Schumann: Kinderszenen, Waldszenen, Papillons, Three Romances[Kempff]

Beautiful Eloquence/Deutsche-Grammophon CD boasting Wilhelm Kempff's interpretation of small piano pieces by Robert Schumann. Wilhelm Kempff shows his great range and amazing clear play under any circumstance.
I personally think he is too harsh sometimes, but his control is superb.

Kinderszenen and Three Romances were recorded in 1973; Waldszenen in 1974; and Papillons in 1967.

• Kinderszenen, op.15
1. Von fremden Ländern und Menschen
2. Kuriose Geschichte
3. Hasche-Mann
4. Bittendes Kind
5. Glückes genug
6. Wichtige Begebenheit
7. Träumerei
8. Am Kamin
9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
10. Fast zu ernst
11. Fürchtenmachen
12. Kind im Einschlummern
13. Der Dichter spricht
• Waldszenen, op.82
1. Eintritt. Nicht zu schnell
2. Jager auf der lauer. Hochst lebhaft
3. Einsame Blumen
4. Verrufene Stelle
5. Freundliche Landschaft
6. Herberge. Mäßig
7. Vogel als Prophet. Langsam, sehr zart
8. Jagdlied. Rasch, kräftig
9. Abschlied. Nicht zu schnell
• Papillons, op.2
1. -
2. Prestissimo
3. -
4. Presto
5. (Grazioso)
6. -
7. Semplice
8. -
9. Prestissimo
10. vivo
11. -
12. Finale
• Three Romances, op.28
1. Sehr markiert
2. Einfach
3. Sehr markiert: (intermezzo 1:presto; intermezzo 2:etwas langsamer; wie vorher)

Schubert: Impromptus, Moments musicaux, Piano Sonatas [Kempff]

Kempff makes each note count for itself, and his control is superb at all times, through pianissimo or fortissimo passages alike.

Moments musicaux

Nice interweaving of echos, like jumping wild dogs in the bushes in #1.
Ah, famous #3. No wonder it is known by itself.
Lovely tempo for the theme in #4, and its baroque-like variation.

Piano Sonatas

Beautiful lyricism in movement 1 of D664. What a natural and simple way of flowing from one passage to another. What a beautiful theme in the 3rd movement, delicious way to end a CD.

Thoroughly delighted by the 1st movement of D960. It is a pearl by itself, and how enjoyable Kempff's transparent interpretation (just for this track alone is this CD worth it! ). The other movements are nice, of course, particularly the scherzo: allegro vivace. But all well below the 1st: molto moderato. I will quote the booklet, because if I wrote this myself, it would seem too far-fetched, but I feel this too[my emphasis]:

One would be reading too much into the score if one said that the [first] movement communicates a sense of leave-taking from life itself, but there is, beyond a doubt, resignation without resentment underlying the music.

Impromptus

I do not like Kempff's attacks, and the military air of #1. What a nice impromptu is #2of D899.
#3 is quite romantic, the beginning is somehow similar to Chopin. Playful yet insightful #4, like the unrest of the last Sunday before returning to school.

Beautiful lyricism in #2 of D935. Dreamy euphoria in #3, some parts sound like tango. Interesing slightly spanish obstinato in #4.

DISC 1
Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Piano Sonata	Bb	D960
Moments musicaux		D780 op.94
DISC 2
4 Impromptus		D899 op.90
4 Impromptus		D935 op.ph.142
Piano Sonata	A	D664 op.ph.120

Beethoven: Piano Concerto 4 & 5

Excellent. Beautiful concerti, and one can always count on Pollini for a forceful virtuoso interpretation. And Beethoven asks for one, of course.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Movements	Observations
Konzert für Klavier & Orchester #5	Eb	op.73	Allegro Adagio un poco mosso-attacca Rondo. Allegro	Emperor
Konzert für Klavier & Orchester  #4	G	op.58	Allegro moderato Andante con moto Rondo. Vivace

Maurizio Pollini, piano
Karl Böhm / Wiener Philharmoniker.

