Martin Jones offers a sound that is fundamentally scholarly yet deeply poetic. His playing is characterized by an extraordinary clarity of line, where every note in a complex run is audible and intentional. Unlike the bombast of some virtuosos, Jones approaches the piano with a sense of discovery, often focusing on the complete works of specific composers to reveal their inner logic and evolution.
What truly sets him apart is his dedication to the 'neglected' corners of the repertoire. While he masters the greats like Rachmaninov, he is most distinctive when navigating the hazy, atmospheric waters of Spanish and French impressionism or the intricate structures of 20th-century British composers. His touch is liquid and adaptable, shifting from brittle sharpness to a warm, resonant glow depending on the era he is inhabiting.
Start with his recordings of Mompou or Debussy if you want to experience his gift for atmosphere. If you prefer something more structured and technically dazzling, his 'Virtuoso Piano Showpieces' collection demonstrates the sheer breadth of his physical capability without ever sacrificing the music's soul.
Martin Jones (born 4 February 1940 in Witney, England) is an English concert pianist. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London under Guido Agosti, Guy Jonson, and Gordon Green. He has been highly regarded since debuting in the international arena when he won the Dame Myra Hess Award in 1968.
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