Piers Lane - Russian Variations

Three substantial sets of variations - by Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov - plus a delightful amuse-bouche from John Field, who settled in St Petersburg in the early years of the nineteenth century, make up Piers Lane's attractive and virtuosic programme.

With playing that's never less than well-considered, gleaming and enjoyable, Lane is an excellent guide to these impassioned worlds � BBC Music Magazine, ****

The meatiest and finest work here � also the best played � is the Rachmaninov, which Lane executes with transparently more freedom and pure relish � Gramophone

A typically impressive Hyperion release; an interesting and well-planned programme of attractive music, played with brilliance and insight by Piers Lane and recorded with understated sophistication. [�] In Lane's insightful and assured company, this proves to be an illuminating journey. � MusicWeb International

From the fanciful, folklore influenced touches by Glazunov, to the boldly dark brushstrokes by Rachmaninov, it's all on display in this recording. Exactly what variations are all about. � Classical Music Sentinel

Lane once again balances the various factors at work here nicely, and in general, listeners to this album will discover a side of Russian music that they may not have known existed. � AllMusic