Mendelssohn: The Complete Solo Piano Music, Vol. 3

"Because Howard Shelley has turned out to be one of the most prolific and dependable pianists on disc, it's all too easy to take him for granted, or not to notice or even care when a truly exceptional new CD appears. Yet the third installment of his ongoing complete Mendelssohn cycle continues to prove that both pianist and composer are an ideal match.

While Shelley's straightforward, classically poised style befits Mendelssohn's craftsmanship and melodic appeal, he is more than a mere literalist. He'll infuse the composer's symmetrical patterns with just the right dose of rhythmic goosing, as in the Scherzo a capriccio, or sharpen the Op. 53 A major Song Without Words' murmuring left-hand accompaniment for added harmonic sting in contrast to, say, Daniel Barenboim's louder, heavier execution. He brings more nuance and brooding atmosphere to the Op. 33 No. 1 Caprice than most, giving no clue of the bristling Presto agitato up ahead.

The G minor Op. 105 sonata's concluding Presto dances off the page with delightful lightness and sly verve, while the B minor Scherzo without opus number's rapid alternating-hand patterns are deftly centered. As beautifully rounded and warm-toned Barenboim's reading of the A-flat Song Without Words from Op. 53 may be, there's more urgency to Shelley's relatively transparent and texturally independent interpretation. Hyperion's excellent sonics and intelligent annotations only add to this release's appeal. If the remaining volumes match the first three in quality, Shelley's Mendelssohn cycle will become the version of reference." 10/10 ClassicsToday Sept 2015

"Mendelssohn and Howard Shelley are a musical marriage made in heaven. Stylish and delectably light-fingered, Shelley makes a flawless case in Vol 3 of his [Complete Solo Piano Music of Mendelssohn]…if anyone can persuade us of Mendelssohn's quality, it is Shelley." (Gramophone)