Lang Lang/Kissin playing Schubert
Posted by: Jim Waugh on 03 June 2004
Once again I was lured into purchasing new CD's by Lang Lang and Evgeny Kissin because both were playing Schubert selections. Lang Lang plays the Wanderer Fantasy and Kissin the D960 sonata. The comments on the CD sleeves were of course positive and the technical mastery of the piano by these two young men is rarely surpssed. Unfortunatly not as much can be said of their interpretations of Schubert. Schubert recordings, of course, are some of the most controversial; but these two are simply not very good. The Kissin interpretation is leaden, maybe Richter-esque in some ways, with a pensive feeling and a varied and seemingly inappropriate tempo changes. The recording itself is wonderful and Kissin doesn't miss or roll-over a note(s). Listen to the Liszt Mephisto Waltz by Kissin on this CD; very well-done. The Lang Lang rendition of the Wanderer Fanatsy is one selection on a two disc recording of a Fall 2003 Carnegie Hall recital. Like Kissin the music is expertly played. Lang Lang's technical vistuosity is amazing. However, there is no feeling to his music. One wonders whether he plays Schubert for the ticket receipts or himself. Unfortunately it seems the former is true.
Jim
Posted on: 04 June 2004 by herm
Question is why did you go to the trouble (and expense) of buying these records. You seem to know great interpretations of these pieces, and you do not seem to have had great expectations of Kissin and LL.
Posted on: 04 June 2004 by Jim Waugh
Hello Herm,
Why you ask; because they were there? My passion is classical piano and of course Schubert is a favorite. I generally purchase every Schubert piano CD I can find for collecting, comparing and general interest. I just recently ordered discs by Elisabeth Leonskaja. Thank you and stay well.
Posted on: 14 June 2004 by Wolf
I'm interested in finding out what are the best recordings in your two opinions? I just bought a Uchida recording of Schubert's Sonata in Eb major D568 and 6 Moments musicaux. I think it's wonderful but one friend only likes Brendel's inertpretations. So what is best? who's on top?
Life is analogue
Posted on: 14 June 2004 by Jim Waugh
Hello Wolf,
There are many diverse opinions on Schubert interpretation. Many criticize Uchida for playing "her voice" and not Schubert's. I do like Uchida but she does feminize Schubert a bit much at times. For D960 you can't go wrong with Stephen Bishop Kovacevich's recording on EMI. You might also try Wilhelm Kempff's recordings of Schubert. He recorded all of the sonatas on DG. Many like his interpretations, although they can be a little dry at times for my taste. You might also try Arcadi Volodos'recording on Sony. The disc includes D157, and D894. It's well-recorded and Volodos has an amazing technique.
