“…his [Medtner] music is complex, contrapuntal and highly dramatic. It can all become a touch overwhelming, but the programme is well-judged and simpler songs contribute an oases of calm. Fomina, renowned as a coloratura … reveals a soprano which is plush throughout its registers, well-balanced with an easy and bright top. She is attentive to her words …” ****

“… it’s not a flutey soprano, but she displays some interesting colours lower down and has a sensitive way with text… when she lets rip in something like ‘Night Song’ (Op. 45 No 3), it’s a glorious sound…”

“… worth adding to any song enthusiast’s collection.”

“…Sofia Fomina and Alexander Karpeyev perform the songs with passion and commitment. Some of the songs seem to take Fomina towards the limits of her voice, but that only serves to highlight the intensity and drama of the works. Karpeyev plays the dense piano parts with skill and fluidity, never retiring into the background but never overwhelming Fomina either. Both performers bring a nice fluidity and flow to the songs. Medtner notoriously ignored barlines in his writing, and the two seem to be at home in Medtner's style. Performances as passionate and as emotive as these make you wonder why we have taken to so long to appreciate Medtner's songs… A fine recital indeed, and a sign that justice is being done to this composer's songs at last.” ****