“Ovalle’s writing takes a few risks with tonality but only rarely. Rhythm is his principle tool and Deschenes uses this masterfully. She has a natural affinity for the Latin spirit of this music and Ovalle’s harmonic language. There’s a surprising amount of very satisfying variety in this program, aided significantly by Deschenes’ obviously passionate interest in Ovalle’s work.”
- The Whole Note Magazine, March 2019
“Playing with intense virtuosity and cool control, Deschenes has done Ovalle and Brazilian music a great service with this project. Very highly recommended!”
- The Villa-Lobos Magazine, January 2019
“On the more “serious” works, Deschenes’ touch is very expressive, employing just the right amount of drama, power and/or grace. As colorful as the cultural traditions that inspired the music, Deschenes’ interpretations are vibrant and full of life.”
- MainlyPiano, March 2018
“With an unerring sense of rhythm for every turn of phrase and ornament, she navigates through the Villa-Lobos and the five Tangos para Piano by Juan José Castro, finishing with a brilliant performance of Festiva by José Maria Vitier. It’s a terrific recording with a tremendous amount of energy, humour and astonishing talent.”
- The Whole Note Magazine, January 2018
Deschênes captures the essence of saudade, tapping into an emotional connection to the material – you sense she’s both moved by it, yet at the same time, focused on the task at hand, technique crisp and clean. Alberto Ginastera’s Danza Argentinas are also gorgeous gems, and Deschênes executes them deftly and sensitively; the middle, an achingly beautiful invocation. Deschênes’ disc is a gem. ¡Fantástico!
- The Whole Note Magazine, November 2016
“Deschenes’s burnished performances […] are spellbinding […].”
- Fanfare, May/June 2019