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Discussion: Schumann: Romanesque - Vladimir Tropp

Posts: 3
Post by Windsurfer August 21, 2009 (1 of 3)
Well, after reading the reviews of this, I am tempted. But there ARE a few great solo piano recordings out there in my opinion - I refer primarily to the Beethoven Sonatas by Tchetuev on Caro Mitis, and Helmchen's Schubert on PentaTone.

You are familiar with these? How much better can this one be - or is it in the same ballpark? It is about twice as expensive as any of the above - is it twice as good? Or do you guys say: "Paying only hurts once, the enjoyment lasts and lasts" ?
Post by Arthur August 21, 2009 (2 of 3)
Windsurfer said:

Well, after reading the reviews of this, I am tempted. But there ARE a few great solo piano recordings out there in my opinion - I refer primarily to the Beethoven Sonatas by Tchetuev on Caro Mitis, and Helmchen's Schubert on PentaTone.

You are familiar with these? How much better can this one be - or is it in the same ballpark? It is about twice as expensive as any of the above - is it twice as good? Or do you guys say: "Paying only hurts once, the enjoyment lasts and lasts" ?
Bruce:

I have the Helmchen and the first two of the Tchetuevs. They are all excellent performances. Comparing the performances of different works is like comparing apples to oranges. I remain of the belief that Tropp's performance is special. To me he captures the essence of Schumann's poetry in a way that few do (and none do, that I know of, on Super Audio). Helmchen's Schubert is also special, but in my view, it's an "alternative" special. He has a point of view that in my mind is slightly out of the mainstream for Schubert performance. It's soft focused and poetic. And it plays down the darker, more spiritually troubled elements (especially in the second movement). Nor does it pay any heed that I can hear to fortepiano practice. But it's very convincing, and I wouldn't be without it! But it doesn't make me think that if I could only have one it would be his. Tchetuev also sets a high standard with his playing. It is a powerful, dynamic style of playing that suits Beethoven very well. There are other choices on Super Audio, but to my ears, his works best.

Sonically, the Helmchen recording matches the interpretation and is spectacular in it's very lack of spectacularness. It's just you and the musician. And that's a good thing. Tchetuev's sound also matches his interpretation: the sound is more immediate, but never harsh. Tropp's however, makes me FEEL the piano as well as hear it. In the octave and a half below middle C there is a feel from pianos that is very distinctive. Few recordings capture this, and that's the major thing missing from most recordings. Tropp's has it. Jean-Efflam Bavouzet also has it in his Japanese Debussy recording (a shame he switched to Chandos only to have them skip Super Audio on his discs!)

Is it worth the price difference? Absolutely! Was it worth the money of buying a dozen other mediocre Japanese SACDs (to get the best shipping rates)? At the time, probably no. But I'm pretty sure I'm not going to stumble across this disc cheaply at some used shop here in Northern California!

Bret
Post by nickc August 21, 2009 (3 of 3)
Arnaldo said:

The 3 volumes of Beethoven Sonatas by Tchetuev are indeed outstanding, both in performance and recording. But I'm in the minority as to the sound quality in Helmchen's Schubert, which I found somehow boxy. I prefer instead Lazic in the Moments Musicaux. Eitherway, Tropp's disc is in a different league, sonically for sure, and musically to a certain degree. After just one audition, the price paid became irrelevant.
Do the Symphonic Etudes have the 5 Anhang variations inserted? They are so beautiful and poetic - it is almost too relentless without them.
N

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