After due reflection, I think this is one of the greatest discs of Liszt's opera paraphrases I have ever heard.....Jonathan Summers' booklet matches the quality of the playing. This is an exceptional release. Gramophone on CHAN 10793.

As Jonathan Summers writes in his excellent notes, "This expansive reading gives a whole new meaning to this work and makes us re-evaluate not only Chopin's masterpiece, but also Gilels's enduring talent." CRQ on ICA 5108.

Backhaus was 40 when he made this recording of the Emperor Piano Concerto in January 1927. It was made, Jonathan Summers tells us in his excellent short note, in a single session, with just four repeat sides. Richard Osborne, Gramophone, on Biddulph LHW 037

Annotator Jonathan Summers mirrors his subject by providing us with the facts and the history without fuss. Rob Cowan, Gramophone, on Biddulph LHW 038

As pointed out in the excellent notes by Jonathan Summers, Schnabel was somewhat of “Bach on the piano” pioneer. Harrington, American Record Guide, on Naxos 8.111286

However, Jonathan Summers, in the disc’s excellent notes, mentions that Friedman had a terrible time deciding which version was worthy of preserving…. Patrick Meanor, Fanfare, on Naxos 8.110690

There are excellent and well-researched notes by Jonathan Summers, a model of their kind. Not to be missed. The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music (2010) on Moiseiwitsch Vol. 12 Naxos 8.111118

As Jonathan Summers points out in his excellent notes, Schnabel’s early critics took issue with what they saw as the ‘sin’ of rushing; and of general untidiness in this 1938 recording of the First Concerto. Bryce Morrison, Gramophone, on Schnabel plays Brahms Naxos 8.110664

The notes by Jonathan Summers are extremely informative and well-balanced. Christopher Howell, Music Web International, on Paderewski Naxos 8.112011

With first rate and extensive discographic information and Jonathan Summers’ well-crafted and helpful notes this is an important contribution to the history of the piano on record. Jonathan Woolf, Music Web International, on The Complete Solo 78rpm Recordings of York Bowen APR 6007

Other record companies who have commissioned Jonathan to write notes include BBC Legends, ICA, Medici, APR, Arbiter, Biddulph, Chandos (for whom he wrote notes for a series of five CDs of Liszt’s Symphonic Poems and the complete Années de Pèlerinage), and Marston for whom Jonathan wrote about the pitching problems of Grieg’s Gramophone records made in 1903.

Please contact Jonathan for any writing work.