“… his [Douglas] Impromptus are really very good…”

“Barry Douglas’s distinguished Schubert series for Chandos continues with the A-minor Sonata D845, lucidly explored for its rhythmic bite, song and dance aspects … he brings out the nervous energy of the Finale. Douglas goes on to penetrate the D935 set of Impromptus, including a surprisingly spacious view of the second-placed A-flat (Douglas isn’t normally one for heart-on-sleeve renditions) and he also relishes the diversity of the subsequent B-flat. For a tailpiece the ‘Ave Maria’, transcribed by Liszt very effectively, played sonorously and with feeling…”

“… another fine disc to add to their growing collection of solo piano music by Schubert played by Barry Douglas. Collectors of this series will need no second bidding for Douglas has proved himself to be a fine interpreter indeed of this consistently great and original music…” ****[*]

Recommended

“Douglas’ focus is ever clear yet the works’ variety is vibrantly revealed.”

“… Douglas captures the fiery flight of the Sonata’s Rondo with aplomb, with an accelerating coda and a measures-long diminuendo that are nothing short of breathtaking. In closely woven textures such as the second Impromptu and the second movement of the Sonata, chords are beautifully voiced. The manifold complexities of texture posed by Liszt’s transcription of the ‘Ave Maria’ are negotiated with ease, always supporting and enhancing the melody.”