‘Schubert's two most accessible quartets receive interpretations on this disc which are as near ideal as one is ever likely to hear’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Death and the Maiden is a deeply affecting reading with the violin of Edward Dusinberre tenderly conveying the maiden's vulnerability and the mounting panic as she is stalked by the insistent death march of the other three instruments. The musicians capture Schubert's distinctive blend of beauty and angst’ (The Observer)

‘Hyperion already has cornered the market with its roster of top pianists, and with this release the label looks about ready to do so with string quartets as well. On evidence here, the new partnership is operating in top form … 'Death and the Maiden' is frighteningly intense in its outer movements, with driving rhythms and a real feeling of danger, of music making 'on the edge' in the concluding tarantella … Hyperion's sonics do them proud. Music lovers have much to enjoy, and much to look forward to in this and future releases’ (Classics Today)

'The accuracy of his [Roman Simović’s] tempos help develop a primarily balanced vision, never at the expense of emotion and mystery' (Diapason, France)

'The performance as a whole is memorable for the subtle dynamic shades in the central movements… an acceleration in the work’s final bars showcases the ensemble’s virtuosity and brings the work to a brilliant conclusion' (The Strad)

'Una interpretación a nivel altísimo. Muy ben sonido' (CD Compact, Spain)

‘On these two CDs you hear two hours and 20 minutes of the most wonderful piano music anyone has ever written. A great deal of it is played with almost ideal intelligence and power’ (Classic CD)

‘This is music that pulls us in myriad of emotional directions and includes some mightily challenging writing. All of this is welcome meat and drink to the excellent Gaudier Ensemble, who play the work with an obviously deep affection’ (The Evening Standard)

‘Glowing interpretations—a fine recording … this is a superb performance’ (Gramophone)

‘A collector’s item’ (International Record Review)

‘Schubert lovers will find many delights in this cross-section of baritone scenes and arias, several recorded for the first time. Hyperion's documentation … is in a class of its own’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Hyperion’s walk-you-through tour of some of the highlights of this forgotten music is welcome indeed – it’s all first-rate music. Quite simply, an exemplary presentation … and I recommend it with considerable enthusiasm’ (Fanfare, USA)