Alkan, Charles-Valentin

Average customer rating:

The greatest CD I've bought in years
Least approachable of Hamelin's Alkan, yet still magnificent
Please listen to the OTHER tracks in this CD as well.
A Maturity that is Everlasting!
Marc-Andre Hamelin does it again!

Alkan: Symphony for solo piano
Marc-Andre Hamelin
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope
Marc-André Hamelin Live at Wigmore Hall
Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39
Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes
Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith

ASIN: B00005JJ3N
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

Sym, Op.39 Nos.4-7: Allegro
Sym, Op.39 Nos.4-7: Marche Funebre: Andantino
Sym, Op.39 Nos.4-7: Menuet
Sym, Op.39 Nos.4-7: Finale: Presto
Salut, Cendre Du Pauvre!, Op.45
Alleluia, Op.25
Super Flumina Babylonis, Op.52 (Paraphrase Du Psaume 137)
Souvenirs: Trois Morceaux Dans Le Genre Pathetique, Op.25: Aime-moit
Souvenirs: Trois Morceaux Dans Le Genre Pathetique, Op.25: Le Vent
Souvenirs: Trois Morceaux Dans Le Genre Pathetique, Op.25: Morte

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Alkan's one of music's originals, a relatively neglected composer valued for his highly original, often visionary keyboard works accessible only to the most skilled virtuosos. Marc-André Hamelin certainly fills that bill and almost outdoes himself on this disc, playing with breathtaking virtuosity and imaginative insight. The Symphony for solo piano is just a four-movement work of symphonic scope and color. The opening Allegro is a tightly structured drama, followed by a Mahlerian funeral march, a vigorous scherzo, and a final blistering Presto dispatched by Hamelin with almost supernatural ease. The Symphony was part of an even bigger work, the Opus 39 Études, whose 12 pieces include Alkan's best music. The three brief pieces that follow have strong attractions, deep spirituality prime among them. The final three pieces from his early Opus 15 set exemplify Alkan the Romantic. Again, Hamelin makes light of their technical difficulties, while shaping them sensitively. Notable are Le vent, where the right-hand runs make you hear the whistling wind and Morte, another powerful funeral march. Vivid sound captures Hamelin's nuanced playing, helping to make this disc a must-have for pianophiles. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

The greatest CD I've bought in years.......2006-04-25

Ask most classical music fans about Charles-Valentin Alkan and they'll most likely have no clue what to say. I always assumed, after seeing his name in various books, that he was either an obscure opera composer or a twentieth century atonal experimenter. This mindset changed when I happened to come across this CD on the Hyperion website. I learned who Alkan really was, and being the Lisztian and Chopinite I am, I bought this instantly without even listening to a sample track. This has been the most fortunate gamble I've ever taken; the other passionate and eloquent reviews here pretty much confirm that I was right to plunge myself into Alkan.

For those new to Alkan, this is probably the best place to start. Although, after my own first hearing of this CD, I immediately ordered every Alkan CD on the Naxos label and found the Op. 35 Etudes an essential showcase for Alkan's unbelievable genius. It's hard to believe that this obscure hermit who lived next to Chopin was composing such original and extraordinary music. A beginner to Alkan's music might sense a fusion between the styles of Chopin and Liszt, with a spice of Schumann and a tinge of Rachmaninov, if that's possible. Alkan possesses all the faculties for creating gorgeous and beautiful melodies; indeed, he holds his own with Chopin in that area. But Alkan's renowned for composing demonic works with monstrous technical passages that stretch the limits of the piano. While this reputation tends to overshadow his musicality and Beethovenian depth of expression, Alkan is frankly successful with writing tour-de-force compositions. He does it better than Liszt himself, as exemplified by the menacing crashes of the Symphony for Solo Piano and the violent coda of Morte from the Op. 15.

The Symphony for Solo Piano is a masterpiece in my book. I've heard countless large-scale piano works and I must say nothing has ever made such an impression on me as this portion of the Op. 39. With Classical structure and Romantic furor, the work rivals any contemporary Sonata from Chopin, Schumann or even Brahms for that matter. To quote Francois Luguenot, "The structure of the piece is as perfect, and its proportions as harmonious, as those of a movement in a symphony by Mendelssohn, but the whole is dominated by a deeply passionate mood." Indeed, whether in the brooding first Allegro movement, the satirically gloomy funeral march, or the tempestuous Menuet, one can easily see that this work is a monumental tapestry of music. There is a comforting but mind-blowing range of expression in this masterpiece. If devilish torrents of pianism appeal to you, I guarantee the Finale, a "ride in hell" as Raymond Lewenthal aptly said, will tingle your spine and keep the blood pumping.

