'The sweep of emotion that runs through all four movements is as polished as it is inexorable. The opening movement unfolds like an inbound tide, the waves of voluptuous sound building with a potency that is rich and sonorous. Contrast that with the heightened energy of the second movement, the familiar glow of the Adagio, and the fiery control of the finale, and you have a performance with Gergiev's fingerprint all over it' (The Scotsman)

'[Concert review] For the Third Symphony to make its true impact, it needs a reading of great penetration and depth, which is precisely what it obtained on this occasion. This was Gergiev and the LSO at their finest' (Classical Source)

'Valery Gergiev’s view is dark and stormy … some will admire the passionate Mahlerian outburst at the heart of his first movement, relishing the extreme contrasts of tempo and mood in the tripartite second' (Gramophone)

‘A fine achievement from Howard Shelley and Hyperion alike. These superbly recorded, idiomatic readings demonstrate Shelley's virtuoso pianism and affinity for this music in performances of the highest calibre’ (BBC Music Magazine Top 1000 CDs Guide)

‘A significant testimony to Howard Shelley's artistry. Pianistically impeccable, he understands what Rachmaninov was about’ (Gramophone)

«Le chœur anglais est superbe de recueillement et la prise de son valorise parfaitement la mise en place de l'ensemble» (Répertoire, France)

‘Highly recommended’ (Ovation)

‘Mr Shelley's expansive, passionate playing and his command of the broad structure of the piece capture its atmosphere eloquently. It is valuable, too, to have on this disc a number of rarely-heard miniatures in addition to the early works composed before Rachmaninov left Russia’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘A fine and enterprising recital’ (Classical Collection)

‘This is an album of pleasant discoveries, 60 minutes of them, beautifully played and truthfully recorded. Enthusiastically recommended – indeed, it is one of the most satisfying and enterprising piano recordings of the year’ (American Record Guide)

‘This superb recording gathers together … an enchanting stream of miniatures and rarities’ (Music and Musicians)

‘Hough's melodic subtlety is well matched by conductor Andrew Litton, and even Rachmaninophobes will be won over by their Paganini Rhapsody’ (The Independent on Sunday)