reviews

“The D Major Sonata is sprightly and delicate, with understated but nicely shaped phrasing, the staccato passages bubbling with crisp vitality. There is plaintive but caressing playing in the Andante. The A Minor Sonata receives subtle shading of dynamics and dramatic contrasts, highlighting the changes in emotional gear. With the A Major Sonata, Schubert’s palette had broadened. Ross brings a vocal expressiveness into the opening melody, and in the scherzo, the players scamper and tussle with sparkling vigour and wit. There is an air of wonder to the Andantino before an ebullient finale. This is all fine playing, with great musical teamwork”

Tim Homfray, The Strad (October 2012)

“The three youthful works from 1816 are concise, probably intended for domestic performance, and they receive intimate performances here which bring out the music’s charm. The first three sonatas certainly reflect the ‘grace and lucidity’, but they are also robust – D574 calls for and receives a broader treatment All in all these works deserve more attention than they receive. I’ve enjoyed the new offering on Naxos and I’m looking forward to its successor.”

Brian Wilson, MusicWeb-International (August 2012)