General information on the piano concerti, scores, instruments, performers, etc: No.5 op.73, at wikipedia
No.4, Op.58, at wikipedia

Chopin: Polonaises (Pollini)

Authoritative interpretation. Strong, commanding. Great force from transparently virtuoso Maurizio Pollini.
Perfectly strict left hand in Polonaise héroïque.
Deutsche Grammophon CD, with Maurizio Pollini, piano, recorded 1976

Name	Key	Catalogue	Instruction	Observations
Polonaise 1	C#m	op. 26 #1	Allegro appassionato
Polonaise 2	Ebm	op. 26 #2	Maestoso
Polonaise 3	A	op. 40 #1	Allegro con brio	'Militaire'
Polonaise 4	Cm	op. 40 #2	Allegro maestoso
Polonaise 5	F#m	op. 44	Tempo di polacca - doppio movimento, tempo di Mazurka - Tempo 1
Polonaise 6	Ab	op. 53	Maestoso	'Héroïque'
Polonaise 7	Ab	op. 61	Allegro maestoso	Polonaise-Fantaisie

Chopin's Polonaises at Wikipedia

Tchaikovsky+Rachmaninoff (Van Cliburn): Piano concerto (1 bzw 2)

Tchikovsky's 2nd movement is just a superb piece, alternating peacefulness and exuberance. Precisely the setting for a superb performance.  The 3rd movement interspersed French arpeggiate cannot betray its Slavic origin with its theme of winds and strings with exclamations from the metals.

Rachmaninoff's concerto is so superbly performed that the interpretation itself can be or not transparent (which although unrelated does not occur with Il Giardino Armonico). One can just leave oneself to be inebriated, or attend to each instrument, at no loss of enjoyment.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto #1	Bbm	Op.23	Kiril Kondrashin/RCA Symphony Orchestra	1958
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto #2	Cm	Op.18	Fritz Reiner/Chicago Symphony Orchestra	1962

This is an instant RCA Red Seal SACD favorite!

Schubert: Lieder

This combination can never go wrong: Schubert, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Gerald Moore. This is one of the safest CD's to buy, just lovely and inspiring.
These lieder allow Fischer-Dieskau to show a vast range of dynamics and emotions, while Gerald Moore shows how well he merged into the singer's intention. My favorite accompanying pianist.
I have to say that I am deeply touched by "Das Zügenglöcklein"(6). Fischer-Dieskau's is magnificent in the "command to come in", as well as in the delicacy of the last line of each of the verses. And what a magnificent poem speaking about the parish bell calling on someone's imminent death.



An Emi Classic CD of digitally remastered (1988) recordings of mostly 1965, except for 21:1958, and 15+16:1962.

1. An die Entfernte D765
2. Auf dem Wasser zu singen D774
3. Der Schiffer D536
4. Der Wanderer D649
5. Nachtgesang D314
6. Das Zügenglöcklein D871
7. Der Jüngling und der Tod D545
8. Das Heimweh D456
9. Das Lied im Grünen D917
10. Der Tod und das Mädchen D531
11. Der Winterabend D938
12. Der Zürnende Barde D785
13. Der Strom D565
14. Litanei auf das Fest Allerseelen D343
15. Sei mir gegrüsst D741
16. Du bist die Ruh D776
17. Heidenröslein D257 (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
18. Ständchen, 'Horch! Horch! die Lerch' D889
19. Der Jüngling an der Quelle D300
20. Die Forelle D550
21. Der Erlkönig D328

Lipatti: Bach, Liszt, Bartók

I have to say that Dinu Lipatti is amazing. Despite this fact, I could not enjoy Liszt nor Bartók, as I expected (due to my taste of authors, of course). But Busoni's adaptation for piano of Bach's BWV 1052 - Concerto for harpsichord No.1 in D minor in the hands of Dinu Lipatti is just sublime.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
JS Bach: Concerto for harpsichord #1	Dm	BWV 1052	Eduard van Beinum / Concertgebouw orchestra,  1947	Arranged by Busoni
Franz Liszt: Piano Concerto #1	Eb	S.124	Ernest Ansermet / Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, 1947
Béla Bartók: Piano Concerto #3		Sz. 119	Paul Sacher / Orchester des Südwestdeutschen Rundfunks, 1948

Bartók: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra #1,#2

Béla Bartók's work is always quite compact. There is no waste of space or time.
Play of the first concerto is so hasty, that I personally cannot find the subtle interpretation I am used to expecting from Pollini (and I am sure it is because of my simpleness in taste). But thankfully he makes up for it in the 2nd one, especially in the second movement.
On other topic, the swirling of the orchestra intermixed with the pianissimo and fortissimo are very well accomplished. No nice melodies, but plenty to listen to.
In the 2nd concerto, there are some nice fanfares, piano solos, and a few amenities.
Claudio Abbado conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with Maurizio Pollini at the piano.

