Discography

“Overall this is a very impressive set with Mahler’s respectful editions realised with enthusiastic and virtuosic panache by a clearly engaged Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz. Certainly the success of the survey makes one hope that Capriccio will be inclined to complete the “Mahler Edition” of these symphonies with the same artists. Beethoven’s genius emerges triumphantly – which is surely exactly what Mahler intended.”
– Nick Barnard, Music Web International, 29th July 2024

“The German State Philharmonic of Rhineland-Palatinate delivers an impressive ensemble performance, driven by a strong artistic vision and a deep commitment to the music. Under Francis’ direction, the musicians display an impressive sonic presence and expressiveness that brings the heart of the music to life. Their dynamic range extends from delicate pianissimo passages to powerful forte outbursts, capturing the emotional highs and lows of these works in an impressive way. The acoustics in the recordings are direct, giving the recordings a crisp approach that corresponds well to the essence of Beethoven’s music.”
– Dirk Schauß, Online Merker, June 2024

“Why this music is not as well known as it should be probably has many reasons that it is now available in excellent interpretations is a big plus. I can only say: Listen to these pieces, they are excellent, and highly impressive.”
– Remy Franck, Pizzicato, 23th July 2024

“Michael Francis proves to be the ideal musical advocate for this great music. As chief conductor of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, he succeeds in bringing the multi-layered and emotionally intense works of Holmès to life with a rarely heard precision and passion. The orchestra shines with its devoted interpretation and the perfect balance between dynamics and timbre richness.”
– Dirk Schauß, Online Merker, 10th August 2024

“Francis and the London Symphony Orchestra provide consistently world-class, shapely orchestral frameworks and beautifully characterised first-desk solos throughout”
– Jed Distler, Gramophone (London), 1st June 2013

“★★★★★”
– Norman Lebrech, Album of the Week, Sinfini Music, 11th March 2013

He phrases the music so intelligently, brings out many often buried but meaningful details, and gets a powerful and balanced sound from the orchestra. He consistently imparts a spirited sense to the music, and you get the feeling he fully understands each score in the set. He is obviously a talent to watch.
– Robert Cummings, ClassicalNet.com, 2013

From the start of the Beethoven concerto, one is aware of the brilliant framework conductor Michael Francis provides the pianist. His accompaniment is crisp and passionate, with pungent contributions from the brass and timpani, and especially brilliant rhythmic articulation.
– Dave Saemann, Fanfare, 11 March 2013

Shades of Toscanini!…His sound and style put me immediately in mind of the late Rudolf Kempe, which is a compliment of he highest order. I will certainly seek his name out in future releases, regardless of repertoire…The unanimity of purpose between soloist and conductor is immediately apparent in the first movement of the Ravel, which grabs one’s attention and never lets it go. No detail is too small or insignificant for Parker and Francis to attend to, and the result was a performance of greater unity than I’ve ever heard before.
– Lynn René Bayley, Fanfare, 10th December 2010

[Holst’s The Planets and Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances] receive fully inspired and polished performances which bodes well for the health of orchestral institutions in Canada’s future.
– David Olds, The Whole Note, 25th November 2015