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Reviews: Credo - Hélène Grimaud

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Reviews: 2

Review by Monteverdi May 6, 2004 (11 of 11 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
In this time where classical record companies are in seeming retreat, unsure of what the next best move might be comes a concept disc from pianist Hélène Grimaud combining John Corigliano, Arvo Pärt and Beethoven into an effective offering. Chosen by Ms. Grimaud, the selections are united by the thematic threads running through the works as well as the mixtures of color generated by the keys of the compositions as perceived by Grimaud.
At the heart of the disc, and quite the most stunning performance, is Ms. Grimaud’s reading of the Tempest Sonata of Beethoven. It is this performance that is the heart of the disc. It is also the performance, more than the seemingly earnest but goofy Choral Fantasy, the Corigliano fantasia on the 7th Symphony of Beethoven, and the hip, splashy “Credo” of Pärt that best demonstrates the gift of this artist. It is an exceptional performance.
The marvelous Esa-Pekka Salonen and Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are able and willing collaborative partners providing superb and precise support for Ms. Grimaud. Being placed forward in the mix also helps balance the small chorus.
The PCM recording in MC spreads the orchestra generously, achieving a satisfying blend of orchestra, chorus and piano. The overall character of the sound is lean, bright and immediate.
And despite the comment about the Choral Fantasy, it is great fun from the choral entrance to the finale. And the Bach prelude within the Credo grounds us all.
My thanks and appreciation to whomever at DG supported Ms. Grimaud in realizing her vision.
©DAE 2004

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Review by Luukas February 12, 2014 (2 of 7 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:  
This disc's highlights are Beethoven's Choral Fantasy Op. 80 and Pärt's beautiful Credo. Esa-Pekka Salonen's performance of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy is very good. Grimaud is good soloist, and Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra plays very effective and strongly.
Arvo Pärt's Credo was great success when it premiered at Tallinn in 16.11.1968. Work's begin is very beautiful: piano plays short part of Bach's Das wohltemperierte Klavier I C major Prelude: it is stunning effect. The works middle section is very frightening, until the work ends in peaceful feelings. Esa-Pekka Salonen's performance is slow, much slower than Neeme Järvi's world premiere recording. Still, this is great listening experience. Deutsche Grammophon's recording is outstanding (much better than Chandos' distant sound). Very interesting program and beautifully performances too. I haven't SACD version of this release, but still this is huge experience. Warmly recommend!

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