Selected Reviews and Articles
2012 Mar 18 Classical Sonoma review of solo recital on Concerts Grand Series in Santa Rosa, CA, “The highlight of the afternoon was the Monstré Sacré by N. Lincoln Hanks… Mr. Barnes gave a fantastic performance of this work by Mr. Hanks.”2012 Oct 13 Opus Colorado review of solo piano recital at Colorado Christian University,”But, be aware, that this work was also fraught with great technical demands, and for any of you who have heard Barnes perform before, you are aware that he never has a problem, for his superior finger work allows him to play anything that he chooses.”
2011 Oct 9 The Lima News review of Liszt Piano Concerto No.2 with the Lima Symphony Orchestra:, “Barnes captivated the audience with an unparalleled Lisztian virtuosity that was balanced with an interpretive sensitivity that few pianists can achieve.”
2011 Jan 17 South Florida Classical Review of solo recital at Florida International University, “In a superbly controlled performance replete with striking tonal coloration, Barnes approached the score in an unabashedly romantic manner, drawing a flowing line and riveting emotion from every bar.”
2010 Apr 8 New Yorker Magazine review of performance of Philip Glass Orphee Suite for Piano for the Centennial of the Poetry Society of America and the 50th Anniversary of Lincoln Center
Aug Boomkat.com (UK) review of The American Virtuoso, “an exceptional technical faculty, and a massively expressive dynamic range.”
American Record Guide review of The American Virtuoso, “Another fine release from the amazing pianist Paul Barnes... Barnes’ steely virtuosity serves the music very well…. With a pianist like this, new American music is in good hands."
American Record Guide review of American Piano Concertos, “Barnes, who has shown his commitment to 20th century piano music…expands his purview with these works, and new music certainly benefits from his support.”
American Record Guide review of Philip Glass Piano Concerto No.2, “Barnes is a pianist of the first order and thoroughly committed to Glass’s music; we’re lucky to have him around.”
Gramophone Magazine review of Philip Glass Piano Concerto No.2, “This is certainly one of the most enjoyable recent releases of Glass's music….Paul Barnes is a shining soloist.”
New York Times review of Philip Glass Concerto No.2 recording: “Lisztian thunder played with deft fluidity by pianist Paul Barnes.”
Clavier Magazine, review of Liszt and the Cross: "It is a majestic, reverential performance that elevates listeners to the sacred experience Barnes so eloquently describes in his lecture."
Boston Globe review of Philip Glass Concerto performance “a strong and sympathetic performance”
Gramophone Magazine review of Glass transcription CD: “pianist Paul Barnes offers a surprisingly expressive reading of his transcriptions from Glass's operas. Atmosphere and rhythmic vitality are more important here than in the Etudes, and these qualities Barnes has in abundance.”
More Reviews...