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra #1

1. Allegro moderato - Allegro
2. Andante - Allegro - attacca
3. Allegro molto

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra #2

1. Allegro
2. Adagio - Presto - Adagio
3. Allegro molto - Presto

I like this Deutsche Grammophon CD in the Awards Collection series. But, I grade it lower, because I do not see myself choosing it to listen to. This shows that it is more of a priority listening order, rather than a grading per se, something I would not attempt.

Brahms: Piano Concertos

This is a fantastic CD from Deutsche Grammophon. Great virtuosismo and expressiveness. The orchestra is soft and full in the 2nd concerto. Supreme combination of Claudio Abbado and Maurizio Pollini.
Then I listened to the Tragic Ouverture, which was new to me. Energetic and melodic, delightful.
Lastly I would comment on the beauty of the first and third movements of the 1st concerto.
All directed by Karl Böhm and the Wiener Philharmoniker, except 2nd concerto directed by Claudio Abbado, pianist Maurizio Pollini

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra #1	Dm	op.15	Maurizio Pollini	CD 1
Variations on a theme by Joseph Haydn		op.56a		CD 1
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra #2	Bb	op.83	violoncello solo:Robert Scheiwein	CD 2
Tragic Overture		op.81		CD 2

Dvořák: Piano Works Played on Dvořák's Own Bösendorfer Piano

I personally did not like this alto CD. I am not someone that enjoys the idolatry of a person nor its objects; so even listening to a 1879 piano belonging to the composer, did not light my imagination.
Radoslav Kvapil is too harsh for my taste, but according to his biography he certainly has the qualifications to interpret these in his own way. The listener must decide.

• 1-8 Humoresques, Op.101
• 9-13 American Suite, Op.98
• 14-15 Dumka and Furiant, Op.12
• 16-27 Silhouettes, Op.8

Chopin:Préludes/Impromptus

I might be saying a blasphemy, and I declare myself guilty. But this is the best CD I have found to be working, while listening to it. They are so varied and melodious. Sweet or strong, energetic or reflexive. Beautiful interpretations by Claudio Arrau.

In this Philips/Decca CD, Arrau plays Chopin, with recordings from 1974 and 1981.

24 Préludes, Op.28

1. C
2. Am
3. G
4. Em
5. D
6. Bm
7. A
8. F#m
9. E
10. C#m
11. B
12. G#m
13. F#
14. E#m
15. Db
16. Bbm
17. Ab
18. Fm
19. Eb
20. Cm
21. Bb
22. Gm
23. F
24. Dm
• Prélude in C#m, Op.45
• Prélude in Ab, Op.posth.

Impromptus

• No.1 in Ab, Op.29
• No.2 in F#, Op.36
• No.3 in Gb, Op.51
• No.4 in C#M, Op.66 "Fantaisie-Impromptu"

Wilhelm Kempff (Centurion)

This is a somewhat reknowned CD by Centurion Classics, that albeit being very cheap has great masterpieces by Mozart and Beethoven, but played by magnificent Wilhelm Kempff.

Such depth in interpretation, with softness or anger, speed and expression. It is difficult (at least for me) to imagine a better one.



You may buy this CD for Kempff's piano interpretation, either Mozart's and/or Beethoven's Concerto (or Sonata), or the price... for any of these reasons you would have done right.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20	D minor	K. 466	Dresdner Philharmonic, Paul van Kempen (director)	recorded 1941
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3	C minor	Op. 37	Dresdner Philharmonic, Paul van Kempen (director)	recorded 1942
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 24	F sharp major	Op. 78		recorded 1932

Brautigan: Mozart Complete Piano Sonatas

This CD set is amazing. Ronald Brautigan plays each note with such respect. Every note, every phrase. With this quality, it seems that the pianoforte's weaknesses are actually strengths. The phrasing is so superb, it is almost like listening to your lover whispering your favorite love-poem.

