Severnside Composers\' Alliance: A recital for two pianists

Advantages: Top performance of range of virtuoso piano works
Disadvantages: A little too much virtuosity to listen to all in one sitting

...") condenses a symphony orchestra into two hands in a totally musical manner, complete with the crashing "surprise" chord from which the symphony was given its nickname. There is a taste here of Sorabji, the mystical composer who wrote music with so many notes that it looks as though it would need at least four hands to play it. Much of Sorabji's music is long and tiring to listen to, but the Hindu Merchant's Song from Sadko recorded here is short and beautiful, wrapping the melody in lush harmonies, which Hamelin plays with great sensitivity. Medtner's Improvisation has some of each: a beautiful melody, together with amazing twisting variations on it. Hamelin is often considered to be the greatest pianist since Godowsky, and Godowsky's Toccata is included here, with its beautiful melodies weaving effortlessly through the complex fabric... Read review

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Advantages: Cherkassky playing at his best in wide range of solo works
Disadvantages: No Godowsky included

...This is one of the best recordings of the great Romantic Virtuoso pianist, Shura Cherkassky. It showcases him at his best in a recital covering a wide range of repertoire. He is known for being wayward in some of his performances, but there is very little of that in this recital. His performances vary considerably, depending on his moods, the audience and other external factors. He was in top form at this 1982 recital and was very happy with his performance afterwards. He starts the recital with Suite de Pieces by Lully, one of the most well-known early French Baroque composers. Lully was one of the first conductors, hitting the ground with a stick. Unfortunately he died after he hit his toe by accident with the stick. This music was obviously written for the harpsichord (or one of its close relatives) and is not often... Read review

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Advantages: Brilliant, stirring, excitingly unpredictable, fresh performance; "genius" is not hyperbole in Argerich's case.
Disadvantages: Reflecting its LP origins, the CD lasts only 50' 16"!

...[NOTE: This review dates from January 2001, shortly after that personal musical milestone when I first heard Martha Argerich through this J. S. Bach recording--only to be blown away over to the next galaxy. I’ve edited the piece for clarity, but have not updated or altered the original tone.] Eureka! I have just discovered another great pianist! Goes by the name of Martha Argerich, ever heard of her? Well, for hermit-living-under-a-rock Philistine me, not till now! I’m only a few decades late, but I finally made her acquaintance recently, through a Toccata, a Partita, and an English Suite composed by my beloved J. S. Bach. All found on a CD purchased on the spur of the moment, music unheard, believing that Deutsche Grammophon Records could not be exaggerating when they included Martha Argerich in the re... Read review

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