Debussy, was represented by three preludes with the particular understanding and tonal command necessary for that composer's music for the piano

—John Raimo

Byron Janis' Chopin was a miracle. He gave us the Ballade of visionary. He brought us into a swirling dream that we will never forget

—Piere Petit

His interpretation of the Liszt was fantastic. He showed us once again, that he always possesses the keys that open the door to the dream

—Piere Petit

In a day when contests are about as important to pianists as the tournament circuit to a tennis player, Pittsburgh's Byron Janis is a startling exception: he has never won or even entered a contest.

—Time Magazine

"Conductor Kondrashin was confident: ' I have now heard a pianist who can play three utterly different concertos with a perfect sense of style -- one of the greatest pianists of this age' "

— Time Magazine

Limp with exhaustion when he finally withdrew backstage, Janis was congratulated by Prokofiev's widow. Said Tchaikovsky Prizewinner Vladamir Ashkenzy: 'I have never heard Prokiev played so brilliantly' "

—Time Magazine

"Great performers know how to compel attention not simply through the power of their playing but also through the intensity of their listening. This is the secret of a magical piano recital of Chopin's Mazurkas, Nocturnes and Waltzes by the pianist Byron Janis, who doesn't so much interpret dance forms and the bel canto style as muse about them. This is the first new recording in many years by an artist whose brilliant career was cruelly shortened by arthritis. If Mr. Janis has, understandably, avoided the more technically demanding pieces in favor of the simpler ones, his command of their unique palette of wistfulness reveals the fingers and spirit of a master."

—Charles Michener

The great composer Frederic Chopin wrote, "I write beautiful music to cover all the ugliness in the world." Let us make the holidays into Holy Days by praying for and celebrating all the beauty there is in the world.

—Frederic Chopin