Pollini's 1970's cycle established his Beethoven credentials with the public at large. ... more
These live 90s remakes--audience generally well-behaved--share the same precise, but never clinical objectivity and sovereign technique. The interpretations aren't r...
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Aimard is best-known as an exponent of contemporary music, Harnoncourt as a founding ... more
father of the period instrument movement. To the provocative Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos 1-5 both bring elements of their contrasting backgrounds--Aimard in the lucidity and transparency of his playing, Harnoncourt by rooting Beethoven within earlier traditions. But such templates don't always apply here, since they also utilise such ultra-Romantic gestures as wide tempo fluctuations (often from one measure to the next), elongated pauses and unexpected accents. Such a diversity of interpretive stances takes getting used to, but the effort's worthwhile as these discs make something fresh and new out of familiar repertory pieces. The first two concertos fare best and the "Emperor" is also striking with its blend of clear textures and heroic gestures that likely surprised the composer's contemporaries with their boldness. In No. 3, lyricism sometimes shades into lingering and the famous dialogue between growling orchestra and poetic piano in No. 4 is tame alongside most versions. The pair generally favour spacious tempos--the opening allegro con brios of the first three concertos don't have much brio and slow movements are slower than the norm, although those fluctuating internal speeds keep total timings within the "normal" range. But then, the goal of these artists is to restore a spirit of adventure and spontaneity to Beethoven and they've certainly succeeded. --Dan Davis, Amazon.com
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Advantages: dynamic and gripping Disadvantages: none
Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth.
The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be.
Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike. ...
Advantages: Excellent physcological study of character. Disadvantages: Grim, brutal, shocking scenes of a sexual nature.
The Piano Teacher
The Piano Teacher is a subtitled film of the Phycological Drama genre. Released in 2001 it is also known by it's French name La pianiste. Directed by Michael Haneke, it is based on the novel by Die Klavierspielerin which won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 2004.
Graphic in it's content this film delves into the darker side of sex, including fetishism, bondage, and sado/masochism. It also touches
on the delicate subject of genitalia self harm. This is not a light film, and is not recommended for family viewing. ~
I will be reviewing FILM ONLY
Synopsis
This is a tale revolving around a professor at a music conservatory in Vienna. Her name is Erica and she is played played by the wonderful actress Isabelle Huppert, Who has an impressive 75+ films under her belt. Erica is ...
Morning_Becomes_Electra 20.01.2008 (25.01.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Piano Teacher
Advantages: interesting story, excellent acting, Disadvantages: expected more
I went into this movie knowing about the oscars it had won and having been recommended by several friends, I expected something good.
As a fan of period films, this movie is set in the 1850's, New Zealand. Ada (Holly Hunter) is a mute who with her young daughter Flora(Ann Paquin) braves the dangerous journey across the world. We see the movie start with them landing with all their belongings, including the priceless piano. Life begins in the leafy forest with her new Husband, Stewart (Sam Neill). Life is not what she expected in this remote area. Things take a turn for the worse when her new Husband sells her piano a neighbour, George (Harvey Keitel). George however, tells Ada she may earn back her piano by giving him piano lessons. Through the lessons, we see a turbulant but intreging relationship form.
This movie wasn't what I ...
rafomania 16.11.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Piano (DVD)
