Reviews
Click here for reviews from various publications.
MAURICE HINSON, concert pianist, renowned author, Review of CD Steven Spooner Plays Liszt Transcriptions Schubert Sonata D. 537. 2002.
"Absolutely gorgeous playing--Bravo! I have no favorites--they are all superb!!!"
EMILE NAOUMOFF, concert pianist, Sony recording artist, composer, Associate Prof. Indiana University, from letter of recommendation, 2002.
"It is an honor and almost a duty for me to be able to fully recommend Steven Spooner. He is among more than the top 1% of his generation as an auspicious pianist, musician, scholar. His stage presence is striking, his ear and his fingers have an amazing complicity. He has the enlighted touch of a Lipatti, the power of a Richter, both mental and physical, the articulation of Michelangeli...he becomes 'one' with the instrument, carving the sounds into meaningful rests as well. He is an inspiration to all of us around him."
VIKTOR MERZHANOV, concert pianist, Professor, Moscow Conservatory, from letter of recommendation, 2002.
"His performance possesses the deep understanding of the contents of Liszt's works, organic and instinctive feeling of form and outstanding virtuosity. His programs for the first and second rounds of the competition were very demanding, requiring not only technical perfection but the ability to create colorful artistic images. The crystal-clear enunciation of each tone and the feeling of phrasal climaxes and structure are also worth mentioning. All of the above made Mr. Spooner's playing very memorable. His pianistic art must attract more attention from concert organizers around the world."
DALTON BALDWIN, concert pianist, EMI recording artist, Review of CD Steven Spooner Plays Liszt Transcriptions Schubert Sonata D. 537. 2001.
"I haven't heard such "flair" for that composer (Liszt) since Jorge Bolet--Bravo!"
TON HARTSUIKER, Jury Chairman, International Liszt Competition, Director of Amsterdam Conservatorium, 2000.
"The first time I could listen to Steven Spooner's piano playing was in my position as chairman of the 5th International Franz Liszt Competition 1999 in Utrecht. At that occasion he made a very good impression on me and aroused my interest because of the personal characteristics of his interpretations. In my opinion he was one of the most interesting participants of the competition..."
RUTH LAREDO, concert pianist, review of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Sonata, op. 36. 1996.
"Bright, colorful, well phrased...he plays with interest and conviction-very gifted performer."
GYOERGY SANDOR, concert pianist, Prof. at the Julliard School, review of a Masterclass, 1995.
"Thank you, Steven for a most impressive Liszt B Minor Sonata!"