A Pair of New Releases
Posted by: Todd A on 04 April 2002
First, Perahia's disc of the keyboard concertos 3, 5, 6, and 7 is quite remarkable. If you liked the first disc - and I don't see how anyone could not - then the second is a no-brainer. Perahia's playing is stellar and the orchestral playing is excellent. I love it; it's worth the full price I paid. This will easily be ne of my favorite discs of the year. The sound is spectacularly clear and tonally accurate if perhaps a bit too close.
As for Schiff's Schumann concert, well, it, too is fine, though not as good. My first time through I was somewhat disappointed. This is no flashy or intense Schumann playing; rather, it is subtle and personal. The second run through with adjusted expectations was more satisfying. The Humoreske is very finely played, though not a match for the best versions. The Concert sans Orchestre suffers for coming so soon after Pollini's masterly recording last year. The centerpiece of the two-disc set is Novelleten. Here, Schiff's playing brings the piece to work. The piano is too closely miked, making the sound overwhelming at times, but it is good enough. Overall, a very good to excellent disc, if not timeless. For fans of the artist or composer I say: buy it. (Try for a sale, though.)