REVIEWS OF RECORDINGS BY MICHAEL HABERMANN
(arranged chronologically)

SORABJI: A LEGEND IN HIS OWN TIME (MHS 4271, MHC 6271, MM 20015, MM 60015T)

• Make no mistake: this is a historical record. [David M. Greene, "Exploring Music: A Historical Record." Musical Heritage Review, 4 (10 Nov. 1980), No. 14, 24-25.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . sounds more like two or three pianists playing Messiaen at the same time. [Jim Aikin, "Of Special Interest: Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji." Review of MHS 4271. Contemporary Keyboard, May 1981, p. 62.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann plays it with exactly the right velvety tone and exactly the right clarity and balance. [Joseph Bloch, Review of MHS 4271. Journal of the American Liszt Society, 9 (June 1981), 116-17.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann . . . would seem to know it as well as Sorabji himself. [Gary Glenn, Review of MHS 4271. Recordings of Experimental Music [Collingswood, N.J.], Vol. 3 No. 5, n.d.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• An epoch-making release . . . must be heard to be believed . . . a stupendous achievement .. [Adrian Corleonis, Review of MHS 4271. Fanfare, 4, No. 5 (May/June 1981), 151.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . an astonishing issue . . . at least 50 years overdue . . . performances stupendous unto the uncanny . . . [Paul Rapoport, Review of MHS 4271. Fanfare, 4, No. 5 (May/June 1981), 153.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann has and does all this, with results that are electrifying. [Paul Rapoport, Review of MHS 4271. Tempo, No. 137 (1981), pp. 51-52.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . would make even a Leopold Godowsky green with envy .. [David Hall, Review of MHS 4271. Stereo Review, Dec. 1981, p. 128.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . perhaps the most significant . . . endeavor of the year has been the first commercial recording of works by . . . Kaikhosru Sorabji. [Adrian Corleonis, "The Want List, 1981." Fanfare, 5, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1981), 32-34.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . the music itself is rich and varied. [Peter J. Rabinowitz, "The Want List, 1981." Fanfare, 5, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1981), 53.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann's performance . . . is spellbinding. [Paul Rapoport, "The Want List, 1981." Fanfare, 5, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1981), 54.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . una penetrante visión . . . [un] singular testimonial. [José Antonio Alcaraz, "Esfinge sin Secreto." Review of MM 20015. Proceso [Mexico City], 25 Jan. 1982, pp. 51-52; 1 Feb. 1982, pp. 51-54; 8 Feb. 1982, pp. 52-53.] read article 01 read article 02 read article 03 | download articles 01 - 03 in PDF format

• . . . interpretations . . . appear to be extremely sympathetic and penetrating. [Derrick R. Henry, Review of MM 20015. Keynote, Feb. 1982, pp. 39-40.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann . . . is a press agent's dream.. The level of Habermann's playing on this Musical Heritage release belies belief . . . miraculous performances .. [Joseph Banowetz, "Five Remarkable Talents." The Piano Quarterly, 30, No. 118 [Summer 1982], 15-17.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann clearly has its {Sorabji's music} grand textures under his fingers and he conveys a sense of both the intellectual workings and the purely visceral appeal of Mr. Sorabji's music. [Allan Kozinn, "Adventurousness Spurs The Independent Labels." Review of MHS 4271. The New York Times, 19 Sept. 1982, Arts and Leisure, Sec. 2, p. 23.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

SORABJI: LE JARDIN PARFUMÉ (MHS 4811Y, MHC 6811Z, MM 20019, MM 60019Y)