After listening to this recording dozens of times, I'm convinced the highlight of the CD is actually the Souvenirs: Trois Morceaux dans le genre pathetique Op. 15. Although harshly criticized by Schumann, I've never heard better works of their kind, whether from Chopin, Liszt, Henselt, or Rubinstein. This Op. 15 is a trinity of towering, gushing Romantic piano compositions. The first, Aime-moi, is astonishing in its scope, expressive ideas, and utter transcendence. Hamelin reveals a breathtaking degree of interpretative clairvoyance here. Even more tremendous is the simple but profound "Le vent," a heart-wrenching and melancholy excursion that defies the sonorities of the piano. To quote Liszt, "'Le vent' is the most Romantic of the three...One can almost hear the rain trickling down the oak trees' trunks, and, in great reverence, one can listen to the tune which floats above all these subdued murmurings, like the song of the lover or the poet as he looks upon Nature's sorrow yet without feeling that sadness in himself because he holds in his heart the gentle glow of a memory or a hope." Concluding this trio of jewels, Morte explores a dark abyss of sound, generating a level of pathos and fury unlike anything I've heard. The sinister "Dies Irae" opening leads to a lamenting and morbid development, replete with beautifully somber phrases and violent outbursts. Morte's underlying dark beauty and intensity shares a plateau with Beethoven's own Funeral Marches, in my view.

The three pieces that separate the Symphony for Solo Piano and the Op. 15 are equally impressive, as well. "Salut, cendre du pauvre!" is satisfyingly enchanting, dark, and pensive. Likewise, the "Super flumina Babylonis" proves to be just as engrossing, with memorable and intelligent ideas. Some other reviewers have spoken unkindly towards the glorious "Alleluia," but I don't believe it's as superficial as some have labeled it: Alkan's sense of replicating the organ's textures into the piano's registers, and the sheer majestic effect of a chorus, are all inherent in this brief but ecstatic work.

Bottom line: Those with an affinity for Liszt and Romantic piano will almost automatically love this music. The impact of hearing this magnificent but neglected music is like that of discovering fire by accident. It's one of the best CD's I've purchased in years; the performance of the extraordinary and god-like pianist, Marc-Andre Hamelin, is a triumph. I implore the reader to buy this right now and discover the stupendous music of Alkan.

Least approachable of Hamelin's Alkan, yet still magnificent.......2004-09-18

Hamelin continues his recording of Alkan's magnificent op 39 with numbers 4-7: The Symphony for Solo Piano. The collection also features somber pieces such as, Salut cendre du pauvre op 45, Super flumina Babylonis op 52, and the fantastic Trois Morceaux dans le genre Pathetique Op 15. Again, Hamelin's stays loyal to Alkan's vision and his technique speaks for itself.

The Symphony is tonally perfect. With Hamelin, you really do get the feeling you are listening to a symphony. The structure and execution of the Allegro is impeccable, and surpasses all others. Hamelin playing allows the listener to hear the great contrasts of emotions in the Marche Funèbre, and Menuet (pieces that anticipate Mahler and Bruckner respectively). The Finale, called "Ride in Hell" by Raymond Lewenthal is exactly that with Hamelin. The fact that Hamelin holds back until about 2:05 makes the climax of this piece even more spectacular.

Salut Cendre du Pauvre, and Super Flumina Babylonis are both gloomy pieces that are played with maturity and a great deal of control. While not as grand as the other works on the CD, they are still very interesting. Hamelin's technique do not make these pieces dull at all. Alleluia is a short piece brimming with joy and energy, but is the most superficial of the bunch.

The Trois Morceaux are remarkably treated. In many Alkan recordings, the listener is weighed down by the technical troubles the pianist experiences, and they are not able to hear the actual music. This is not at all the case with Hamelin's performance; his skill allows Alkan's music to be heard and not simply the performer's technique. The bizarrely named pieces radiate melancholy, gloom, and all the emotion that Chopin and Liszt could express in their music (and more). Hamelin delivers.

This CD is probably the least approachable of Hamelin's Alkan but is also the most profound. It causes one to re-think classical literature as a whole. In Hamelin's performance, we get to hear the profound Alkan as never before.

Please listen to the OTHER tracks in this CD as well........2002-05-28

Even though the highlight of this CD is the Symphony for Solo Piano, I think the supporting tracks are the real reason why I would recommend this CD. They are all titled in very bizarre names, and I'm afraid most listeners would listen to them once and put them away for good. Here's a brief rundown of the supporting tracks:

"Salut, cendre du pauvre" - tough to categorize this work with any other composer. It's not as dramatic as most of the works in this CD. If Beethoven's 6th symphony brought the listener closer to nature, I guess that would be a similar reasoning with this work.

"Alleuia" - short work, the name says it all. The least interesting recording in the CD.

"Super flumina Babylonia" - a very interesting, dramatic work. I somehow find this work similar to a Bach keyboard toccata. It has a very interesting fugue in the middle and I just wished Alkan would've developed it longer considering it goes back to the original slow theme before it really has a chance to take off.

