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January 16, 2010
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Am I the only person who has noticed the old-school, carictured period instrument inspired string-playing on display here? I can tolerate, and even enjoy this as long as the players have immaculate intonation, preferably on gut strings. I don't hear that on this recording -- just a lot of harsh, ... more |
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December 6, 2009
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Don't be put off by the unusual ensemble -- saxophonists and general listeners alike will enjoy this recital.
Bad news first: the Schumann arrangement comes across as a largely failed experiment here. The louder, less dynamically-controlled saxophones dominate in a way that strings do not, and they ... more |
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October 17, 2009
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This is the first of two complete SACD sets featuring four Mozart piano sonatas "touched-up" by Edvard Grieg; the other set is on 2L. I would not be surprised if a 2L producer heard this set and thought to himself, "We should do that... but better." And so they did, in my opinion.
But first this ... more |
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October 14, 2009
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The Schumann piano concerto can be a jarring experience. The last two movements were added in 1846 to the original 1841 "Phantasie". The middle movement's breezy, blunt character shatters the spell cast by the opening Allegro affettuoso in utter oblivion to what has come before. In the transition to ... more |
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September 18, 2009
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There are two sizeable works on this disc. "Plateaux" is a 38-minute, nine-movement piece for piano and orchestra. "For Piano" is a three-movement, 21-minute work for solo piano.
“Plateaux” is your classic anti-concerto. Those looking for a two-fisted virtuoso fingerbuster should read no further, ... more |
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