• . . . the man must have six hands! [David M. Greene, "Compelling Music, Brilliantly Realized." Review of MHS 4811Y. Musical Heritage Review, 7 (1983), No. 12, 63.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• [Habermann] has reportedly left listeners shaking their heads in disbelief. . . . Habermann is extraordinary, both technically and interpretively. This record is a spectacular achievement. [Paul Rapoport, Review of MM 20019. Fanfare, 6, No. 4 (Mar./Apr. 1983), 257.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . unique and beautiful music . . . one can only hope that other recordings will soon follow. [Gary Wolf, Review of MM 20019. Journal of the American Liszt Society, 13 (June 1983), p. 143.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Here, Habermann's technical facility asserts its breathless nature . . . [Steve Block, Review of Sorabji: A Legend in His Own Time, and Sorabji: Le Jardin Parfumé. MM 20015 and MM 20019. Market Square, Aug. 17, 1983, p. 17.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• If Debussy were a pupil of Messiaen, he might sound like this. [Jim Aikin, "Records." Review of MM 20019. Keyboard Magazine, Aug. 1983, p. 64.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . phenomenal pianistic mastery . . . No praise could be too high .. [Max Harrison, Review of MM 20015 and MM 20019. Gramophone, 61 (Oct. 1983), 510.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . interesting composer. [Dean Elder, Review of MM 20019. Clavíer, Nov. 1983, pp. 12-13.]

• . . . exceedingly convincing readings . . . [Derrick R. Henry, Review of MM 20019. Keynote, Nov. 1983, pp. 38-40.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . most astonishing pianism . . . [Adrian Corleonis, "The Want List, 1983." Fanfare, 7, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1983), 105.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . he is a magician. [Paul Rapoport, "The Want List, 1983." Fanfare, 7, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1983), 117-18.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . any record company with a nose for big discoveries and rare talent should be banging on his door. [Paul Rapoport, Review of MM 20019. Fanfare, 7, No. 3 (Jan/Feb. 1984), 250.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann plays the music beautifully. [Joseph McLellan, "Recordings." Review of MM 20019. The Washington Post, 22 Jan. 1984, p. K12.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann's performances are scintillating -- just extraordinary. [Paul Rapoport, "The Want List, 1984." Fanfare, 8, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1984), n.p.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

SORABJI: PIANO MUSIC [Vol. 3] (MHS 7530H, MHC 9530K, MM 20118Y, MM 40118Y, MMD 60118W, ASV MM 159)

• Mr. Habermann has more arms than Siva, or else has trained Lilliputians to run about the keyboard in his aid. [David M. Greene, "Lilliputians on the Keyboard?," Review of MHS 7530H. Musical Heritage Review, 1987.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . someone ought to give Michael Habermann a Bösendorfer, or any piano he wishes, plus unlimited studio time, to continue this absolutely essential series of records. [Paul Rapoport, Review of MM 20118Y. Fanfare, 11, No. 2 (Nov./Dec. 1987), 230.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . technical finesse and intellectual rigour .. [Leslie East, "Record Reviews." The Musical Times, 129, No. 1740 (Feb. 1988), 90.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann possède la virtuosité requise pour maîtriser des ouevres d'une pareille difficulté. [Marc-André Roberge, "Un troisieme disque Sorabji par Michael Habermann." Sonances 7,3 (spring 1988), p. 35-37.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• It is unlikely that you will ever hear these works performed by anyone besides Michael Habermann. You will surely never hear them performed better. Michael Habermann's achievement cannot be overstated . . . an accomplishment beyond any but the most exceptional talents. [Robert J. Gula, Review of MM 200118Y. Journal of the American Liszt Society, 23 (Jan. - June 1988), p. 133-134.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . he is more than a technician: his sympathy for Sorabji's music comes through. [Taylor. Review of MHS 7530. American Record Guide, vol. 51/2, March/April 1988, p. 81.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann's work seems penetrating . . . [Paul Turok, "How Good is Good?", New and Noteworthy. Ovation, April 1988, vol. 9/3, p. 48.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . handled with complete understanding and conviction. . . [Paul Rapoport, Review of MM 60118W. Fanfare, 11, No. 5 (May/June 1988), 218.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• I'm glad . . . that Habermann has recorded this repertoire. [Stiller, Andrew. "Opus Record Reviews." Musical America, July 1988, p. 85.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• To these curious, then, about the music of this strange figure, I would unreservedly recommend Michael Habermann's record. [John Warrack, Review of ASV MM 159. "Record Reviews." Gramophone, May 1989, p. 1757.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . un talent stupefiant. [Jacques Emmanuel Fousnaquer, Review of ASV DC AMM 159. "Disques - Sorabji." Le Monde de la Musique No. 122, May 1989, p. 73.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . an excellent introduction to this strange musical mind . . . Calum MacDonald, Review of ASV CD MM 159. "Record Review." Tempo No. 170, Sept. 1989, p. 51-53.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . deftly fluent, richly nuanced . . . Adrian Corleonis, Review of Sorabji: A Critical Celebration and several Sorabji recordings. Fanfare, 17, No. 2 (Nov/Dec. 1993), p. 401.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

