"Ms. Montero's playing had everything: crackling rhythmic brio, subtle shadings, steely power in climactic moments, soulful lyricism in the ruminative passages and, best of all, unsentimental expressivity. That she is also a tall, dark and lovely young woman can only help her career." –- New York Times
"When playing the standard repertory Ms. Montero is an exciting pianist... Yet since childhood Ms. Montero has had a knack for improvisation. " –- Anthony TomassiniNew York Times
"I have rarely come across a talent like Gabriela’s. She is a unique artist." -- Martha Argerich
Following her superb Oregon premiere performance at the The Shedd Institute's Jaqua Concert Hall this past spring, we immediately invited the astounding Gabriela Montero back for this return engagement. As many who were in attendance then have declared to friends and colleagues, Ms. Montero is an artist that should not be missed.
Venezuelan Gabriela Montero has taken the world of classical music by storm, lending her remarkable improvisational skills to the work of Johann Sebastian Bach. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Sheep May Safely Graze, Air on a G String and themes from the Italian Concerto, Goldberg Variations, Brandenburg Concertos and other works are the bases upon which Montero weaves intricately formed "spontaneous compositions" in a wide variety of musical styles.
Montero's second recording for EMI Classics, Bach and Beyond is most certainly just that. Championed by pianist Martha Argerich, among others, The Chicago Tribune writes of Montero, "There is individuality aplenty here, too, and a willingness to take risks that puts her in a special class of ascending pianists. Montero offers exciting playing from start to finish."