Editor's Choice - June 2019
“…This is the fourth volume of Barry Douglas's Schubert cycle for Chandos. Its strength is that it's Schubert supremely un-photoshopped. Irrespective of merits and recommendations, I find I have no need to listen to other versions or angles. He gives us the pages as they are, truthful to content and markings, the music and its grammar, not acquired habit, relaxing or pushing the tempo. This makes for a natural ebb and flow. The drama grows from within, the manner and debate is not imposed. Douglas is a challengingly honest guide… he pertinently illuminates the individuality and independence of Schubert's thinking… The A-minor … is bold, in Douglas's hands an energised study in tight architectural planning and radical tonal departure, fisted gesture and tender supplication, the pulse and rhythm buoyant… Theatrically enlightening, masterful pianism… Douglas gives an impeccable account [‘Little’ A Major], toughened as necessary… Velvet acoustic. Classy production, engineering, editing (Jonathan Cooper)…” *****