Jacques Charpentier

Suggestive rhythms, primitive sound agglomerations, a an infinitely differentiating musical language: such wonders are presented to us by pianist Michael Schäfer in his his meanwhile twelfth Un!erhört!-CD from Genuin. The press has celebrated his new discoveries and rediscoveries, with which he has opened up new paths to comrades and listeners. This is also the case with his complete recording of the Carnatic Etudes of Jacques Charpentier, a pupil and friend of Olivier Messiaen, who shared the latter's enthusiasm for Far Eastern music. To exorcise this universe for 88 keys, this connection between ancient Indian raga tradition and modern Western music on a recording, is truly a major pianistic achievement - absolutely worth listening to!

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Diapason
"Suggestive rhythms, primitive sound agglomerations, a an infinitely differentiating musical language: such wonders are presented to us by pianist Michael Schäfer in his his meanwhile twelfth Un!erhört!-CD from Genuin... absolutely worth listening to!"
The CD was awarded with the Diapason d´Or
Click here to read the review

Classical Modern Music
"There is much musical treasure to mine in the 72 etudes and it will be a revelation for those for whom modern advanced sounds are both sufficient in themselves and necessary as a regular listening habit. Highly recommended."
Review on the Blog Classical Modern Music by Grego Applegate Edwards, 20 November 2012

ConcertoNet.com
"Riches accords, grands gestes de virtuosité ou de sonorité, densité des coleurs, ostinatos et jeux rythmiques..."
Review on ConcertoNet.com by Simon Corley, 19.2.2013

American Record Guide
"... burdened with a heavy load of ambition, exoticism, and explanatory baggage."
Review on the American Record Guide by Mark L Lehman, 3/15/2013

Musica
"La difficultà esecutiva è in molti casi piuttosto elevata, ma Michael Schäfer mostra di saper dominare da par suo la materia sonora in interpretazioni incisive e vigorose (...) buona è infine la qualità tecnica delle registrazioni"
Review on the Italian magazine Musica by Luca Segalla