Reviews

A bounty of piano treats… Murray McLachlan’s programme offers a colourful cross-section of composition by the household names of the era. McLachlan’s idiomatic connection to the works on the programme is clearly evident as he brings off each with complete authority. The disparate elements of the [first Shostakovich Sonata] gel thanks to the driving momentum and vigorous brilliance of his playing.

The new series of Russian Piano Music from Divine Art begins auspiciously… exceptional examples of twentieth-century works for piano. A fine reading from Murray McLachlan. McLachlan contributes some fine perspectives on twentieth century piano music from Russia… a fine introduction to the repertoire.

[McLachlan] continues his musical excavations in fine style… he has Russian music as a prime love and it shows in his playing. A real find for those that want to expand horizons with a tour guide that loves his work.

A fine demonstration of McLachlan’s virtuosity and stamina. Recommended.

The romantic Russian music by composers not so familiar in this country is proving well worthwhile, as is this CD.

This is a nice collection of CDs of the Russian piano repertoire… the pieces by Myaskovsky, Stevenson and Shchedrin – though not at their first recording here – can be considered real rarities.

An illuminating context [for the two Shostakovich sonatas]. Murray McLachlan plays with tremendous enthusiasm and conviction… the disc offers considerable pleasures. Those who opt for this release will be amply rewarded.

Here is a revelation. The music on this CD… should really have music lovers sitting up. It is abundantly original. Pianist Anthony Goldstone’s championship is authoritative and gripping.

Divine Art has truly struck gold with this release…simply buy this disc and hear for yourself – Rebikov was a genius of monumental proportions. As for the performances, Goldstone is a pianist of formidable technique and astonishing coordination. Not only are both hands in perfect synch, but..he makes the difficult sound easy without underplaying the drama in so many of these short works. I cannot recommend this disc highly enough.

Delightful and stylistically varied miniatures. Adventurous British pianist Anthony Goldstone has done us a favour by discovering these engrossing miniatures and performing them with verve and understanding.

Rebikov was an innovator… all these landmark pieces are included in this album, played with musicality by Goldstone… enjoyable to listen to and … very accessible. In short this is a rather valuable premiere of Rebikov’s music… this is highly recommended.

This is a nice collection of CDs of the Russian piano repertoire… Anthony Goldstone is an interpreter we can’t overlook. The repertoire he presents is not just special and precious, but also put forward with remarkable cultural intelligence. Goldstone convinces and charms us

I was bowled over by Anthony Goldstone’s consummate artistry and sheer virtuosity in these multi faceted pieces… Fastidiously detailed notes and fine recordings complement what must be one of the highlights of piano recordings this year.

Rebikov managed often to fuse traditional and experimental harmonies convincingly… to marry, seemingly paradoxically, remoteness and warmth. Anthony Goldstone is wholeheartedly to be commended on his playing. He reaches into the heart of the Rebikovian dilemma and produces performances of intensity and suggestive tonality. And with detailed notes and excellent recorded sound, this stakes a permanent claim on the listener.

A challenge that Anthony Goldstone rises to with exhilarating aplomb… athletically virtuoso outbursts… are thrown off with thrilling abandon. Gloriously uninhibited virtuoso pianism./.. just the right degree of excited intensity. Bravo!

This CD is truly a pleasure from first note to last and is the ideal successor to the sensational “A Night at the Opera” ( Divine Art DDA25067) which was so well received a few months back. With his unique style and deftly nimble fingerwork, Anthony Goldstone brings these works to life in an uncanny […]

An ingenious programme combining the familiar with a clutch of novelties. There is no lack of flair or finesse in these performances. An enjoyable disc-with-a-difference complemented by the pianist’s own exemplary booklet.

Anthony Goldstone is something of a miracle. He learns quickly and is willing to explore a wide and often untapped repertoire. Something of an unusual disc but nicely planned and shedding some fascinating insights on the whole idea of ‘mardi-gras’ for piano solo.

A remarkable box of rare goodies is this, played with stunning virtuosity

Goldstone is one of the most resourceful pianists currently before the public. He has done wonders… such gusto and brilliance…fine tonal light and shade… ebullient, admirably buoyant playing that marshals avalanches of notes with immense flair.