‘His moving performance of the B flat Sonata, marked throughout by refined, discerning pianism and an uncommonly subtle ear for texture … Hough seeks out the music’s inwardness and fragility, its ethereal, self … communing remoteness … [D784] magnificently done … the lyrical music is limpidly coloured and poignantly inflected… Hough’s individual and searching reading of the two great sonatas … take their place alongside the most recommendable in the catalogue’ (Gramophone)

‘Always thoughtful, in places transcendent’ (Classic CD)

‘Hough keeps listeners’ attention through the musical equivalent of whispering … a tribute to his elegant legato touch and phrasing as natural and unforced as breathing … Hough’s supernal playing and matchless poise make this album an unmitigated success’ (CD Now)

‘[D784] the pulsing triples … haunt the memory, as does the floating treatment of the lyrical subject in the finale’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘It is obvious that Hough identifies deeply with this music … he is temperamentally attuned to its urgent lyricism and, sometimes, heartrendering pathos … lush tone, subtle pedalling, and a firm grasp of structure’ (American Record Guide)

‘Any pianist who records Schubert must be sure of his ground. Stephen Hough here proves himself a worthy rival’ (The Sunday Times)

„Poetic, imaginative, deeply felt and keenly thought … a deeply loving treatment of the piano in performances of exceptional refinement“ (Piano, Germany)

‘This is, quite simply, some of the most beautiful Schubert I have heard in years, or (why not come out and say it?) ever. Irresistible. That is, indeed, the word for everything about this superb release … a musician capable of the greatest things … a performance that ranks with the most celebrated classic and modern versions in or out of the catalogs’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘I urge you not to miss the Florestan disc which certainly becomes my version of choice for the B flat Trio and the early trio movement’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Marvellously alive, the phrasing playful when required, delicate but never precious, [the trio] frolic through with palpable joy and an unerring sense of ensemble. Placed alongside this CD, even the Beaux Arts Trio, old favourites in this repertoire, start to look staid’ (The Times)

‘This stands out among modern recordings of this fine work [and] the Movement in B flat makes a freshly endearing bonus. This will be hard to beat and one eagerly awaits the E flat major Trio’ (Gramophone)

‘All round, a flawless account’ (bbc.co.uk)