  Go to LAN274 - Libor Novacek
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The Pianist (Piano Recommended), August 2006
'Novacek is deeply sensitive to such high-octane drama, playing with an enviable fluency and conviction. Such playing makes you long for a complete Debussy cycle…Finally, three playful and astringent Czech dances, superbly performed, bring this fresh, engaging and excellently recorded recital to a close. '
Bryce Morrison Gramophone, August 2006
'Beautifully phrased, subtly coloured and acutely characterised, Novacek's playing is outstanding, capped by a triumphant performance of Feux d'artifice (Debussy)…Novacek revels in the music's sec, veiled sonorities, infinitely better played and recorded (Potton Hall) than Samson François, with the motoric precision of the concluding Toccata more clearly articulated than Moiseiwitsch (Ravel).'
Jeremy Nicholas BBC Music Magazine, July 2006
'The strong sense of linkage between expression and form makes this a performance of real power (Janacek)...The juxtaposition with six of Debussy's Preludes in spiky and insightful performances works well, particularly given the wealth of detail revealed by the clarity of the recording. His reading of the Ravel is infectious and often ear-catching; as in the Janacek, there is a persuasive sense of structure in each of the movements and especially in the exquisitely understated Fugue…Martinu’s Three Czech Dances receive a model performance - from nearly every point of view this is a CD to savour.'
Jan Smaczny Dallas Morning Post, July 2006
'There's plenty of visceral impact to Janacek's haunting Sonata 1.X.1905, inspired by a Czech uprising on that date, and to Martinu's earthy Three Czech Dances…The Debussy and Ravel works are played with finesse.'
Scott Cantrel International Record Review, June 2006
'Novacek delivers a fine and forthright performance. His passionate and satisfying performance of Janacek's wonderful sonata stands up well to all but the finest available on disc…The Martinu dances are a complete success. It would have been wonderful to have had more of this: hopefully a Martinu disc is not too far away…Altogether this is an impressive calling-card from a fine and thoughtful player, with plenty to spark curiosity in his future.'
Carl Rosman MusicWeb International, May 2006
'The team of Jeremy Hayes and Tony Faulkner have provided a most agreeable and especially well balanced sound quality…The assured playing from Libor Novacek makes riveting listening. I look forward to hearing more recitals from him.'
Michael Cookson
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