Piano Music - 4 (2000)

"When I reviewed the first volume of what is now Philip Martin's renowned Gottschalk series it was necessary to explain who Gottschalk was. Now the proud American virtuoso from New Orleans has taken his place as a composer of some of the most colourful and charming romantic piano music - thanks largely to Martin's advocacy in these immaculately produced Hyperion releases. Compared with Gottschalk's syncopated masterpieces such as "Souvenir de Porto Rico", which ends Volume 1, this collection may be slighter, but every track is still a delight. Further, Martin's feeling for this music is so totally convincing and the recorded sound so ideal that even the more trivial pieces are a joy to listen to - Gottschalk appears as a real melodist. A superficial crowd-pleaser such as "Apotheose" is good for a laugh. But "Morte!!" is moving in its simplicity with, as elsewhere, more staccato than Gottschalk specified. At times this makes the piano texture sound like Satie but it is particularly effective in the funeral bell sections (3'35''; 4'27'') of this lamentation." (Gramophone)