An outstanding Portuguese violinist with a brilliant international career, Carlos Damas is considered by "Gramophone" and "The Strad" as one of the best interpreters of Fritz Kreisler’s works.
International critics have compared him to world-acclaimed violinists such as Thomas Zehetmair, Gidon Kremer, and Henryk Szeryng.
"The violinist shows off his expressiveness, grace, subtlety and charm, qualities that are particularly suitable for his romantic language, and he offers us an impeccably interpreted repertoire.
Damas finds in the romantic realm a good space to display resources of generous amplitude, a brilliant timbre and a phrasing of remarkable exquisiteness."
Josep Bosch - Sonograma Magazine
"To this writing of fine technical calculation, the violinist contributes with resolute mastery the singular luminosity of his instrument, the work of the Florentine Giovanni Battista Gabrielli (ca. 1767). A sound of crisp treble, warm golden center register, which becomes irresistible in the soft undulations of Debussy's Fille aux Cheveaux de Lin."
Alejandro Santini Dupeyrón - Revista Melómano
"Exceptions are also permitted, for example on the CD with the title “Après un Rêve” by the exceptional Portuguese violinist Carlos Damas. He is one of the most professional players of today, so that experts often mention him in the same breath as Gidon Kremer. Why this is so becomes clear when listening to this album, which breaks a lance for this instrument at every moment. And yes, the fascinating, blooming, corporeal tone in Carlos Damas play burns deeply into one's consciousness."
Stefan Pieper - Klassik-Heute
"Violinist Carlos Damas and pianist Anna Tomasik are dedicated and sensitive interpreters who get the best out of this music."
"The Portuguese violinist Carlos Damas comes at the works with a big, broad sound (especially down low), a prominent vibrato that infiltrates even the shortest of notes. I love the way Damas digs deep in the 'Rigaudon' so you hear his instrument rattle. He relishes its virtuosity while pushing and pulling deliciously at the tempo with his pianist."
"Damas performs his violin excellently. This recording stands out comparatively to other recordings (Dautricourt And Pohjonen for La Dolce Vita, Kuusisto and Kärkkäinen for Ondine, Saariketty and Liu for Finland). The performance of Damas and his partner is masterful, warm-blooded."
"There is rather a cross-pollination, healthy. Damas plunges into the spirit of northern hall music from Europe with a substance from the south (Latin). Glissandos provocative and languid, in the style "Zigeunerweisen", fall like a glove on this pieces. Carlos Damas and pianist Anna Tomasik understood exactly the essence of this works."
"One of the finest piano trios ever to have come out of Portugal."
"Excelent".
"Damas, with his unforced, expressive tone and his willingness to introduce the subtile slides and rhythmic modifications that animate Kreisler. There's plenty to enjoy in this recital. A suplement to Kreisler's own recordings."
"Sweet wistful performances. The playing by Damas get's in the way of technical perfection. Damas can really sing big tunes."
"One of the best Kreisler recitals around."
"Top technical marks... Portuguese violinist Carlos Damas boasts a clear, ringing tone and impressive dexterity."
Duncan Druce