Benjamin Grosvenor has won the ‘Jeune Talent’ Diapason d’Or Award for his debut Decca album ‘Chopin, Liszt & Ravel’. He was presented with the Award at a ceremony in Paris, broadcast on Radio France. After Benjamin’s performance at the prestigious La Roque d’Antheron Festival in August this year, Diapason Magazine commented on his ‘exceptional personality and musical maturity’, exclaiming that that they had ‘waited with the utmost impatience for the release of his first album’ in France. The review is copied in full in translation below.

Critics have marvelled at this album, describing it as a ‘stunning debut’ (BBC Music Magazine), one that is “superlative in every way” (International Record Review). In addition to the Diapason d’Or award, the album’s success was also celebrated in October 2012, when Benjamin received Gramophone’s ‘Instrumental Award’ and the Classic Brits ‘Critics’ Award’.

Review of Benjamin’s recital at La Roque d’Antheron Festival, August 2012 from Diapason Magazine, October 2012:

“We waited with the utmost impatience for the release of his first album (Decca). The recital by Benjamin Grosvenor at the Chateau Florans confirms an exceptional personality and musical maturity. Bach’s Partita No.4 impresses from the outset with its fluency, its rhythmic aplomb and verve expressing even the slightest detail, beautifully integrating the melodic line. Everything is perfectly felt mastery. Without any narcissism, the young pianist – all of just twenty years – seems to have his own way of playing. Chopin’s 3rd Sonata is fascinating with his way of voicing and singing every line, with a sense of breathing that is the hallmark of the greatest. Extreme concentration combined with a deep understanding of the works allows him to produce supreme colour and sonority with precision – in harmony in every note. Colouristic ability finally brings wonder to Gaspard de la nuit where his playing, both in structure and poetry, is not unlike that of a master of the past that he likes to hear: Alfred Cortot!”