SORABJI: THE LEGENDARY WORKS FOR PIANO (Élan 82264)

• . . . a pianist of genius with but a tiny handful of peers . . . [Adrian Corleonis, Review Of Élan CD 82264. Fanfare, Vol. 19, No. 2, Nov/Dec. 1995.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . near-miraculous playing of Michael Habermann on this record and elsewhere. [William Lloyd, "Somewhere in Chingford," Review of Élan CD 82264. The Musical Times, February 1996, p. 29.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann makes Sorabji's fiendishly difficult music - some of the pieces make the Godowsky paraphrases seem almost like five-finger exercises - sound extravagantly beautiful. [Stephen Wigler, "In Habermann's hands, Sorabji sounds beautiful," Review of Élan CD 82264. The Baltimore Sun, March 10, 1996, Arts, Section H, Classical Sounds.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . enchanting for those who like dreamy late romanticism. [JosephMcLellan, "Classical Recordings," Review of Élan CD 82264. The Washington Post, March 24, 1996, Arts.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . you'll never hear these four works played better than by Michael Habermann. [Jed Distler, "Alla Breve, The Piano in Our Time," Review of Élan CD 82264. Classical Pulse!, April 1996, p. 17.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . a remarkable pianist . . . [Arved Ashby. Review of Élan CD 82264. American Record Guide, Vol. 59/5, July/August 1996, p. 202.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• . . . an astonishing achievement . . . performances of staggering technical competence and rare interpretative insight. [John Talbot, Review of Élan CD 82264. The British Music Society News 73, March 1997, p. 26.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Daunting, Persian carpet-like nocturnes for arabesque intoxication. [Glenn Hammett & Steve Taylor, "Out There with Glen Hammett & Steve Taylor," Review of Élan CD 82264. the tracking angle, Vol. 3, No. 1, Issue 11, Spring 1997, p. 86.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• This writer doubts if there is another pianist in the world who could "bring off" this work so satisfyingly. One has to hear the performance to believe it. [Maurice Hinson, "Recording Review," Review of Élan CD 82264. Journal of the American Liszt Society, Vol. 42, July/December 1997, p. 75.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

SORABJI TRANSCRIPTIONS AND OTHER WORKS (BIS CD-1306)

• Die Schwierigkeiten der Interpretation sind immens. Kaikhosru Sorabji baute eben gern Klavierlabyrinthe, and Michael Habermann hat den Ariadnefaden, um sich darin nicht zu verirren. [Hans-Dieter Grünefeld, Review of BIS CD-1306, Piano, April 2003.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• As a labour of love this can hardly be bettered, for the 1 hour 8 minutes playing time is gripping from first note to last. [Colin Clarke, Review of BIS CD-1306, Classical Music Web, May 2003.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• The transcriptions of the Bach and Ravel in this disc are genuinely fascinating. [Kenneth Walton, Review of BIS CD-1306, The Scotsman, May 16, 2003.] read entire article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann verricht op deze cd technisch gezien wonderen en weet in zijn spel gelukkig ook humor te laten doorklinken. [Review of BIS CD-1306, NCRV Net {Netherlands}, May 19, 2003] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann not only plays this music with intelligent, transcendent virtuosity, but also has internalized Sorabji's aesthetic to a far greater degree than most pianists, living or dead. [Jed Distler, Review of BIS-1306, Classics Today, (2003).] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Its demands don't bother him at all ,,, [Nalen Anthoni, Review of BIS-CD1306, Gramophone, Aug. 2003, Page 60.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann is assured of a place in the annals of Sorabjiana.[Calum MacDonald, Review of BIS-CD1306, BBC Music, Aug. 2003.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• ... it's a gloriously sonorous re-realization of the piece for the modern concert grand . . .[Review of BIS-CD1306, International Record Review, Sept. 2003.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• Un univers musical étonnamment audacieux; un cas extrême... [Arielle Goupil, Review of BIS-CD1306, Diapason, Sept. 2003, Page 116.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• It is the transcriber's art that forms the centre of gravity for this disc. {Rob Barnett, Review of BIS CD-1306, Classical Music Web, (Oct. 2003).] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• ... le jeu précis de Habermann soutient le discours... [Gérard Honore, Review of BIS-CD1306, Répertoire, Oct. 2003.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• Eine wichtige Veröffentlichung, die dem sperri­gen Aubenseiter Sorabji die verdiente Auf­merksamkeit widmet. [Frank Siebert, Review in German of BIS-CD1306, "Hinter Stacheldraht", 2003.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• Inutile dire che il buon Habermann si muove in questa musica come un pesce nell'acqua. [Riccardo Risaliti, Review of BIS-CD1306, Compact Disc Classico, 2003.] read complete article| download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann has recorded a number of Sorabji discs (LP and CD), and the latest is among his most interesting. [Bill Marsh, Review of BIS CD-1306, The Delian, Dec. 2003, Page 22.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Michael Habermann's first CD of the music of Sorabji on a major label ... [Paul Rapoport, "Best of 2003 Want Lists" Review of BIS CD-1306, Fanfare, Nov./Dec. 2003, 92-93.] read complete article