"Aime moi" - This is the highlight of the CD. This work has as much emotional range as any of the great Chopin Ballades. The main theme is one of the most beautiful music that I ever heard. Hamelin really brings a sense of longing to this work. Arthur Rubinstein would've been proud of this recording.

"Le Vent" - Very similar to the effect that Chopin brought to the op. 25 no. 12 etude, also known as the "Ocean Etude." Very interesting, but the main theme doesn't really develop into anything... but neither did Chopin and his work.

"Morte" - Take Chopin's great Polonaise-fantaisie in Aflat-major.... and instead of the dreamlike motif, substitute it with the Dies Irae theme. This is a truly great work and Hamelin does a wonderful job assimilating all the different moments.

A Maturity that is Everlasting!.......2002-04-14

Symphony:

This has to be the finest recording of the Sypmhony ever! Everyone I have spoken to comment on the way Marc-Andre Hamelin plays the Presto Finale - yes sure the speed is amazing and it is faultless throughout, but I think that he plays the first movement Allegro Moderato the best. As the first notes sound, you can hear something extraordinary is about to happen. He plays the first movement with such maturity - he interprets it the way it should be - with passion, fire, sorrow etc. His lyrical lines always lead somewhere and his pedalling is fantastic. The best part though in this movement is the coda - full of agitation, strong fingerwork and careful phrasing make it a wondrous close to the first movement.

Next is the Marche Funebre. I think people under-estimate the difficulty of this piece. It calls for both hands to play and sustain a note with the 5th finger and then the other fingers play staccato chords. Hamelin does this with a wonderful effect and, even though it is a 'Funeral', he always keeps the march pace.

The Minuet (Scherzo): Hamelin pulls this off with EXCELLENT phrasing, accentuation, pedalling and speed. He really makes it sound like a Scherzo (which in actual fact it is). In complete contrast to the Scherzo - the Trio just wants to make you fall asleep - the cantabile playing is unmatched and dreamlike!

Presto Finale: What can I say - "a ride in hell" played with energy provides a fantastic conlcusion to an original work.

The Next Three Pieces:

All not too long and very interesting. One that I must point out though is the Alleluia. Hamelin plays this with a strong, even tone on every chord, which makes it actually sound like a massive choir - the effect is spine-tingling!

Trois Morceaux dans le Genre Pathetique:

Wow,wow,wow! These three pieces have been brought back to life! As Aime-Moi filled my room, I could feel Hamelin's emotions soaring through the BEAUTIFUL melodic lines. Within seconds I was crying! Aime-Moi is definately my favourite piece in this set and is just so delicious! I would buy the CD just for that piece!
Le vent: Immediately you can hear the wind whining through trees and long grasses in Paris (well, in my vision. This is really portrayed perfectly and should definately become popular again!
Morte: The Most mature of the set. Really demading music requring full musical potential and understanding of the music - this piece is definately "obscure in a good way". I love Hamelin's account of this piece - he plays it with such love and care - unmissable!

Summary: Get it now!

Bon apetit!
Gareth Ross

Marc-Andre Hamelin does it again!.......2001-08-19

I knew it was inevitable - Alkan's Symphony for Solo Piano is just Hamelin's repertoire and I pre-ordered this recording as soon as I became aware of its existence. Not surprisingly, this is another classic to add to the Alkan/Hamelin/Hyperion discography.

The only disappointment for me was the fourth movement of the symphony. Not that it's bad or anything, but for me, it just didn't work. I'm usually the last person to complain about Hamelin's well known tendency to make everything sound "too easy", but in this case, it really DOES seem detrimental to the music. I much prefer Gibbons in this movement - he really makes it sound like a ride in hell. Hamelin's lacks some of the passion and drive in the searing Gibbons' account. Hamelin's consistent ultra-clarity and slavery to the beat sort of dullened it for me - and the left hand octaves in the climax section really needed stronger accenting. The first movement however belongs to Hamelin - His performance is more dynamic, intense, and interesting than any other I've heard. Definitive. The second and third movements are both unique and carefully thought out. Everything else on the disc is just as I'd expect from this pianist - standard-setting and definitive. Here's hoping that Hamelin will include at least one of the remaining Op. 39 etudes (Comme le Vent, En Rhythme Molossique, Scherzo Diabolique, and Overture - minus the concerto he's already recorded) on his upcoming encore disc.

Charles-Valentin Alkan: Concerto For Solo Piano
Average customer rating:

Probably the Best-Played Piano Disc Ever

Alkan gets 5 stars - this performance gets 2

Overwhelming grandeur!

