What are you listening to? (VOL VI)

quote:

Originally posted by Haim Ronen:

It seems like each label was allocated only one image of Helene Grimaud with the same fancy sweater. So far I found two sweaters, one on Erato and the other one on Denon which is playing now. It contains Rachmaninoff's Sonata No. 2. OP. 36, Schumann's Kreisleriana Op. 16 (selections) and Brahms Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op.5. The playing as well as the Denon sound are both first rate.

Her website says she is experiencing health issues which keep her from performing - any idea what she is dealing with ? In the prime years of her life. Unfortunate.

Jeff A

Dreadful recording, great music.

Dorati/Respighi

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Anderson:

Her website says she is experiencing health issues which keep her from performing - any idea what she is dealing with ? In the prime years of her life. Unfortunate.

Jeff A

Jeff,

I was not aware that she stopped performing. I know that Stefan went to hear her though I don't know how long ago.
I think that you will like her playing. The Denon disc is excellent and reasonably priced on Amazon (they have one copy left):

http://www.amazon.com/Very-Bes...id=1274038483&sr=1-9

Have a good Sunday,

Haim

quote:

Originally posted by Haim Ronen:

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Anderson:

Her website says she is experiencing health issues which keep her from performing - any idea what she is dealing with ? In the prime years of her life. Unfortunate.

Jeff A

Jeff,

I was not aware that she stopped performing. I know that Stefan went to hear her though I don't know how long ago.
I think that you will like her playing. The Denon disc is excellent and reasonably priced on Amazon (they have one copy left):

http://www.amazon.com/Very-Bes...id=1274038483&sr=1-9

Have a good Sunday,

Haim

Thanks for the link, I have added her to me wanted recordings list.

Quote from her (Grimaud) website:
"Following a prolonged period within which various health issues forced her to cancel or postpone a number of concerts earlier this year, Hélène Grimaud is still convalescing and must with great sadness cancel a number of concerts. A further bulletin will be provided in due course."

Jeff A

Miserable sod makes great soulful music going to add some more of Van to my collection, superb.






Dean..

quote:

Originally posted by Whizzkid:
Miserable sod makes great soulful music going to add some more of Van to my collection, superb.






Dean..

my favourite Van album

just finishing: Bob Dylan


top of the pile: Matt Deighton

Vol. 1

Tracey Thorn - welcome back girl!

Disc two.

When you listen to Tharaud or Argerich playing Chopin you get the sense that they just finished doing thirty push-ups. Maria Joao Pires, on the other hand, leaves the impression that she never had a chance to get her cereal for breakfast..

I am not passing judgement on her playing, just observing the vast differences in energy level among those three piano players. Pires music is delicate, articulate and very thoughtful.

quote:

Pires music is delicate, articulate and very thoughtful.

Haim, I can't think of a higher compliment to pay someone playing Chopin! This is a fantastic recording and especially for the late works this is the mood that should come across, IMHO. I'd add it must have an overwhelming sense melancholy. The F minor Mazurka was the last piece of music that Chopin wrote and with this Pires ends her recital.

Chopin wrote his share of muscular music and maybe Argerich, for sure, tends to focus more on these works which, admittedly, suit Argerich much better. I've rarely heard Argerich play much of what is here with the exception of the 2 sonatas. Pires is very petite, yet I think she handles or injects a fair share of energy into her playing where needed on the big pieces (the 2 sonatas and the polonaise-fantaisie) on this album.

Not the whole album but the tracks I have heard make this a simply stunning album from Jim Moray. Album of the year could end up being.

Out June 7th.

From last night.