‘Cradling his programme of Sonatas in a set of strongly contrasted Variations and a Divertimento, Peter Donohoe takes an enlivening slant, a sense of ‘rediscovery’ of Haydn’s ambiguity, indeed, unique character’ – © Bryce Morrison.
Recording instrument: Steingraeber (Bayreuth) Concert Grand Piano Model E at Steingraeber & Söhne – Klaviermanufaktur
Since his success as joint winner of the 1982 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Peter Donohoe has gained international renown as one of the foremost pianists of our time, for his musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique.
“An arresting start to Peter Donohoe’s new series of Haydn’s complete keybard works on Signum Records…It’s a stunner” – Slipped Disc
“Beyond dispute is that Donohoe is a highly intelligent, sensitive and sincere exponent, and if you like your Haydn virile and fuss-free, his approach may well be what you are looking for” – Gramophone
“It is a balanced Haydn played with the subtleties that can be extracted from the instrument. The sound of the recording is deliberately kept spatially close and small, like in a chamber…a new view of these sonatas that is astonishing and one that one has to get involved with” – Piano News
“With excellent sound courtesy of Mike Hatch…Donohoe gives consistently stylish and affectionate readings – shapely, nimble – of always-enjoyable and -resourceful music (154 minutes’ worth to ease the woes of the World) that makes for listening pleasure via an attractive piano of ideal lightness and clarity. Volume One is thoroughly recommendable…with successors keenly anticipated” – Colin’s Column