Alfred Brendel plays Liszt & Schumann

Advantages: Classic Brendel, good sound
Disadvantages: Classic Brendel

...control and an authentic expression of the childish, playful Mozartian spirit in the way that Sir Clifford Curzon, for example, used to invariably do. I think that we are not hearing the composer's authentic voice here. Brendel fans will not be disappointed; others may not be fully satisfied. Sound quality is first class throughout.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Unparalleled playing, Unbelievably good bargain for 6 CDs!
Disadvantages: Um, paper sleeves? No, seriously, it's great

...This box set comprises recordings from 1985-89, when Horowitz was 81 years old! In 1986 Horowitz returned to Russia after 60 years away to give his monumental Moscow recital of which the live recording is included in this set. I personally find this performance of Liszt's Sonetto 104 del Petrarca to be the finest ever recorded. Alongside this is Scarlatti, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Schumann, Chopin, Moszkowski, and Schubert. Accompanying this recital is 5 other discs of outstandingly unique playing. As he got older, Horowitz's playing became a sort of caricature of itself in the nicest possible way. By this I mean, his dynamics became more extreme, he became more expressive than ever, and his sense of style was heightened to new levels. Horowitz's Mozart playing has been criticized for being too free and not in Mozart... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Wide range of little-know music played live by world-class pianists
Disadvantages: None for those who enjoy classical Piano Solo music

...). Sauer is better known as an editor of piano works by Liszt, but he wrote sonatas, a large number of concert studies, and other works in a fairly conservative style, showing little influence of Liszt. Here Marshev plays two concert studies with a beautiful light wispy touch, amply fulfilling the titles of the works, "Sighing Breezes" and "Rustling Leaves". Marshev ends with an encore by Rodion Shchedrin, "A la Albeniz". Shchedrin is a twentieth century Russian composer whose music is enjoyable to listen to, and does not have the harshness and angularity of other modern composers, such as some works by Prokofiev. A la Albeniz is a lively, rhythmic work, written in homage to the Spanish composer, Isaac Albeniz. Marshev plays this work with verve, bringing out the Spanish melodies and rhythms with a Russian tinge. Piers Lane Piers Lane... Read review

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