‘’Joanna Kacperek’s pianism is of the first order. What struck me was not only the natural flow of her interpretations, or the beauty of her sound, but above all the ability to move me, and the sheer joyfulness that transpired from every note she played’’
Antonio Pompa- Baldi
CD ‘In Plain Sight’ (Rubicon Classics RCD1228):
‘Kacperek’s fluid playing makes even the most challenging pieces sound effortless. She captures the varied characters of the earlier composers with sparkle, and for Bacewicz, hair-raising anguish and virtuosity break forth. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in unusual piano repertoire.’ ★★★★
Jessica Duchen, BBC Music Magazine
“Joanna Kacperek is a brilliant advocate for this repertoire, treading the line between clarity and drama. … The compact Humoreske dazzles with its confident use of octaves and sparkling upper-octave melodies, captured in a crisp recording. … This is a library-worthy compendium.“
Claire Jackson, Gramophone
-‘MEET THE ARTIST’ Interview (The Cross-Eyed Pianist) – click here to read full interview
CD ‘Variations’ (Rubicon Classics RCD1197):
“Joanna Kacperek – a young Polish pianist, now based in London – has chosen well for this impressive debut album, and finds something individual in each track without resort to eccentricity… Kacperek is as grave and gentle here as she is lucid and carefree in Chaminade’s Thème varié, making light of some taxing demands.” ★★★★
Peter Quantrill, Pianist
“It is the opening item on Joanna Kacperek’s album and it makes a fascinating start to an attractively planned recital of variations. After her excellent performance of the Schumann variations, Kacperek turns to Clara Schumann’s Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann*, Op. 20, and Brahms’s Theme and Variations, Op. 18b, both done with great sensitivity… Kacperek’s performance is a fine one.” ★★★★
Nigel Simeone, International Piano
“Pianist Joanna Kacperek produces a captivating album with Variations.” “Kacperek artfully displays the creative possibilities of these variations… To hear Beethoven’s solemn theme being repeatedly played and tweaked and then transformed by Schumann, is a thrill and gives the much-loved Beethoven melody a new mesmeric quality.”
Karine Hetherington, ArtMuse London
Concert Reviews
“A scintillating display of dexterity and style with four Sonatas by the ‘Spanish’Scarlatti -Antonio Soler… it was refreshing to hear four of them played with vibrant rhythmic energy and crisp delicate passage work shaped by a true musician as you might expect from the school of Norma Fisher.
An eclectic choice of programme too with Schubert’s rarely heard B major Sonata given a reading of both beauty and intelligence. Chopin’s Rondo op 5 was played by a native who brought Chopins early sparkling rondo vividly to life with irresistible charm,grace and scintillating virtuosity.
Scriabin’s Fantasy Sonata was played with sumptuous colour and a sense of line that gave great coherence to this ravishing early work of Scriabin.The second movement was played with passion and great technical flair by this beautiful young Polish but Ealing based pianist.”
Christopher Axworthy (click here to read the full review).