“a rather spectacular piano recital…[his performance of Petrouchka is] a formidable pyrotechnic display every bit as virtuosic as it ought to be…Hodgkinson’s Beethoven is a treat…Central to an outstanding performance is the perfect realisation of the shape of the Arietta…Chopin’s Fourth Scherzo shows Hodgkinson master of another mood…and finally a warm-toned account of Schumann’s Waldscenen, ripe with charm and simplicity, rounds off a very impressive debut solo disc.”
Five Stars (top rating) — PERFORMANCE
Five Stars (top rating) — SOUND
   —Christopher Wood, BBC Music Magazine

“a first-rate musician…Hodgkinson’s superb sense of musical shape (supported by his exceptional variety of dynamics and nuance of articulation), coupled with lightness of spirit, invests all four performances with a strong sense of character…exquisite Schumann…a most welcome debut.”
   —Fanfare

“Mr. Hodgkinson’s Petrouchka bristles and bustles…the performance is succinct, idiomatic and theatrical…A first-class Beethoven interpreter…Mr. Hodgkinson’s brand of music making is admirable and persuasive. He has rhythmical drive and forthrightness, structural integrity, and largesse and flair.”
   —American Record Guide

“Fireworks in a solo debut album!
I had never heard of this fellow before I heard the Chopin piece on the radio. Brilliant and crisp playing. Fascinating interpretation of all the pieces on the disc. I play it over and over, and also put it on my iPod. A piano lover will not regret buying this one!”
Five Stars (top rating)
   —M. G. A. Charlesworth, Amazon.com

“…electrifying performances that make the listener imagine that several pianists are playing simultaneously”
   —Globe Times

“…a bright and colorful account of Igor Stravinsky’s Three Scenes from ‘Petrouchka’…Hodgkinson captures the craggy drama of the [Beethoven] first movement and gives thoughtful touch to the sublime variations…a sparkling performance of Chopin’s Scherzo…”
   —The Patriot Ledger