"This CD is startling. The performances display a range of emotion, intelligence, colour and subtlety -- in addition to technical brilliance -- that one rarely finds in one piece, let alone throughout an entire CD of varied repertoire.Cole's choice of the monumentally difficult "Gaspard" for her first recording is evidence of her courage, but also her intelligence, as we are rewarded with a superb rendition.Every aspect of this CD makes it compelling listen after listen. Truly a wonderful debut. I can't wait for Naida Cole's next CD!"
Canada's hottest piano star
Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 03/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Naida Cole has a gossamer touch and glistening sound on this album of French compositions for solo piano. I love the French Impressionist music of Faure, Satie, Debussy and Ravel --some of the most beautiful and expressive piano music ever written. Her "Jeux d'Eau" (imitating the play of fountains on pools of water in a formal garden) is performed a reasonable tempo compared to some other recordings I have of this delightful Ravel work. The sprays of notes soaring above dripping background notes is highly evocative of the liquid nature of this music and its subject. Her touch is exquisite throughout the CD, but this particular work shows Cole at her best. The familiar Gymnopedie No. 1 is quiet and restrained, again, at a more deliberate tempo than some would take it, allowing for a meditative, slow-mo effect that I enjoyed. Highly recommended!!!!"
Naida Cole, a New Star
herman j creary | NY USA | 10/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Naida Cole is a bewitching pianist. The more she is heard the greater is the wish for her to continue. She is a young woman who has the hands of the superlative artist. Two or three CD's is a pittance for us who would collect everything she plays. Have her record more, concertize more. We will be the more bewitched and pleased to listen.She is young and should go far into this 21st Century as one of the greatest ever."
Great debut
none | Goleta, CA United States | 02/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cole's playing is technically sound and her rubato is sufficiently restrained yet her playing is quite emotional without going overboard. I think the selection of French composers suits her playing style well. Her version of the Satie Gymnopedie is the slowest one I've heard and it elicits a stronger sense of longing and rememberence than the others. If I had to describe her playing, it would be like taking in a long breath on a meadow after the first spring rain. I highly recommend this cd and I really look forward to future works by Nadia."
Naida Cole
none | 04/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Totally delightful album by a rising star. Gramophone May 2002 praised the performance, and you will love the CD."