Mendelssohn - Song without Words, Op. 67 No. 2 in F sharp minor

The variety of tangy colours he conjures from the instrument really is the aural equivalent of removing a century of dirt from an oil painting…if, like me, you have an irrational aversion to... — Gramophone Magazine, July 2016 More…

Perhaps the thrust of this new release should be the clarinet as human voice. The second movement of Weber’s concerto certainly has the quality of an operatic aria here, Ottensamer pouring liquid... — Gramophone Magazine, June 2019 More…

this sweeps the board in this repertoire. — Penguin Guide, 2011 edition More…

As always, Shelley makes light of the music’s technical difficulties, and plays with innate musicianship throughout. It’s possible to feel that there’s a touch more poetry and drama to be found... — BBC Music Magazine, August 2021, 5 out of 5 stars (Performance) / 4 out of 5 stars (Recording) More…

…everything here is a delight. Mompou's miniatures grow under Andsnes's skilful hands, Scriabin exudes his perfume, and Smetana evokes the full-dress glory of Central European domestic pianism.... — BBC Music Magazine, October 2006, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Martin Jones' musicianship is perhaps seen at its best in his playing of the 'Songs Without Words'. For many years Mendelssohn's music for the keyboard was neglected but this six CD set, so... — Contemporary Review More…