ica classics

Breathtaking pianism from Gilels: Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 2 is titanic and tender by turns, and his opening phrase of Beethoven Four is near-miraculous. Ropey sound quality, but worth it. — BBC Music Magazine, January 2012, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Every bar of Chopin's Third Ballade is illuminated by his stylistic luxuriance and audacity (try the tumultuous rush and glitter in the final bars) and even when almost engulfed by his own virtuosity,... — Gramophone Magazine, March 2012 More…

Although almost sixty years old these two works are heard in reasonably good sound with the Brahms having the slight edge. They will be required listening for those who, like myself, are Anda... — MusicWeb International, 25th June 2013 More…

These concert recordings from the 1956 Ludwigsburg Festival show a supreme pianistic technician at the peak of his powers. More rewardingly and valuably still, they reveal a quality of the 36-year-old... — BBC Music Magazine, October 2013, 4 out of 5 stars More…

The characteristics of the [Brahms] performance are nobility and breadth...Despite the existence of the Jochum, this Rossi-conducted performance is still a worthwhile acquisition for Gilels... — MusicWeb International, January 2013 More…

you'd be hard-pressed to find a more unanimous pair of soloists [in the Bach] than the Oistrakhs. The camerawork allows us to see them in action with little distraction, and phrasing, dynamics... — BBC Music Magazine, July 2011, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Klemperer’s Mozart may sound a bit heavy-handed and brusque…On the other hand, the performances are refreshingly direct, projecting exemplary clarity of texture with the wind instruments rally... — BBC Music Magazine, February 2018, 3 out of 5 stars More…