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March 25, 2008
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In my listening room I have an upright Hoelling & Spangenberg, so I know how a piano should sound (though I wish it was a Steinway...). I've been on a vain search for a recording that properly reproduces the full sound of a piano - this disc probably comes the closest so far. Jonty put it correctly ... more |
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February 29, 2008
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I love this disc but not the programming! I am a typical collector, and would much prefer complete opuses to be recorded in the string quartet repertoire rather than selections. Having said that we are tempted in the liner notes with a statement that they will perform all the quartets in 2009. ... more |
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February 23, 2008
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After my excoriation of the sound in Pizarro's Ravel disc I'm happy to report the sound here is excellent.
At 9'30" he is extremely ruminative in the supreme masterpiece of the Barcarolle. Argerich seemed to have put a turbocharger on her gondola; I wish Pizarro had a stronger profile here. ... more |
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February 23, 2008
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Tragically Polly is correct in his denunciation of the sound here. When Ondine rises she sounds like she has just come from the bottom of the Marianas Trench! It is even more of a tragedy when the playing by Pizarro is at the level of an Ashkenazy or an Argerich - though I don't know if anyone has ... more |
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May 12, 2007
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Had audiences in Budapest in 1889 ever heard an opening like they heard that November in Gustav Mahler's 1st., perhaps the greatest 1st. symphony ever written (apologies to Brahms and Shostakovich!)?
The first three or four minutes are an evocation of coming to life in spring, sinuous violins ... more |
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