The superb musicianship and flexible virtuosity Lori Sims reveals both in recital and in her off-the-cuff masterclass keyboard demonstrations manifest themselves throughout this release. She captures the Copland Variations’ stark and stern idiom with wide dynamic contrasts and strong rhythmic focus.

By contrast, Sims positively devours the Barber Sonata, yet is smart enough to remember to chew well and savour the music when appropriate, such as in her straightforward and well-sustained Adagio mesto. Her perky, characterfully accented Fugue and delightfully leggiero Scherzo count among the best on disc, while the Allegro energico’s opening pages have rarely conveyed such a combination of ferocity and longing. © 2013 Gramophone Read complete review on Gramophone