‘Hamelin has the last word on both composers, his Don Pasquale combining the very best elements of his rivals’ readings (and slipping in a few revelations of his own.) His superfine touch and easeful articulation in the Rossini are simply breathtaking. Factor in a compelling sense of drama, culminating in apotheoses and you have the full measure of both the music and this prodigiously talented pianist. (Francis Pott’s detailed notes complete this moreish treat.) Remarkable repertoire, peerless pianism and exemplary engineering; this is sure to be high on my list of the year’s very best releases’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Gerhardt and conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste reinvent the work [No 2], its lyricism and black humour given extra emphasis … absolutely marvellous, and the most persuasive, approachable version of the work I’ve heard … incredibly good [No 1], and that’s without mentioning the detailed notes (including an insightful foreword from Gerhardt), fulsome sound and attractive cover art’ (TheArtsDesk.com)» More

‘Hexaméron requires immense technical prowess and dynamic pianism, which Hamelin has in spades: his playing is muscular, precise and unwavering in intensity … these are dynamic works of relentless, thundering pianism recorded with a rich depth and presence. A thrilling roller-coaster ride not for the faint-hearted’ (Limelight, Australia)» More

‘The Goldner String Quartet and Piers Lane have themselves formed a lively collaborative ensemble, as reflected in their discs. The recording has been splendidly balanced and all concerned respond to the music with technical and expressive surety. Lewis Foreman is on cracking form in his notes. If the bluffer elements of the d’Erlanger make the bigger impression it’s because, in my own view, it’s the more attractive work but the coupling remains a thoughtful and canny juxtaposition’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Having become accustomed to the rather sweet sounds of Finnish choirs doing Mäntyjärvi, this new release from Hyperion comes across as wonderfully sumptuous … it takes a world-class ensemble to fully bring out the sumptuousness of all this harmonic colour, and the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge is just such an ensemble … Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s works have been recorded on many occasions in the past, to be sure, but he certainly deserves—and perhaps needed—a showcase album by a top-quality choir’ (YLE, Finland)» More

‘[d'Erlanger's] quintet dates from 1902, and I rather fell for the quiet depths of the second movement … rewarding performances of both works by Piers Lane and the Goldner Quartet’ (BBC Record Review)

‘Between them, Alban Gerhardt and Jukka-Pekka Saraste do a grand job on behalf of Shostakovich’s two Rostropovich-centric Cello Concertos (Opuses 107 & 126), the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra (WDR) also proving to be a protagonist of distinction … these are inspired performances’ (colinscolumn.com)» More

‘Such tenderness in the opening movement [of the Fantasie]—Schumann's deep lament for Clara—then more extrovert but never flamboyant; deeply thought and felt from beginning to end … I was captivated by it under the peculiar circumstances of our first 'live' broadcast from Wigmore Hall last year, but the magic is in this studio recording as well, and it's a well-balanced sound. The intimacy and every mercurial change of colour and mood in Schumann's Kreisleriana; less volcanic than some, perhaps, but Hough doesn't have to shout to make his musical points. The opening Arabeske is a deliciously understated way to start as well. It's Schumann from the top drawer … my Record of the Week’ (BBC Record Review)

‘The recording quality is exemplary as is usual for Hyperion, the cover notes are interesting and replete with plenty of detail about these neglected gems and the playing time is very generous. To sum up, this is a marvellous CD, there is a wide variety of music included and all is played with consummate skill. I recommend all piano music fans to go out and buy a copy as there is some magnificent playing here as well as some very neglected works which deserve to be better known. I also look forward to further recordings by Andrey Gugnin who is clearly someone well worth listening to’ (MusicWeb International)

‘Put simply, I’ve rarely encountered such a wide ranging, provocative, intelligently curated, effectively paced, and brilliantly performed program of contemporary harpsichord music’ (Classics Today)» More

‘Rare Portuguese polyphony from a Portuguese vocal ensemble … Luís Toscano directs his ensemble Cupertinos. It's a different sound quality to The Tallis Scholars or the other professional Brits that do this kind of repertoire—soprano lines slightly forwards, lighter bass—a slightly dark, distant recorded sound that works very effectively … three major first recordings’ (BBC Record Review)

‘This is quite possibly my disc of the year. Notwithstanding Sir James MacMillan’s sensational music, the playing of both Lawrence Power and the BBC Philharmonic is beyond exceptional. To end with another teaser: Martyn Brabbins seems to have become my favourite conductor—when did he last make a duff record?’ (MusicWeb International)» More