Pollini's new disc

Posted by: Todd A on 03 May 2002

I just picked up Maurizio Pollini's new Schumann disc yesterday. This time around he plays Kreisleriana, the Allegro Op 8, and the Gesange der Fruhe, Op 133. All are expertly played. I have definitely heard better versions of Kreisleriana, but Pollini does not disappoint. I shall listen to it again. And again. The Allegro is a fine early work. The best part of the disc, though, is the Gesange der Fruhe. Quite fine late Schumann, unduly neglected. Okay, it is not his best piano work, but as rendered here it is worth repeated listens.

The sound is a little more distant than usual with Pollini recordings, though it is good. One gets a richer more blended piano sound.

Overall, I rate this a strong buy for fans of pianist or composer. (Last fall's release of Davidsbundlertanze and Concert sans Orchestre is better overall.)

Posted on: 03 May 2002 by Former member

Coincidentally, I was listenting to the EMI reissue of Pollini's 60's recording of Chopin's first concerto last night, as well as the solo piano works on the disc. This really is an outstanding performance, EMI's latest re-masterings are sounding better than any previous versions - and much better than the newer DG digital recordings. I also think that Pollini's more recent DG recordings sound even more detached than his earlier ones, though I haven't heard the two Schumann discs you mention.

Ross