RICHARD  LESTER
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REVIEWS OF CONCERTS AND RECORDINGS

 

..eloquence, sensitivity and power of this gifted player.  Musical Times

*****

His playing is intense, sharp and powerfully rhythmic.  All Music Guide USA

*****

Lester’s playing is as fresh and yet thoughtful as you could want…. a superb performer…Spectacular repertoire, spectacularly well played..a landmark series
 
 Mark Sealey. Musicweb International

*****


…the brilliant Richard Lester vitalized his playing of sonatas by Scarlatti and Soler…. 
Daily Telegraph

*****

Impressive work by any standards  The Gramophone

*****

…virile and crystalline playing.  Records and Recording

*****

Revealing light on an attractive oeuvre. The Gramophone

*****

A brilliant and splendid recital…very exciting  FinancialTimes 

*****

 should be considered as first choice for potential collectors of the whole oeuvre.  ..an enterprising Scarlatti project and a completist’s dream.  The Gramophone

*****

Strikingly communicative. Full of conviction, colour and character   BBC Music Magazine

*****

magically galant….giving literally hundreds of pieces their first really convincing performances. Eighteenth Century Music Magazine

*****

….a virtuoso player bringing great understanding and artistry on a beautifully assertive instrument.    Harpsichord and Fortepiano magazine

*****

‘…passion, sweep and excitement’ Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio Three CD Review

*****

‘immaculate clarity and articulation – neatly turned ornamentation glistening scalistic flourishes. Hugely interesting and enjoyable.   International record review

*****

There is a sense in which you are made to feel you are in the room with Lester (or Haydn!) and are hearing the music, if not for the first time, then hearing its nuances and subtleties afresh.  Classical net

*****

Lester punctuates Haydn's well-defined sonata forms with sharp little flourishes at the sectional junctures, and in the slow movements, where sustained, natural Italianate melody is made to seem perfectly comfortable on the fortepiano keyboard..musically persuasive all the way through  Dilettante

*****

The way in which Lester adapts his approach and execution to each sonata and group of sonatas is inspiring. His style and execution are relaxed and natural, yet full of energy – and all in the right amounts. Lester’s approach is of someone who both loves and is still in awe of the music….a study in freshness and enthusiasm. It’s a joy to observe.     Classical Net USA