Wunderschöne Interpretation dieser perfekt komponierten Variationen im gut phrasierten Tempo mit klarem und anmutigem Klang sowie effektiv kontrollierter Dynamik. Echt bewundernswert!
I heard a professional pianist play this recently. He really seemed to lose his way. Cherkassky keeps the important bits in the front. Each variation distinct and building. In the performace I heard there were notes everywhere. No real structure - fast/slow, loud/soft, the end. I admire anyone who makes a satisfying whole in the thickest writing. I guess it helps if you have monster technique to start with.
The VARIAtiIONS are fascibnating, full of brilliant, insigts that give them a unique, strikingly appropriate character. This makes these variations possibly the best recorded, -- but the FUGUE seems to lack ENERGY. I agree with a stately, majestic tempo for the fugue -- most play it too fast in a way that lacks sensitivity and makes it sund hectic -- butTHIS doesn't seem to MATCH the rest of Shura's magnificent performance of the variations. It sounds as thogh it could have been recorded at another time and in another place -- or almost as though it had been performed as an "afterthought.". ODD!
SC is one of a kind. He has a unique singing tone, reminiscent of (only?) Horowitz. He would always surprise us with something 'new' in his recitals, whether it be bringing out a hidden voice, slowing down the speed to achieve some effect, programing an undiscovered gem or adding a fourth encore to an already thought-provoking full concert, especially when he saw that some members of the audience were leaving the hall. I once asked him after a big concert and an autograph session in Bangkok if he was tired. He said no. I don't know whether it was true or not but what i much appreciated was his desire to give the audience everything he had. I think this is what a good artist should be like. RIP, GREAT Maestro. You and your art will surely be missed.
I still miss Shura!
Very surprising ! Intimate vision and virtuoso in the same way! Thanks for this loading !
HEAVENLY!
Best interpretation I've heard so far. Perfect voicing and color.
Yes, it's wonderful, but do listen to Sergio Fiorentino and Emanuel Ax (sadly chopped up into separate variations on YT).
Tra le migliori interpretazioni in assoluto di questo capolavoro di Brahms!
Joining Fleischer, Katchen, Levy, and Anievas in the Pantheon. Just marvelous.
Do listen to Sergio Fiorentino and Emanuel Ax (sadly chopped up into separate variations on YT).
This is my favourite version, I think.
Wunderschöne Interpretation dieser perfekt komponierten Variationen im gut phrasierten Tempo mit klarem und anmutigem Klang sowie effektiv kontrollierter Dynamik. Echt bewundernswert!
Is the other man in the photo Gilels?
If that is not Gilels, I will eat my hate. :)
How would you like it ? medium rare ? Potatoes on the side ?
That is really a marvous photo of Cherkassky and Gilels. Another great photo is of Gilels with the teenage Sokolov.
I heard a professional pianist play this recently. He really seemed to lose his way. Cherkassky keeps the important bits in the front. Each variation distinct and building. In the performace I heard there were notes everywhere. No real structure - fast/slow, loud/soft, the end. I admire anyone who makes a satisfying whole in the thickest writing. I guess it helps if you have monster technique to start with.
The VARIAtiIONS are fascibnating, full of brilliant, insigts that give them a unique, strikingly appropriate character. This makes these variations possibly the best recorded, -- but the FUGUE seems to lack ENERGY. I agree with a stately, majestic tempo for the fugue -- most play it too fast in a way that lacks sensitivity and makes it sund hectic -- butTHIS doesn't seem to MATCH the rest of Shura's magnificent performance of the variations. It sounds as thogh it could have been recorded at another time and in another place -- or almost as though it had been performed as an "afterthought.". ODD!
Cherkassky joue Cherkassky... comme toujours
Mais cela n'en reste pas moins inimitable!