Without doubt, Guy is a superbly accomplished pianist, and these are mainly impressive performances, characterised by warmth and expressive insight as well as technical brilliance; and yet, for each sonata that is an unqualified success, there is another that seems to be misconstrued.

Here is an antidote to the identikit Beethoven, to sonatas (and even cycles) recorded merely because an artist will sell...Guy has made a point of mixing things up, of emphasising contrast rather than chronological progression...A mixed bag, then, but thoroughly thought-provoking. Guy's approach is refreshing in its directness and honesty and - at his best - he is a highly persuasive Beethovenian.