Latest Acquisitions
Tue, Oct 2 2012, 12:22PM
#2
RE: Latest Acquisitions
You're right on both pianists, namely Kissin and Fialkowska.
Kissin is definitely a true virtuoso of higher order. I've seen him at least once live, when he was a sort of Wunderkind and I couldn't believe both my ears and... eyes. He was stunning! The problem started as he grew up. He became a sort of too serious, but not too mature. His playing reflects a shallow solemnity. However, his recording, on Olympia, of Shostakovich's First Piano Concerto is an absolutely brilliant performance.
Fialkowska is a great pianist of a very mature character of playing. I had the chance to purchase some of her early recordings on the defunct CBC. Atma took over, afterwards, and it has already produced some very good recordings: apart from the Chopin Recital you mentioned, two more, one with some waltzes, the Barcarolle, the Scherzo no.1 and the Ballade no.3 and another double CD, containing the Etudes, the Piano Sonatas 2 & 3 and the Impromptus. Both are very bright recordings.
Chopin seems to be Fialkowska's beloved composer. She has recorded (for Atma too) the Piano Concertos both in the original and the version for String Quintet (which I prefer). In the same way, she has recorded in brilliant SACD sound Mozart's Piano Concertos 11 & 12 in the version for String Quintet. Delightful! There is also a very fine Liszt recital and a very interesting CD on Naxos with Paderewski's Piano Concerto along with the Fantaisie Polonaise. A must for collectors and a good piano CD.
For Dariescu, I can believe you. Romanian pianists have a very good tradition. I'll check it out.
Parla
Thu, Oct 4 2012, 9:55PM
#3
RE: Latest Acquisitions
Hi Petra did you like the Kissin disc? I've only one of his recordings but don't think much of it. It may upset some people but I find him just a virtuoso piano playing machine with little or no feeling for the music.
In total contrast I've just been enjoying Janina Fialkowska's Chopin Recital 2. This is real Chopin playing which reminded me in places of Ignaz Friedman. For once I absolutely concur with Bryce Morrison (August) Magazine " a far cry... from Pollini's austerity" (another pianist I don't care for). Best Chopin recording I've heard in a long time (since Zayas's Etudes) ; good sound too.
Another new piano recording where I just sat back and wallowed in glorious playing and splendidly rich sound was by the young Romanian Alexandra Dariescu; Schumann (Abegg Vars), Liszt (2nd Ballade & Tristan Liebstod transcription) plus two Chopin items. Only complaint: Champs Hill give only 53 mins of Dariescu but Atma Classique give us 76 mins of Fialkowska!
Hi 33LP! So nice to hear from you! I confess that I haven't listened to it yet. I'm currently working on some other CDs: my apologies! I did hear from someone else and told him about the CD and he didn't think that it was Kissin's best work, instead recommending his earlier recordings (like Parla too had mentioned). I will get to it and report back--I promise! :--)
I haven't heard of *Janina Fialkowska before, but will keep an eye out for her recordings. Friedman I've heard of but still have yet to explore too! Glad, however, to hear that you are having a good time exploring. :--D
*nor of Alexandra Dariescu. More musicians' music to explore! Help! LOL
Best wishes,
Petra
Wed, Oct 10 2012, 1:01PM
#4
RE: Latest Acquisitions
This mostly for Chris and anybody else strongly interested in Haydn's String Quartets.
I just got the latest release of Prazak Quartet in their quest of Haydn's Quartets. It is the "Apponyi" Quartets op.71, on Praga, of course, and, as ever, on SACD. Splendid!
I'm afraid it will take some time to appear in UK. I got it from France.
Parla
Wed, Oct 10 2012, 3:16PM
#5
RE: Latest Acquisitions
That's interesting news Parla. I'm travelling at the moment but saw your post! I'm sure a copy will find its way into my collection soon. Thanks!
Chris
Hi Petra did you like the Kissin disc? I've only one of his recordings but don't think much of it. It may upset some people but I find him just a virtuoso piano playing machine with little or no feeling for the music.
In total contrast I've just been enjoying Janina Fialkowska's Chopin Recital 2. This is real Chopin playing which reminded me in places of Ignaz Friedman. For once I absolutely concur with Bryce Morrison (August) Magazine " a far cry... from Pollini's austerity" (another pianist I don't care for). Best Chopin recording I've heard in a long time (since Zayas's Etudes) ; good sound too.
Another new piano recording where I just sat back and wallowed in glorious playing and splendidly rich sound was by the young Romanian Alexandra Dariescu; Schumann (Abegg Vars), Liszt (2nd Ballade & Tristan Liebstod transcription) plus two Chopin items. Only complaint: Champs Hill give only 53 mins of Dariescu but Atma Classique give us 76 mins of Fialkowska!