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January 12, 2006
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The obvious theme of this disc is 20th Century music by composers of different nationalities, conducted by a man who openly claimed to have little affinity for 20th century music. I suspect that Szell approved of this music because of the way each piece blends 19th and 20th century sensibilities; ... more |
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November 28, 2005
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The theme of this finely executed 'top layer' performance by Fischer's Budapest forces is swift and light. The clear advantage of the fast speeds is that it allows for dramatic tempo changes; the Scherzo and Finale feature a number of such memorable moments. The light bowing of the strings ... more |
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August 25, 2005
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As my review of last year's release of Volume I indicates, Brautigam has clearly made the case for playing the Beethoven Piano Sonatas on the fortepiano (well, at least the early ones). While that SACD was anchored by one of Beethoven's best and most popular, the "Pathetique," this disc features ... more |
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July 5, 2005
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The idea of playing piano music on the fortepiano is as old as using 'period' instruments. Yet, it is has never quite caught on in the same way. The common response to using a fortepiano is: "wouldn't Mozart/Beethoven/Schubert prefer their music played on the far more expressive Steinway (and its ... more |
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September 25, 2004
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On LP, then CD, and now SACD, this is easily one of the most enjoyable Strauss tone poem compilations. Szell's Strauss differs noticeably from most conductors' take on the composer's music. The performances here are taunt, swift, transparent and urgent. Too often conductors play up the Strauss' ... more |
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