According to ECM, its release was "timely" as the 62nd International Festival of Contemporary Music of the 'Biennale di Venezia' honoured Keith Jarrett with its Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

[1] AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars and the review by Thom Jurek stated "The music found here is rangy and adventurous, commencing with the knotty, nearly 18-minute opening section that is one of the better showcases of the pianist's inventive delivery.

Elements of classical technique and invention meet dissonant mechanics in a dazzling technical display.... La Fenice may be yet another Jarrett solo concert, but when he chases after it with this kind of energy, humor, passion, and emotion, an hour-and-a-half passes in what seems like a moment.

"[2] Dave Gelly of The Observer commented that, "Jarrett has always favoured exhaustive documentation, but the intensity, variety, and astonishing technical command of these performances might well persuade devoted fans and intrigued improv enthusiasts alike of his view that these were landmark moments.

"[3] In the Financial Times, Mike Hobart wrote "As on other solo recordings, this Jarrett performance contrasts modernist dissonance with delicate musings and references to folk music, the standard repertoire and the blues.