“This is virtuosity with no excuses. English clarinetist Michael Collins, abetted by Australian pianist Piers Lane, show just how supple and exhilarating the clarinet can be… Chandos has excelled itself with an up-front recording acoustic which suits the virtuosic nature of the recital. We hear both clarinetist and pianist centre stage as if we are in the choicest of recital hall seats.  *****

Anthony Clarke – Limelight magazine.au  - 10 May 2011  
 

"...I find much to enjoy in Collin’s playing here. His command of the clarinet is superb, his tine is pure and supple ...He is, moreover, a musician of impeccable taste. Pianist Lane is top-notch as always..."

Richard A Kaplan  -        Fanfare  March/April 2011

“…what first strikes you about Michael Collin’s playing is its supreme naturalness…” “The next thing is the artistry that infuses it…” “The third thing is the wide range of expression he draws from the instrument…”
“…Piers Lane is his equal, vital partner.”      ****

David Cairns

                               ‘Editor’s Choice’ 
“Brilliant playing in every sense: the musical equivalent of a tray of bonbons crafted by Gordon Ramsay and a must for any clarinet fan.”      *****

Jessica Duchen
 

         Performance****                   Recording ****
“Virtuosity is at the heart of this appealing, exhilarating disc …”

Anthony Burton
 

“A clarinet collection demonstrates these players’ joy in virtuosity.” “…the recording is outstandingly vivid with perfect balance between the instruments. What makes the disc more consistently enjoyable than many such offerings is the pure joy in virtuosity revealed in every item.”

Edward Greenfield  

                  ****  
“…This recital, with pianist Piers Lane, alternately delights and charms.”

Andrew Clark

 

              IRR Outstanding

‘…It is difficult to imagine a finer performance than that given here.’ ‘ …I enjoyed this disc immensely and give it my strongest recommendation.’ 

                                            

Robert-Matthew-Walker