• Habermann has the agility and imagination to bring all of this off in style. [Alan Becker, Review of BIS 1306, American Record Guide, (Nov./Dec. 2003), 189.] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Following some of the manuscript scores while listening to this CD indicated to me that Habermann must be an extraterrestrial with three or more hands (and brains). [Paul Rapoport, Review of BIS CD-1306, Fanfare, (Jan./Feb. 2004).] read complete article | download article in PDF format

SORABJI: LEGENDARY WORKS FOR PIANO, 3-CD SET (BMS 427-429 CD)

• For those not too faint of heart, I urge purchase of this important set. [Bill Marsh, Review of BMS 427-429CD, The Delian (April 2004)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• It would be rash to proclaim Habermann a the greatest Sorabji pianist alive, yet he has internalized this composer's daunting aesthetic to unprecedented and possibly unsurpassed degrees. [Jed Distler, Review of BMS 427-429CD, International Record Review (June 2004)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• The efforts of Michael Habermann . . . can only be described as heroic . . . coruscating color, breathtaking virtuosity, and go-for-broke nerviness.[Jack Sullivan, Review of BMS 427-429CD, American Record Guide (September/October 2004)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• An essential set, therefore, to explore some of the most amazing pianistic composition of the 20th century. [Calum MacDonald, Review of BMS 427-429CD, Piano - International Piano (July/August 2004)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

KAIKOSRU SHAPURJI SORABJI: PIANO MUSIC (Re-issue of the first four recordings) NAXOS 8.571363-65

• Anyone with a whisper of interest in the music of Godowsky, Busoni, and the late music of Scriabin probably already knows about Sorabji; this set will be self-recommending. [Peter Burwasser, Review of NAXOS 8.571363–65 (3 CDs: 197:54), Fanfare, Issue 39:2 (Nov/Dec 2015)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• No surprise that Habermann lavishes on it everything he has, while maintaining the real sense that this is tightly organized music. [Peter J. Rabinowitz, Review of NAXOS 8.571363–65 (3 CDs: 197:54), Fanfare, Issue 39:2 (Nov/Dec 2015)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann is here, as elsewhere, magnificent. His technique simply seems to know no bounds—just as well, really, given the scores. [Colin Clarke, Review of NAXOS 8.571363–65 (3 CDs: 197:54), Fanfare, Issue 39:2 (Nov/Dec 2015)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann has a warm, almost relaxed approach to pianism, full of colors and shades, an aesthetic focused on details of sound. [Lynn René Bayley, Review of NAXOS 8.571363–65 (3 CDs: 197:54), Fanfare, Issue 39:2 (Nov/Dec 2015)] read complete article | download article in PDF format

• Habermann deserves full accolades for his sympathetic performances and for his technical skills. [Alan Becker, Review of NAXOS 8.571363–65. American Record Guide November/December 2015, Vol. 78, No. 6, page 157.] read complete article | download article in PDF format