2005
The New York Sun
November 28, 2005
Why Brahms Sounds Best In Brooklyn
By FRED KIRSHNIT
“The finest realization of any work I have encountered thus far this season, it was so involving that I actually forgot to look at the fabulous view of Lower Manhattan.” (Brahms e minor Sonata for Cello and Piano, with Peter Bruns, Cello)
“The trio was remarkably balanced, and Mr. Stoupel sacrificed none of his harmonic or foundational power by playing somewhat more quietly than it is reported was the penchant of the original pianist-composer. You don't hear this high level of quality very often on the other side of the river."
(Brahms C Major Trio, with Mark Peskanov, Violin and Peter Bruns, Cello)
Lancaster Sunday News
November 13, 2005
By Daniel Heslink
“Stoupel is one of the most self-assured artists to grace the Fulton stage in recent years. The unlabored manner in which he executed difficult passages, and the connection of line generated through expert fluttering of the sustain pedal, were expertly done… During loud and aggressive playing he still embraced an ever-present lyricism. In Stoupel’s hands, Brahms’ motivic web became a heart-felt statement of philosophical, noble and profound ideas.” (Brahms Piano Concerto Nr. 2 with Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Stephen Gunzenhauser, Conductor)
Intelligencer Journal (Lancaster, PA)
November 14, 2005
By Marichelle Roque-Lutz
“A slightly built man with surprisingly small hands for a pianist, Stoupel devoured the grand piano with a highly charged, masculine performance of Johannes Brahms’ very difficult Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat major.”
The New York Sun
Juli 1, 2005
By Jay Nordlinger
"The pianist, Mr. Stoupel, played very, percussively, but not wrongly. The music could bear it, and in spots it needed it." (K. Penderecki, Sextet)