Organ
A true master of the organ (Gramaphone)
….brilliantly played by the hugely talented Smith on the great Cavaillé-Coll instrument that Saint-Saëns knew. (The Observer)
Smith is in a class of his own when it comes to compelling performances of these pieces…. performances which are deeply compelling in their interpretive ardour and musical insight. Any composer of integrity, neglected or otherwise, should be profoundly grateful for such compelling and persuasive advocacy as this. (International Record Review)
Andrew-John Smith’s reappraisal of Saint-Saëns’ organ works is a real winner….performed with great sensitivity on the organ of the Madeleine. ***** (Choir and Organ)
…Excellent performances of flare and sensitivity….. (Classic FM Magazine)
It’s clear from his highly detailed booklet notes plus his polished and stylish playing that Smith is an enthusiastic advocate of Saint-Saëns….Smith’s warm and sympathetic rubato is a constant delight… (Gramophone)
CD of the month (Orgelnieuws NL)
I can say quite unequivocally that Smith’s playing is mightily impressive… (Fanfare USA)
…in turn commanding, sensitive, robust and lyrical, as the music requires.
(International Record Review)
Continually outstanding and endlessly intriguing….wonderful. (Gramophone)
Conducting
“Unmissable” – (Classic FM magazine, Disc of the month, January 2011; full review text (PDF) )
…sensitive and technically impressive, Andrew-John Smith draws from [his singers] an infinitely subtle dynamic range and some impeccably moulded phrasing…One suspects this repertoire could have found no finer exponents… (Gramophone)
…admirable qualities of true intonation, splendid sense of inner balance and command of various musical styles. (Musical Opinion)
Consortium sing with enviably golden warmth and balance, and never-faltering pitch.
(The Times)
The stylistic awareness, control of vocal colour and at times sheer intensity which Smith draws from his singers can be spellbinding….utterly compelling…. (The Classical Source)
Intonation, ensemble, articulation are all flawless (International Record Review)
Elegant, refined music-making (Audiophile Audition, USA)