Reviews

Simon Callaghan is the superb soloist in the Fourth and Sixth, in energising performances with the Royal Northern Sinfonia and conductor Martin Yates that feel tailored to the music's scale and sympathies.

Callaghan engaged in soulful dialogues with the orchestra, full of composure and often with a certain restraint, displaying a noble elegance. Even the finale of this concerto, a catchy tune, was lively yet imbued with a touch of introspection, offering a consistently pleasant and relaxed listening experience.

...herein lies one of the great qualities of Simon Callaghan’s playing; his technique is seamless in its command, but always in service to the music so that the fireworks are integral to the musical communication rather than being the focus. It is his commitment to the substance of whatever he is playing that makes Callaghan a persuasive advocate of a wealth of under-appreciated repertoire, and it is firmly in evidence here.

it was exquisitely done and brought out the hints of Ravel and Hindemith that ripple through this jazz inspired work. Bluesy notes rocked moodily in the Andante, sweetly toned by Wallfisch, and the final movement had all the brilliance of its repeated pulse thrummed with spellbinding syncopation. Simon Callaghan was the jazz-perfect pianist.

The British pianist Simon Callaghan, an intrepid explorer of forgotten as well as mainstream repertoire... gives shape and muscularity to this wistful music.

a masterly performance…gentle flexibility and lovely rubato, with moments of great intensity.

Possibly the biggest takeaway of this release, however, is the superb artistry of Simon Callaghan. Already represented by two discs in Hyperion’s Romantic Piano Concerto series, it is a pleasure to encounter his solo work. Clearly a musician of curiosity and discernment, Callaghan’s robust piano-playing is also thoughtful, subtle and refined. I look forward to hearing whatever he does next.

...Simon Callaghan played with breathtaking nuance in the extremely complex, intricate "Le Jardin parfumé" by Kaikhosru Sorabji.

The handful of recordings that already exist... are sent into the shadows by Simon Callaghan.

Simon Callaghan’s interpretation was superb: absolute clarity, absolute precision. The swift straightforwardness was refreshing – no romantic relaxations here, just powerful Beethoven.

Simon Callaghan was the ideal recording colleague. 100% prepared, totally unflappable, and playing with imagination, flair and colour. He is a musician of depth and sincerity. One of the UK’s finest young pianists.

What a wonderful pianist, who combines complete understanding of the style of music he is playing with a rare subtlety and brilliance of execution