The eight impromptus, played with great sensitivity and simplicity by Brendel. Like Perahia (who recorded his set a few years earlier), Brendel's less is more approach yields great results. Brendel far surpasses himself on earlier recordings, and while he kept on playing Schubert for twenty more years, he never recaptured the magic as he did throughout this cycle recorded in the mid-80s. 

Brendel is not universally regarded as a great pianists, but hear him in Haydn or this Schubert to get  the spark. 

Cheers,

EJ

Florestan,

It's just a recent that I started to appreciate Schubert's music and it took me many repeated listen by different pianists. 

And I now understand that *space* you talk about. I don't think I had a patience for his music before. They can sound like wondering around without a specific destination which used to make me crazy.

Still some of the piecees, like Drei Klavierstücke takes some doing to get through!

I am glad I decided to pick this disc. I usually try a few living pianists for a change.

He's indeed very good and got that sensibility. But for the Impromptus included in this disc, I still prefer Brendel ( '63 Vox not the later Philips ) or Richter's '58 Sophia live performance where they maintain lyricism yet there's a direct quality which appeals. 

And that little Allegretto piece is one of my favourite like Beethoven's Les Adieux. 

Perianes' sensitive rendition does not give flashy drama but he tries to draw a simple honest picture to express this tune. Unusual for a young pianist who usually needs to prove their virtuosity to the world.

My *reference* so to speak for the Allegretto so far is Schnabel's '39 recording. 

He doesn't dwell on each note much but what he delivers have a weight of gold. He packs in many shades of emotional states in such a short piece ranging from sad, happy, angry and a sense of release. Excellent use of 'ma'.

You're right that the recording on this disc actually is better balanced than Lewis' which it sounds a tad too eager in EQ and reverve.

My favourite SRV album

A compilation of some funky grooves from the 70s.

Whomever did the pressing these vinyl records sound great!

Pletnev Live at Carnegie Hall

On vinyl.

This album is now available on CD. It contains much of the material Georgie Fame played live in the mid-60's. From his excellent rendition of John Hendrick's "Yeh Yeh", which became a number 1 hit, through material originally recorded by The Temptations, Lee Dorsey, Joe Hinton, Booker T, James Brown, Marvin Gaye and others, plus "Getaway" - another single release - this is a great record,

Graham,

interesting, typical Belcea playing.

listing from Qobuz

After another long day at work, relaxing with the complete WTC by Andras Schiff. I think this is one of the bolder pianistic versions I have ever heard - as Bach on the piano goes, he utilises good dynamic range and has an exceptional trill. He leaves Perahia's dry barebones renditions far behind, surpasses even Angela Hewitt and I feel approaches Arrau's ultimate relevancy as well as charisma.

Cheers,

EJ

Sounding sublime. 

Feeling like some bombast :-

On CD:-

Vinyl

Kempff's Goldberg Variations.

Bach indeed has a soothing or clearing effect on mind. ( soft of like a strong wasabi )

It rocks on vinyl.

Schiff, might be good but I bet he can't hum as good as Glenn.

Originally Posted by EJS:
The eight impromptus, played with great sensitivity and simplicity by Brendel. Like Perahia (who recorded his set a few years earlier), Brendel's less is more approach yields great results. Brendel far surpasses himself on earlier recordings, and while he kept on playing Schubert for twenty more years, he never recaptured the magic as he did throughout this cycle recorded in the mid-80s.

EJ,

How is it compare to his Vox cycle?
One of my favourite Schubert Impromptus is his from the 60s. I wasn't too nuts on his Phillips recording of Schubert. ( albeit I haven't listend to the entire catalogue )

Kuma,

Don't know his vox recording, sadly. I like him much better in these (1987-88 Philips) than his 70s recordings. 

Cheers,

EJ