Topic: The Murray Perahia Appreciation Thread

[PerfectWagnerite]

Standing ovations in America are almost a matter of courtesy & can't really be taken as indicators of performance quality or even audience response. Also I've never heard perfect playing from any pianist (or violinist, etc) in concert although I have heard a few who are better in person than on record—Mitsuko Uchida is one.

I would agree, but you can tell when a standing ovation is a matter of courtesy or indicator of performance quality usually, the atmosphere is dramatically different. One of the greatest concerts I have been to is to hear James Galway play. It seems like he never takes a breath with absolute clarity of tone from top to bottom in a volume that you can hear every little nuance even sitting in a corner in the back row. At the end the audience just seems spell-bounded. It was not your garden-variety standing ovation.

[Ras]

His recording of Mendelssohn's piano concertos are my favorite in the repertoire:

I have warmed up to his Bach recordings after having been initially unimpressed.

His recording of Mozart's piano concertos are not among my favorites.

[Mandryka]

Very much enjoying his Chopin op 58 sonata, a surprise because in the past when I’ve tried the recording I’ve appreciated it less. I think it’s early, before the paper cut. There’s a sense of unforced, expressiveness, and a good piano tone.