Recordings That You Are Considering

[Karl Henning]

Considering afresh:

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Lots of Roussel, and a good helping of Berlioz. And much else besides, of course.

[kishnevi]

Considering afresh:

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Lots of Roussel, and a good helping of Berlioz. And much else besides, of course.

I have that on my list.  But I haven't ordered it,  because every time I am tempted I look at how many other sets are sitting in the Pile.

[Brian]

Considering afresh:

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Lots of Roussel, and a good helping of Berlioz. And much else besides, of course.

Got that! I've found several treasures in there of which I was previously unaware, like the awesome Florent Schmitt Psalm 47 (my favorite Schmitt, that) and the wacky/intriguing Ibert "Tropismes pour des amours imaginaires". Have not yet heard the Roussel Aeneas or complete Falla ballet recordings, but those are of high interest. Hmmm, maybe this weekend.

The Roussel Bacchus is good but the bacchanale ending not as visceral/thrilling as Deneve on Naxos.

[Karl Henning]

I have that on my list.  But I haven't ordered it, because every time I am tempted I look at how many other sets are sitting in the Pile.

This, too.

[aligreto]

I have complete cycles of the Mozart Piano Sonatas by Lubimov, Uchida, van Oort and Wurtz. Two of these are obviously played on a modern instrument and two are played on a period instrument. My inclination, in general, is to opt for a period performance but this situation is a problem for me because in the piano music of Mozart I prefer to listen to a modern instrument based on what I have heard so far. I am not convinced that, in this exceptional situation, the piano music is best served on a period instrument. These things are obviously subjective but I feel that the sparkle in the character of the music and of the composer is best reflected in the timbre and sonorities of a modern instrument. However, I have read good things of the Brautigam cycle and I would like to elicit your opinion please.

[kishnevi]

I have complete cycles of the Mozart Piano Sonatas by Lubimov, Uchida, van Oort and Wurtz. Two of these are obviously played on a modern instrument and two are played on a period instrument. My inclination, in general, is to opt for a period performance but this situation is a problem for me because in the piano music of Mozart I prefer to listen to a modern instrument based on what I have heard so far. I am not convinced that, in this exceptional situation, the piano music is best served on a period instrument. These things are obviously subjective but I feel that the sparkle in the character of the music and of the composer is best reflected in the timbre and sonorities of a modern instrument. However, I have read good things of the Brautigam cycle and I would like to elicit your opinion please.

I have the van Oort, and have no urge to look for a better one.
But have you checked into Brautigam's Haydn?  That's a very good set.  Also his Beethoven.

[jlaurson]

I have complete cycles of the Mozart Piano Sonatas by Lubimov, Uchida, van Oort and Wurtz. Two of these are obviously played on a modern instrument and two are played on a period instrument. My inclination, in general, is to opt for a period performance but this situation is a problem for me because in the piano music of Mozart I prefer to listen to a modern instrument based on what I have heard so far. I am not convinced that, in this exceptional situation, the piano music is best served on a period instrument. These things are obviously subjective but I feel that the sparkle in the character of the music and of the composer is best reflected in the timbre and sonorities of a modern instrument. However, I have read good things of the Brautigam cycle and I would like to elicit your opinion please.

You've got a good collection there. Either Brautigam and Bezuidenhout (see also the Mozart Piano Sonata Cycle Survey) would look very good in that line-up. Both might just combine your modern-piano sound preference with the HIP inclination. Obviously they play historic instruments, but both play modern copies thereof... which is good. And Paul McNulty instruments, to boot, which is even better, because these really make a world of difference and do much to make the sound of these fortepianos a most pleasant affairs. Brautigam's is the older cycle of the two and the instruments that Bezuidenhout got to use are still a little better... but the difference between the two is marginal compared to that between either and van Oort or especially Lubimov. Also: Bezuidenhout isn't available as a cycle yet.

If that doesn't appeal to you, after all, you may want to consider either Larrocha (dryer, less indulgent than wonderful Uchida) or Haebler (either of her cycles... but the second sounds a lot better). I've not finished the survey beyond "P", but fortunately (unless you are looking at Zacharias) that's fine for the purposes of these choices. :-)

[André]

I heard this disc yesterday in streaming - complete with cuts between connected movements  and was floored by the sonics AND the interpretation. I will definitely give this due consideration in the near future.

[Florestan]

in the piano music of Mozart I prefer to listen to a modern instrument based on what I have heard so far. I am not convinced that, in this exceptional situation, the piano music is best served on a period instrument. These things are obviously subjective but I feel that the sparkle in the character of the music and of the composer is best reflected in the timbre and sonorities of a modern instrument.

In this case you should really get Maria Joao Pires´ first set (on Denon, reissued by Brilliant Classics). Pure magic both musically and aurally.

[aligreto]

I have the van Oort, and have no urge to look for a better one.
But have you checked into Brautigam's Haydn?  That's a very good set.  Also his Beethoven.

I have no Brautigam performances at all I am afraid so I know nothing of him first hand.

[aligreto]

You've got a good collection there. Either Brautigam and Bezuidenhout (see also the Mozart Piano Sonata Cycle Survey) would look very good in that line-up. Both might just combine your modern-piano sound preference with the HIP inclination. Obviously they play historic instruments, but both play modern copies thereof... which is good. And Paul McNulty instruments, to boot, which is even better, because these really make a world of difference and do much to make the sound of these fortepianos a most pleasant affairs. Brautigam's is the older cycle of the two and the instruments that Bezuidenhout got to use are still a little better... but the difference between the two is marginal compared to that between either and van Oort or especially Lubimov. Also: Bezuidenhout isn't available as a cycle yet.

