20th & 21st Century Piano Sonatas

Advantages: MacGregor's chameleon-like arrangements render every piece interesting, appealing.
Disadvantages: She remains in obscurity in the US.

...I seen such carefully designed booklets that are works of art in themselves. With the CD title, "Play", I think MacGregor wanted to emphasize an attitude of playfulness and ease, especially in view of her mission to relax conventional musical rules, categories and boundaries. Here's the thing: Joanna MacGregor is one of today's best hopes for the resurgence, and especially, the progress, of twentieth century music other than the rock/pop/jazz/rap/metal variety. MacGregor has championed contemporary music with unflagging energy and enthusiasm, playing the works of mid- to late-20th century and 21st century composers, and collaborating with many non-classical musicians from India, Africa, China and others. She recognizes no musical categories or borders, and draws liberally from all kinds of music, be it ethnic, jazz, pop, modern... Read review

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Advantages: Relaxing, serene, dreamy
Disadvantages: The first track is not actual Albinoni

.... Albinoni was to die in 1751, in his beloved Venice. The Music The CD contains 23 of Albinoni’s slower movements taken from his concertos and sonatas. Many are adagios, others are andante (walking pace), Larghetto (quite slowly). All though are slow in tempo. The overall effect is that of a slow serenity. The first track on the CD is the popular Adagio for Organ and Strings in G minor. This piece, however, had little to do with the compositions of Albinoni. It was constructed from a fragment by the 20th century musicologist Remo Giazotto who holds the copyright. Here, it is played a little faster than a lot of the other versions available. Each individual instruments is heard clearly and brightly. It is an absolutely delightful rendition of a favourite piece of music albeit not Albinoni’s own and provides an appropriate introduction... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages:
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...Lief Ove Andsnes predeeded his highly acclaimed recording of three Haydn piano concertos with this delightful recording of five piano sonatas, also available on EMI. They are the sonatas 24, 30, 32, 33 and 44. They are not very long in duration, but they have spikey wit, charm and are cheerful. Andsnes brings them off brilliantly. His judgement of tempo and pedalling makes these a joy to hear. He is supported by a warm but very clear recording. The piano tone is realistic and should be joy to all who love the piano. A highlight recording of 1999.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful