Live Solo Piano Recordings

[George]

No problem, thanks Dirk!

[dirkronk]

Here's a couple of items I have on LP that are also v-e-r-y "historic" (as in, forget good sonics) but are most worthy of at least one serious listen, even if all you do is hear a friend's copy. And yes, both have been transferred to CD...by Marston on his own label, so there's a good chance his sonics are better than my copies. Both of these are by Josef Hofmann--his Golden Jubilee Concert of 1937 and his Casimir Hall Recital of 1938. I will not try to make claims about Hofmann per se: you'll either like his playing or you won't. But there are these incredible moments...

One is a Beethoven Waldstein from Casimir Hall. I think it's safe to say that you're unlikely to hear ANYTHING like that one ever again, from anyone. Utterly wild, manic, crazy. But compelling. Some would say it's like listening to a train wreck...and yet...well, let's just say that I can't be the ONLY person who finds these concerts exciting. They've been serious in-demand items ever since the recordings first became available. 'Nuff said. Track 'em down. Listen before you buy if you can, obviously. But listen.

A bit better in the sonics department is a Backhaus Carnegie recital of all Beethoven sonatas, except for some other composers' items as encores. Originally available on London. I have the original LP release from the early 1950s in an old "long box" with internal dowel and swing-out sleeves. The playing captures typical Backhaus power, control and expression years before he did his stereo LvB sonata cycle. Yeah, he's already old but the guy has serious chops in this concert. Not sure what CD label has issued this, but I remember someone on another board mentioning that it was available in that format. Surely someone here can tell us.

OK, so enough with the ancient stuff. Somebody post a more current suggestion, please.


Dirk