertoire: the sparkling passagework is impeccably and suavely delivered. Interaction between piano and orchestra is beautiful: the flute additions to the piano's ornamnentation are delightful … [The Adagio ed Allegro is] a magnificently chosen filler, a bonne bouche that perfectly showcases Shelley's considerable talents without making any real demands on the listener. Kalkbrenner remains an interesting figure, and these works deserve attention’ (International Piano)

‘Howard Shelley's virtuosity is seemingly effortless, even in the face of pianistic pyrotechnics which are prodigious in the extreme and seemingly endless too … a wonderful beauty and variety of tone, and carefully judged rubato and rhythmic nuances which give an air of improvisation to the constant embellishments of the slow movements … the support of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is no less distinguished, both in sonority and ardour, carrying the listenere through the extended orchestral expositions with real narrative sweep and ardour … Jeremy Nicholas' notes are excellent and the recording captures every detail and refinement of Shelley's stunning performances’ (International Record Review)

‘Shelley is a formidable presence both as soloist and conductor. Yes, he has the technique and dexterity to play this music; but he also understands how to make the most of the orchestral writing (which … is frequently more interesting than Chopin's) … there's a considerable grace to his playing too—his immersion in repertoire of this period has given him an innate understanding of what makes it tick’ (Gramophone)

‘At last! A worthwhile jazz-classical fusion! … exudes great energy and dazzling brilliance. Outstanding performances by Steven Osborne. An invigorating disc by any standards’ (Classic CD)

‘It’s hard to imagine it better done. Recommended’ (International Piano)

‘Everything on this surprisingly sunny disc is full of ear-catching delights; and it’s hard to imagine a listener who won’t be captivated. The performances are every bit as attractive as the music. In sum, we have a major new pianist on our hands’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Kapustin's synthesis is well-crafted, has some exciting moments and generally exudes a breezy élan. It is also superbly performed by Osborne’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Osborne's dazzling playing and excellent booklet notes get top billing. So do Hyperion's gorgeous sonics. Buy this disc and be thoroughly entertained’ (International Record Review)

‘Engaging, often witty, jazz-inspired works that are highly recommended, especially to lovers of Gershwin or Billy Mayerl’ (Gramophone)

‘Hamelin plays with all his trademark virtuosity and nimble wit, making the keyboard thunder and sing’ (San Francisco Chronicle)

‘Marc-André Hamelin simply flies through the music, ignoring any technical difficulties with the most marvellous command and virtuosity … in all, this second disc of Kapustin's marvellous music from Hyperion is the most exceptionally satisfying discovery’ (Hi-Fi Plus)