Reviews

“The orchestra, using period brass and timpani, are spot on, clean, precise, utterly involved. All the understanding, warmth and genial passion Willems brought to the sonatas is in evidence as well in the concertos. I’ve never been more delighted by any recording of the Beethoven concertos.”

Russell Lichter, Stereo Times (USA)

“This set was a pleasure from start to finish. The quality of the competition in this repertoire is exceptionally fierce with Willems battling against the cream of interpreters. His endearing playing is compelling and satisfying and of a consistently high calibre. Well worth hearing and Beethoven fans will be in their element.”

Michael Cookson, MW Classical Music Web UK

“Willems’ fine artistry and deep empathy with the composer, the Australian piano and orchestra, make for deeply satisfying music making.”

Tony Way, The Age

“Gerard Willems is one of the foremost Beethoven interpreters of his generation. His playing in these concertos … is unsurpassed. These discs are simply well worth buying, no matter how many recordings you already have of these landmark concertos.”

Mike Smith, Fine Music

“There is some fine playing, particularly in the cadenzas, where Willems is strong and dramatic.”

Martin Ball, The Weekend Australian

“Unlike some recent high-profile sets of Beethoven piano concertos, conductor and soloist are in complete accord in their view of the music … This collection will give lasting pleasure and is a fitting conclusion to an epic journey.”

Tony Way, The Age

“The detail of phrasing, the attacks and decays, and the underlying atmosphere of profound thought, are what makes this an invaluable addition to the many recordings of this repertoire.”

Harriet Cunningham, The Australian Way