Paul Lewis’ record of Beethoven’s Bagatelles came out today. I had high hopes, and this turned out even better. These works are relatively simple to play, but many pianists don’t seem to manage without sounding inhibited or studied (e.g. Osborne, Brendel). Lewis sounds relaxed and keeps things simple, yet alive - more like Wilhelm Kempff or Tanguy de Williencourt, who recorded these works for Mirare, only using a wider dynamic range. Highest recommendations!
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Too much of Lise’s allotted studio time went into posing for the glossy, which unfortunately meant neither Kinderszenen or the Fantasie make much of an impression - loud and ultimately, boring.
Cheers,
EJ
Maria Joao Pires’s Schubert Impromptus, her follow-up to the unheard of (commercial and artistic) success of the Chopin Nocturnes, is superb, as well. The title is a misjudged reference to the dedicatee, Sviatoslav Richter, and the accompanying texts in the booklet are pretentious drivel but worth a read, for laughs.
Cheers
EJ
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Interesting coincidence, I was listening to Pires’ interpretation of the Schubert D960 and 4 Impromptus (Book I) a couple days ago.
Claude
I have this one. Probably recorded a little later in her life.
Although it is a friend and played occasionally I must admit I purchased it because the picture on the cover looked so much like my late wife. But that makes it extra special for me.
N
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Nick, sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that Schubert’s music was comforting
Claude
WA Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 20 K 466, Piano sonatas K 281 and 332. Seong-Jin Cho, piano. Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Yannick Nézet-Séguin DGG vinyl.
Seong-Jin Cho won the Chopin competition at just 21 years old, and his progression is very interesting to follow. On this LP he plays the often recorded Mozart Concerto No. 20 and two sonatas.
Cho’s virtuosity is undisputable, and he does show an understanding of Mozart’s music, but the overall performance fails to generate the emotional impact of some (more experienced) players, like Maria Joao Pires, Ludwig Sémerjian or Martha Argerich. The DGG recording may be partly to blame, it really sounds “digital”, even on the LP. Conclusion: interesting performance but not a contender against the best out there.
ClaudeP
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This recently released and magic album of music by Rameau and Debussy chosen and played by Vikingur Olafsson is music for the soul in these difficult times. I love it and highly recommend it.
Enjoy
David
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VERY nice album, indeed. Brilliant interpretation, and the piano was perfectly recorded. State of the art!
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@davidhendon This is on my To Buy list.
Beecham said “Boring old Brahms”. These may have changed his mind. I keep coming back to them anyway.
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Just downloaded this as a 24/88 hires from Qobuz for just £9.99, a real bargain as these are new recordings, on original instruments, symphonies 1 to 5 inclusive! So far I’ve heard no.1 which lives up to expectations. Jordi Savall always brings new insight to his performances.
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also listened to it with interest. The overall sound signature with the restricted strings section sounds fuller and darker, sometimes I have the feeling that the timpani and bass dominate the sound.
Brendel is one of my favorites and Philips recorded him extremely well in the analog vinyl age.
Yes, the original instruments are pitched differently from those in a modern orchestra and these performances do sound darker, but I think Savalli handles his forces skillfully. The reverberant acoustics don’t help though.
I agree. They didn’t have to put the mikes in the piano to make it sound good as they do now…
Claude
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Yes, he is great. I have three other recordings under Phillips, all of them very good.