If that doesn't appeal to you, after all, you may want to consider either Larrocha (dryer, less indulgent than wonderful Uchida) or Haebler (either of her cycles... but the second sounds a lot better). I've not finished the survey beyond "P", but fortunately (unless you are looking at Zacharias) that's fine for the purposes of these choices. :-)

Thank you very much for those links and your advice. Larrocha is one that I did not consider.

[aligreto]

In this case you should really get Maria Joao Pires´ first set (on Denon, reissued by Brilliant Classics). Pure magic both musically and aurally.

I was not aware that Maria Joao Pires had two such cycles. I was aware of the DG cycle. I must look up that Denon/Brilliant cycle; you would definitely recommend that one over the DG cycle?

[Florestan]

I was not aware that Maria Joao Pires had two such cycles. I was aware of the DG cycle. I must look up that Denon/Brilliant cycle; you would definitely recommend that one over the DG cycle?

I have not listened to the DG cycle. Maybe Jens can help.

[jlaurson]

I have not listened to the DG cycle. Maybe Jens can help.

Not really, unfortunately, for I, in turn, don't have the Denon cycle. 

[Spineur]

I was not aware that Maria Joao Pires had two such cycles. I was aware of the DG cycle. I must look up that Denon/Brilliant cycle; you would definitely recommend that one over the DG cycle?

I had the Denon cycle in LP and replaced it with the DG cycle in CD.  I think there is more maturity and musicianship in the DG cycle which I would recommend over the Denon (which has its value - freshness and recording quality).

[aligreto]

Thank you guys. I think that Spineur has hit the target; does one want youthful freshness or a more considered approach when listening to this music. I will have to consider that one for a bit.

[Que]

You've got a good collection there. Either Brautigam and Bezuidenhout (see also the Mozart Piano Sonata Cycle Survey) would look very good in that line-up. Both might just combine your modern-piano sound preference with the HIP inclination. Obviously they play historic instruments, but both play modern copies thereof... which is good. And Paul McNulty instruments, to boot, which is even better, because these really make a world of difference and do much to make the sound of these fortepianos a most pleasant affairs. Brautigam's is the older cycle of the two and the instruments that Bezuidenhout got to use are still a little better... but the difference between the two is marginal compared to that between either and van Oort or especially Lubimov. Also: Bezuidenhout isn't available as a cycle yet.

I think that Jens makes a good point here. If you're HIP inclined but prefer a more "modern/mature/full" sound, these are the cycles I would consider for the reasons stated by Jens.
The Brautigam is very good, but ultimately I found him a bit mono focused on the "thrill" - resulting in a rather "pushy" approach in "hyper-drive". The poetry got a bit lost IMO.
Bezuidenhout as all the makings of a superb cycle.

In this case you should really get Maria Joao Pires´ first set (on Denon, reissued by Brilliant Classics). Pure magic both musically and aurally.

I had the Denon cycle in LP and replaced it with the DG cycle in CD.  I think there is more maturity and musicianship in the DG cycle which I would recommend over the Denon (which has its value - freshness and recording quality).

I strongly support Florestan's suggestion of Pires' 1st cycle, definitely the most eligible "modern" cycle if you are HIP inclined. For me this is the best cycle on a modern piano.
And I definitely would not prefer the DG remake. That cycle is indeed more mature - but in the sense that it does not have the more youthful exuberance of the Denon cycle. I would disagree on the musicianship: the level of accomplishment in musical insights in the Denon cycle is astounding. The DG cycle is a more Romantic, "middle of the road" reading that rather fits in with the usual readings on modern piano. I think Pires got it right the 1st time....

My advice: definitely get the Denon cycle by Pires on Brilliant and sample Brautigam (and Bezuidenhout for future purchase).

Q

[amw]

For modern instruments I don't think anyone can come close to Kraus (Erato or M&A—not the later one on Sony). I'd also recommend her over any period instruments performer except perhaps Jos van Immerseel (only the last 4-5 sonatas). Sort of makes the whole "youthful freshness vs. more considered approach" question moot, as well—you can have both in the same performance >_>

[The new erato]

I like Gulda's Mozart tapes. All wrong I know, but he makes me aware of Mozart therevolutionary.

[aligreto]

I think that Jens makes a good point here. If you're HIP inclined but prefer a more "modern/mature/full" sound, these are the cycles I would consider for the reasons stated by Jens.
The Brautigam is very good, but ultimately I found him a bit mono focused on the "thrill" - resulting in a rather "pushy" approach in "hyper-drive". The poetry got a bit lost IMO.
Bezuidenhout as all the makings of a superb cycle.

I strongly support Florestan's suggestion of Pires' 1st cycle, definitely the most eligible "modern" cycle if you are HIP inclined. For me this is the best cycle on a modern piano.
And I definitely would not prefer the DG remake. That cycle is indeed more mature - but in the sense that it does not have the more youthful exuberance of the Denon cycle. I would disagree on the musicianship: the level of accomplishment in musical insights in the Denon cycle is astounding. The DG cycle is a more Romantic, "middle of the road" reading that rather fits in with the usual readings on modern piano. I think Pires got it right the 1st time....

My advice: definitely get the Denon cycle by Pires on Brilliant and sample Brautigam (and Bezuidenhout for future purchase).

Q

Thank you for your contribution Que; much appreciated. I think that in my own mind I am heading towards the Denon/Brilliant version purely from the "youthful enthusiasm" perspective which, upon consideration, is what I am seeking in the performance of this music.