Beautiful technique, softness, and intention. This expands on what one could expect from Mozart works, and certainly raises the bar for new recordings.
A BIS recording on a 1992 (Paul McNulty) replica of a 1795 fortepiano by Anton Gabriel Walter.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Piano Sonata No. 1	in C major	K. 279 (K. 189d)
Piano Sonata No. 2	in F major	K. 280 (K. 189e)
Piano Sonata No. 3	in B flat major	K. 281 (K.189f)
Piano Sonata No. 4	in E flat major	K. 282 (K. 189g)
Piano Sonata No. 5	in G major	K. 283 (K. 189h)
Piano Sonata No. 6	in D major	K. 284 (K. 205b)
Piano Sonata No. 7	in C major	K. 309 (K. 284b)
Piano Sonata No. 9	in D major	K. 311 (K. 284c)
Piano Sonata No. 8	in A minor	K. 310 (K. 300d)
Piano Sonata No. 10	in C major	K. 330 (K. 300h)
Piano Sonata No. 11	in A major	K. 331 (K. 300i)		"Alla Turca"
Piano Sonata No. 12	in F major	K. 332 (K. 300k)
Piano Sonata No. 13	in B flat major	K. 333 (K. 315c)
Fantasia for piano	in C minor	K. 475
Piano Sonata No. 14	in C minor	K. 457
Piano Sonata	F	K.533/494
Piano Sonata No. 15	C	K.545		"Sonata semplice"
Piano Sonata No. 16	Bb	K.570
Piano Sonata No. 17	D	K.576		"Trumpet", "Hunt"

Schubert: Alfred Brendel plays Schubert

This is amazing. It is a lovely set of 3 CD's from Vox. There is no loss throughout the set. (I should come to write further sometime ;). Brendel is brilliant. The set is so favourably priced as well.

Disc 1 (75:04)



• Impromptus Op.90 (D.899) no.1-4


• Moments Musicaux Op.94 (D.780), no.1-6


• Three pieces Op. Posth. (D.946) no.1-3



Disc 2 (67:27)



• Fantasia in Fm for piano 4-hands, Op.103 (D.940)


• Allegro in Am for piano 4-hands, Op.144 (D.947) "Lebensstürme"


• "Grand Duo" Sonata in C for piano 4-hands, Op.140 (D.812).
  With Evelyne Crochet



Disc 3 (74:56)



• Fantasy in C Op.15 (D.760) "Wanderer"


• Impromptus Op.142 (D.935) no.1-4


• Schubert & Liszt: Fantasy in C for Piano and Orchestra
  Michael Gielen conducts the Vienna Volksoper Orchestra

Chopin: Waltzes, Impromputs

This RCA Red Seal CD boasts Arthur Rubinstein's interpretation of Chopin. I would have to admit that it is until these recordings that I have a new feeling regarding Chopin. Before, I enjoyed the virtuous line as a chain of fioriture, but with Rubinstein, it seems to recover a sense that brings Chopin to the front, and not just the piano. I would have to fully agree with the description given by Harvey Sachs (as per the booklet): "extraordinary pose and tonal beauty".

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Waltz for piano	E flat major	Op. 18, CT. 207		Grande valse brillante
Waltz for piano	Ab	Op. 34 No.1, CT. 208		Valse brillante
Waltz for piano	Am	Op. 34 No.2, CT. 209		Valse brillante
Waltz for piano	F	Op. 34 No.3, CT. 210		Valse brillante
Waltz for piano	A flat major	KK IVa/13, CT. 221 (B. 21)		Two-four
Waltz for piano	Db	Op. 64 No.1, CT. 212		Minute
Waltz for piano	C#	Op. 64 No.2, CT. 213
Waltz for piano	Ab	Op. 64 No.3, CT. 214
Waltz for piano	Ab	Op. 69 No.1, CT. 215		L'Adieu
Waltz for piano	Bb	Op. 69 No.2, CT. 216
Waltz for piano	Gb	Op. 70 No.1, CT. 217
Waltz for piano	Fm	Op. 70 No.2, CT. 218
Waltz for piano	Db	Op. 70 No.3, CT. 219
Waltz for piano	E minor	KK IVa/15 CT. 222 (B. 56) op. posth.		opus posthumum
Impromptu for piano	A flat major	Op. 29, CT. 43
Impromptu for piano	F sharp major	Op. 36, CT. 44
Impromptu for piano	G flat major	Op. 51, CT. 45
Fantasy-Impromptu for piano	C sharp minor	Op. 66, CT. 46		Fantaisie Impromptu

