Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

"Ashkenazy the pianist is known for his recording of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1, the third work on the program, and that background came in handy accompanying French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

A musical hot-blood like his colleague on the podium, Bavouzet harnessed a wizardly technique for a performance the sonic equal of a triple espresso: concentrated, eye-opening, and a bit severe. But neither was it short on expression, and the orchestra kept pace in a stunning display of control. Along with Gates of Kiev, the finale as rendered by Bavouzet must rank as one of the boldest statements to ring through Severance Hall in some time." (The Plain Dealer, March 2010)

“Bavouzet shines brilliantly in Haydn’s first ‘great concert sonata’, but he is just as good with the intimate moments.” (The Independent, February 2010)

“Bavouzet turns the score into a colourful pop-up book of a ballet, always with good humour and an imaginative sense of fun throughout… Editor’s Choice.” (Classic FM Magazine, December 2009)

“Here, in the Left-Hand Concerto, he was on absolute top form, his sound large, almost defiant, his finger definition stunning (particularly in the low opening). Clarity was magnificent throughout, in fact, in a rendition that married style and virtuosity perfectly. There was tremendous character here, and exquisite beauty, too.” (Music Web International, September 2009)

“Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s flexible virtuosity and innate grasp of Debussy’s style and sound world yields ravishing, freshly minted interpretations…” (Gramophone Magazine, December 2008)

“Bavouzet’s command of touch, colour and rhythmic vitality are all that one could ask for… this is essential Debussy, immaculately realised”. (The Sunday Times, July 2007)