‘This is a fascinating and rewarding recital, which explores Liszt’s oeuvre from the 1840s to 1870s … the grainy and distinctive timbre of Kirchschlager’s vivid mezzo-soprano is well suited to this highly charged emotional world, and Drake’s playing is eloquently impassioned without sinking to fortissimo ham’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘Hyperion's retrospective of Liszt's complete songs [is] one of the most important recording projects of recent years … Kirchschlager is exquisite and intensely dramatic by turns … Drake is outstanding throughout’ (The Guardian)

‘The high expectations roused by Volume 1 of Hyperion's compete Liszt songs … are more than met with this second instalment … the programme is excellently chosen to showcase Liszt's versatility as a master of Romantic song … Kirchschlager's extraordinary dramatic gifts are displayed in the two longest songs here, Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher and Die drei Zigeuner … rich new levels of meaning are revealed … Kirchschlager and Drake deliver performances that set the beauty and inventiveness of each song in high relief … not to be missed’ (International Record Review)

‘The more one hears of Liszt's songs, the more one wonders why they have been so rarely performed … Kirchschlager's rich, resonant mezzo finds beauties everywhere on this disc, from heights of drama to intimacies of reflection, and at every turn Drake is with her’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Finding a wide palette of colours within her naturally warm mezzo, Kirchschlager is in her element … this recital should open many ears to the richness and variety of Liszt's songs. Recording and presentation are first-class’ (Gramophone)

‘Finley's robust tone and fluid phrasing is on full display’ (Winnipeg Free Press, Canada)» More

‘A most enjoyable collection … an imaginative and entertaining recital’ (Classic CD)

‘Donohoe’s pianism is ideally suited to this music, calling as it does for a brilliant, incisive tone, a dazzling leggiero touch and rhythmic punch … dash out and buy the disc forthwith’ (International Record Review)

‘Peter Donohoe … is the ideal man for such music, while the BBCSSO under Andrew Litton offers razor-sharp support. A wonderfully clear recording’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Few pianists of any nationality could approach, let alone top, Peter Donohoe’s blistering virtuosity in these works. This is an invaluable issue for lovers of intriguing repertoire and piano-playing of pulverising mastery’ (Gramophone)

‘I found the first Litolff disc delightful, and this new release is just as captivating. Very warmly recommended’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘A delightful selection. Expertly crafted and melodically felicitous. Fine performances from an all-star cast’ (Hi-Fi News)