Mozart: Piano Concertos 2/9

How rich are Mozart piano concerti. The alternation of forte and piano, and solo and orchestral passages. Interesting march tempo theme in No.26.
Brilliant Vol. 2 CD 9.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Piano Concerto No.18	Bb	KV 456
Piano Concerto No.26	D	KV 537		Coronation Concerto

Backhaus/Rubinstein: My Favourite Piano

This Centurion CD is to listen to Wilhelm Backhaus interpreting Brahms, and to listen to Rubinstein's interpretation of Chopin. If you rather expect a bright sounding version of these works, you should look for a more recent recording, as Backhaus' sound is quite dull. The Recordings are from 1936 and 1946.
Beautiful and unique interpretations each.
Brahms' walzes are quite lively and folk, which was a surprise to me, as I had associated with him a more severe mood.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Brahms: 16 Walzer for solo piano		No.1-16	Wilhelm Backhaus	1936
Chopin: 24 Préludes		op.28, 1-24	Arthur Rubinstein	1946

Chopin+Pollini: 12 études op.25

What a delicious CD. It flows glowing. Soft, virtuous, precise.
This is CD #7 in the Maurizio Pollini edition box set.

See this post on Pollini's interpretation of Brahms to see another superb recording.

Deutsche Grammophon page.

Maurizio Pollini, Fréderic Chopin (1810-1849). Deutsche Grammophon 1972(études), 1985(sonata), 1991(Berceuse). 

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
12 Études		op.25		Ab: Allegro sostenuto Fm: Presto F: Allegro Am: Agitato Em: Vivace G#m: Allegro C#m: Lento Db: Vivace Gb: Allegro assai Bm: Allegro con fuoco Am: Lento - Allegro con brio Cm: Molto allegro con fuoco
Piano Sonata no.2	Bbm	op.35		Grave - Doppio movimento Scherzo Marche funèbre. Lento-attacca Finale. Presto
Berceuse	Db	op.57

Bruno Walter: Beethoven & Mahler

This is the rare Volume 2 for Grammofono 2000's "His First Recordings in America for Columbia". Bruno Walter conducts the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. And he plays the piano in "Lieder und Gesänge aus der Jugendzeit" for Desi Halban, soprano.

I really enjoyed Mahler's Symphony no. 5 with Walter, as compared to Claudio Abbado's. I think Walter's is how it was intended... much more subtle, playful, serene (of course, his closeness to Mahler must have played a key role in his interpretation). While Abbado's gives it a cinematographic touch, very much with the grandiosity used in incidental music, Walter's is more situated, theatrical... less lights and more imagination. The comparison would be similar to Hollywood productions today vs. Hollywood productions from the 50's.
Regardless, both are worth listening to. Enjoy particularly the fifth movement of Mahler Symphony No. 5.

Beethoven's Eroica is very expressive, especially with his use of dynamics.

Link to Amazon's page for this CD set: Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Mahler: Symphony No. 5

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Disc 1: Beethoven
Symphony No.3	Eb	Op.55 Columbia M449	Jan. 1941	Eroica
Disc 2: Mahler
Symphony No.5	C#m	Columbia SL 171	Feb.10,1947
Selection from "Lieder und Gesänge aus der Jugendzeit" for Voice and Piano(1880-1890)		Columbia SL 171	Desi Halban, soprano Bruno Walter, Piano Dec. 16, 1947	I.Frühlingsmorgen (Leander) II. Erinnerung (Leander) III. Hans und Grethe (Mahler) VII. Ich ging mit Lust durch einen grünen Wald (*) IX. Starke Einbildungskraft (*) XI. Ablösung im Sommer (*) XII. Scheiden und Meiden (*) XIII. Nicht wiedersehen (*)

Brahms: Sonatas for Cello & Piano (Op. 38,99,108)

Beautiful 1991 Sony Classical recording of Yo-Yo Ma (cello) and Emanuel Ax (piano). This CD is full with so many emotions and states. From competing lines, to quiet listening of the other instrument, to merging melody and support, all three sonatas are beautiful and interesting.
I particularly enjoy the Allegro vivace of the Sonata in F, and the ending of its last movement (allegro molto)
Noteworthy about this CD is that it holds Yo-yo- Ma's early recordings, which are known to be of more sensibility than later recordings.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Sonata for Cello and Piano	Em	Op.38
Sonata for Cello and Piano	F	Op.99
Sonata for Violin and Piano	Dm	Op.108		originally for violin, here for the Cello