Description
Legacy…It is this idea of late style that seems to inspire Varbanov: His playing has a quality of utmost subtlety, reverence, and seriousness of purpose; it is profound music, yet delivered in a simple and recognizable manner. The pianist’s playing is ideally suited to this anything but virtuosic program—though one not without its difficulties—especially in the more lyrical moments. — Scott Noriega, Fanfare
Within this theme of last keyboard works, Varbanov presents a wide variety of mood and technique. He makes a particularly strong case for the Schumann pieces through his forceful, committed delivery. Varbanov’s reading of the Beethoven bagatelles is assured and unadorned…I like the stout (dare one say Lutheran?) spiritual conviction Varbanov brings to them. This whole recital…is pungent and intriguing.— Huntley Dent, Fanfare
Di questa prospettiva sono indicativi gli straordinari Canti dell’alba di Schumann, che Varbanov interpreta dando molto risalto alle risonanze dei bassi ma evitando ogni magniloquenza, come se tutto fosse immerso in un’atmosfera dai colori pastello. – Luca Segalla, Rivista Musica
