What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol.IX)

Psychedelic Pill

Neil Young, Crazy Horse | Format: Vinyl

Frédéric Chopin:  Hélène Tysman (Piano) 

Volume 2:

Ballade no 1 in g minor, Op. 23

Mazurka in g minor, Op. 24, no. 1

Mazurka in C major, Op. 24, no. 2

Mazurka in A-flat major, Op. 24, no. 3

Mazurka in b-flat minor, Op. 24, no. 4

Ballade no 2 in F major, Op. 38

Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60

Nocturne in B major, Op. 9, no. 3

Ballade no 3 in A-flat major, Op. 47

Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat major, Op. 61

Ballade no 4 in f minor, Op. 52

I get the sense that Hélène Tysman and I share the same view on interpretation.  That is, it is a fruitless endeavour that leads you no where - there are no winners in this horse race without horses.  The point is that as a musician you can simply record what some iconic great of the past did and along with everyone else the world ends up with 1000 recording that sound the same.  Or you can think for yourself and just let things happen (just a snapshot at this point in time.)  Tomorrow will turn a different view or opinion up and so forth and this leads to a constant evolution through a performers life of experiences.

In the end, Tysman here is taking a broader approach.  Personal yes, but in general she is taking the non-interventionist approach (ie. not micro-managing the tiny details or forcing the issues) but  letting the music speak for itself.  At the same time I think she does rather well with gently suggesting some over architecture - the music breaths but not emphatically as to change its context.

So as I state over and over again how I too believe that ones interpretation should be accepted at face value and I respect that since I realize that my own interpretations are just that - suited to my own tastes and these of course can change day by day and each time I play a piece.

What I really like about her playing is the clarity she accomplishes.  Of course, this comes at the expense of other attributes.  I also think she admirably pulls off the two finest pieces (in my opinion) of solo works anywhere (the Polonaise-Fantaisie and the fourth Ballade).  Again, this is my own non-judgemental barometer speaking and against one who would believe big name pianist A or B or C (insert name here) does it better I won't argue.  

If I have reservations I would say that Tysman's style is good for some works and possibly less desirable for others.  Again, this is all subjective opinion.  The problem I have is trying not to inject my own opinions on the matter but since I end up playing most of the piano pieces I listen to somewhere in my lifetime I have to eventually decide where I put my own stakes in the ground.

I'll give one example of this dichotomy.  The F major / a minor 2nd Ballade.  You can read else where what this Ballade is said to be about but in general you really only need to sense the opposing forces of quiet, safe, somewhat innocent lilt that you might play for a child you want to put asleep and the surprise and fury of a devilish cascade of notes full of violence, terror, and anger.  Personally I didn't find Tysman went far enough to demonstrate this contrast.  She holds back and it feels unemotional and far to safe and clean.

Like her album cover photo which could be interpreted as someone adventurous and willing to take risks the album in general plays it more safe but this is OK by me as I can enjoy any Chopin album.  The recorded sound is clear but a tiny bit bright for my taste at times, however, I think it does emulate rather well what a "real" piano can sound like.

Vinyl

John Lennon. Remember. On CD from 2006 from "Hear Music:The Sound of Starbucks" (yes, the coffee people). A nice compilation of 18 solo songs including a few outtakes and home recordings. This is quite frankly the absolute best I've heard these songs sound. Crystal clear and without any of the overbearing bass and wall-of-sound John Lennon was partial to in his post-Beatles productions. In a tri-fold case with nice b&w photographs and a 10 page booklet. Highly recommended for SQ, song selection and packaging. Still available on Amazon for less than $4.

Track Listings
1. #9 Dream
2. Instant Karma (We All Shine On) - John Lennon And The Plastic Ono Band
3. Working Class Hero
4. Hold On
5. Watching The Wheels
6. Remember
7. God
8. Mother
9. Sean's Little Help
10. Imagine
11. Steel And Glass
12. I'm Losing You
13. Going Down On Love (Instructions Only)
14. Nobody Told Me
15. Isolation
16. Nobody Loves You (When You're Down And Out)
17. Jealous Guy
18. (Just Like) Starting Over

The SQ is excellent and far better than expected.

brilliant...

They are both very good indeed.

This is a great Stones album...

Original Vinyl

#35 on the Guardian's best albums of 2013:

(Miley Cyrus's Bangerz at #34)

Excellent album 'Glacier' is an outstanding track...