“Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt has proved himself to be a cellist of impeccable technique, poise and taste”
Yo-Yo Ma
“Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt is, without a doubt, one of the leading cellists of his generation. His technique is exceptional. With his beautiful tone and his high musical intellect, he stands out in the world of young cellists.”
Mstislav Rostropovich
Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt manages to carve out an individual identity while demonstrating great virtuosity in this searingly intense performance. The gladiatorial hurdles are immaculately cleared with great perception coupled with an acute ear for the underlying orchestral writing...clearly Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt proves to be both a brilliant cellist and a perfect musical chameleon, tapping into all the contrasting aspects of Prokofiev's inspired musical language"
The Strad
“On the basis of a mature technique and a sound reminiscent in its variety and intensity of Rostropovitch, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt has developed musical autonomy. Schnittke's quarter-tone Improvisation and his 1978 Sonata can surely hardly be performed better"
Fono Forum
".…….in Brahms' Sonata for Cello and Piano op.35, Christoph Eschenbach and “the young German cellist Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt kindle a wonderfully homogeneous dialogue between two like-minded spirits, which in esprit and vigour leaves nothing to be desired right up to the last bar of the intricate counterpoint of the finale" Kieler Nachrichten
"...Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, partnered by Fali Pavri, charmed the audience with his rendition of various French works: Debussy's cello sonata, Minstrels, Beau soir, Golliwog's Cakewalk and Milhaud's rambunctious Brazileira. This was dynamic cello playing which oozed musical character, suavity and wit. Schmidt's infectious enthusiasm was reflected in the strong audience response to his performance."
Wigmore Hall, London
"In the cello concerto Tout un monde lointain by Henri Dutilleux, Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt was an ideal interpreter, with a broad vibrant tone at the top and technically faultless."
Der Tagesspiegel, Berlin
"Energy, artistic will and poetic sensitivity dominate in the performance by the young cellist Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, who is already a regular artist at the Ludwigsburger Festspiele. Technically superb and with a varied sense of tone colour, he took a truly likeable approach to Haydn's C Major Cello Concerto. Hugh applause ensured a repeat of the last movements..."
Stuttgarter Nachrichten
scale of musical expression for soloists, especially when we are talking about the internationally renowned Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt with his exceptional ability to produce such wonderful sound. Schmidt, an outstandingly lyrical poet of the cello, did not miss a single opportunity to express himself in a variety of ways during the concert. Leaving his consummate technique aside, the native from Freiburg drew the largest range of tonal possibilities from his Gofriller cello with incredible naturalness. ………this engaging artist has proven to be one of the rising stars in his firmament”
Pforzheimer Zeitung, 2007
“Against a finely shaded background, soloist Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt suddenly etched French pirouettes in the ice. Sparingly performed sounds, refined restraint…….sounds of overwhelming beauty pour out of his Gofriller." Die Welt
“Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, whose instrumental expressive power is often mentioned in the same breath as Rostropovitch, plays Beethoven's music with instinctive technical sureness, musically intensity and with beautiful tone."
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt as a spirited soloist let off a firework of musical ideal, with which he lit up Haydn's Concerto in many colours"
Stuttgarter Zeitung
“Soulful and imminently deep expression is what distinguishes Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt's interpretations”
Frankfurter Allgemeine
Prokofiev pushes the cellist to the outmost boundary of his ability - proof of Rostropovich's undisputable talent. And a challenge that Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt meets with great success. Schmidt and Gabriel Feltz offer an outstanding and convincing performance of Prokofiev's Cello Concerto.”
Klassik.com
“Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt ….effortlessly masters the most difficult passages of the “Symphonia Concertante” with brilliant technique and incomparable beauty of tone. Verdict: This is a well contrived CD and is recommended to all those who want to experience a heightened interpretation of Sergei Prokofiev.”
ndr kultur
“In the 50s and 60s nobody could compare to Rostropovich; however, this Sony Classical recording of Prokofiev demonstrates that times have changed. Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt tackles seemingly insurmountable technical difficulties with exceptional skill...”
Fono Forum