Amongst modern British composers, the name of Michael Finnissy is particularly eminent; his music can be uncompromising but is always fresh and inventive, as shown in his staggering sets of transcriptions of Verdi arias. Here Ian Pace also presents Finnissy’s Fourth and Sixth Piano Concertos, confusingly written for solo piano. A tour de force of composition and performance, this CD was long out of print and has been re-released at mid-price by popular demand. One of the Metier Finnissy series, and a seminal recording in contemporary piano music.
“Fine set… Pace’s imposing pianism and extraordinary devotion to the cause… one of the finest around. Music that’s heartfelt and approachable yet densely ambiguous.”
Philip Clark
“An entirely creative use of virtuosity… together with it goes an acute understanding and enjoyment of all the things that sheer virtuosity can draw from the piano. Throughout, Ian Pace’s technique astounds.”
Michael Oliver
“Pace’s pianistic achievement… is quite remarkable.”
“Absolute technical control, a quality fully realised in the magnificently truthful recording. This must be one of the most ambitious recording projects of our time, and it deserves the widest encouragement and support.”
Arnold Whittall
“Once again Metier is doing Michael Finnissy proud. The result is something thoroughly new, and entirely compelling, especially when given the ardent advocacy of Ian Pace, whose ability to combine thoughtfulness with extreme virtuosity can be heard nowhere better than here. Recommended.” *****
Christopher Dingle