One of the best

a gift from God

Charles-Valentin Alkan: Concerto For Solo Piano

Manufacturer: Music & Arts Program
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Hamelin, Marc-André | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
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Alkan: Symphony for solo piano

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Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39

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Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith

ASIN: B000001OFE
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Allegro assai
Adagio
Allegretto Alla Barbaresca

Product Description

Concerto for solo piano

Customer Reviews:

Probably the Best-Played Piano Disc Ever.......2007-05-08

There simply cannot be enough praise for this extraordinary recording of one of the most unfairly neglected masterpieces of music of all time. I do not want to undermine my writing with exaggerated use of superlatives--which anyway would not be capable of describing this strangely hidden treasure of divine music and pianism. What Mr Hamelin actually manages to accomplish with his only ten fingers is beyond any comparison.

Pick any pianistic feature or trick--you will find them all in Alkan's masterpiece, executed by Mr Hamelin to a degree most other pianists could only approach in their dreams. His absolute command and natural fluency of the music is not likely to be surpassed in the foreseeable future.

Indeed, Mr Gibbon's ASV version may well be worth acquiring--not for comparison, which simply would not make any sense, but for a better recorded piano sound. That is namely my only reservation about this disc--the fact that the recorded sound of the, unfortunately, Yamaha instrument is terribly boxy and unnatural.

This disc has been my number one, out of some 1,500, for more many years. I cannot see what could replace it--other than a new Hamelin version with that lovely Hyperion/Steinway sound from Henry Wood Hall (of which there is promise for in the new 2007 printed Hyperion catalogue!). This is THE desert island disc.

Alkan gets 5 stars - this performance gets 2.......2006-05-04

Alkan's Concerto for Solo Piano Op. 39 is one of the greatest Romantic piano masterpieces, standing shoulder to shoulder with Liszt's Sonata in B minor, Chopin's B-flat minor sonata and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Alkan's entire Op. 39 is undoubtedly the most original piano composition of all time. How do you go from the 12 Chopin/Liszt etudes of contrasting character to a three movement etude in the form of a concerto, a concerto for solo piano? This kind of innovation is mind-blowing. The lines for each instrument are there, the orchestral introduction, the solo parts, the cadenza... and yet Alkan refuses to enlist the aid of the orchestra in expressing this colossal music; he bravely challenges the edges of solo instrumental technique with only his beloved keyboard as his weapon. I apologize for the Romantic talk, but it's necessary for the reader to understand that I adore Alkan and this particular work. The first movement is a musical canvas of the greatest brushstrokes and details of Romantic expression. I would not change a single bar or alter any of the phrasing; had this work been exposed to the public or at least to more contemporaries of Alkan, I have no doubt music historians would place it next to Liszt's Sonata in B minor, and it would have become just as much of a war-horse for today's pianists.

However, I must begrudgingly give this CD 3 stars because of Marc-Andre Hamelin's lackluster interpretation; it's both disappointing and shocking. Hamelin's performances of the Symphony for Solo Piano and the Op. 33 Grand Sonata, not to mention the Sonatine and the Op. 15 found on the Hyperion label, are *masterfully* done. In these, Hamelin plays with a warm legato and Romantic fire that Alkan's music needs in order to speak to us. That "Symphony for Solo Piano" disc from Hyperion remains one of the best purchases I've ever made. Here, though, Hamelin's gorgeous pedaling and rich articulation is completely absent from the Concerto. He's decided to tackle this monumental Romantic work as if it were a Mozart concerto.

I must explain, though, that I became familiar with the Concerto for Solo Piano through Jack Gibbons's stellar recording. And I was actually so excited by the Lisztian music that I bought this CD because I assumed Hamelin could play it even better. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Hamelin does not execute this work with any redeeming features. His unappealing *plucking* and extremely overhwhelming staccato is just awful; I confess it butchers the work. Hamelin's choppy and hurried sections are also startling because I've come to find Hamelin one of the best musical interpreters. His Schumann Symphonic Etudes, his Brahms Piano Quartets, and of course the other Alkan discography, are all worthy of infinite praise. So why did he make such a blunder with this Concerto? His staid interpretation does no credit to his musicianship and his outlook on how it should be performed is questionable. He thumps the notes so quickly and without any suspension that the music's nuances and singing tone are obliterated. Hamelin has been blasted by some for his robotic style but I usually discounted such criticism because of his numerous milestones like the Dukas and Godowsky sonata. In this Concerto, the sweeping crescendi and roaring fanfares that create goosebumps in the hands of a full-blooded pianist like Jack Gibbons, are merely mechanical arpeggios in Hamelin's hands.

But I must still congratulate him at least on performing this monster. He meets the technical demands even though he sacrifices the musicality for it. I won't go into Jack Gibbons's performance, but please, dear reader, see for yourself and buy both. To my ears, Jack Gibbons' interpretation and sublime delivery of the Concerto for Solo Piano is the best we'll ever get. But before I jump to that, I am hopeful for Hamelin after reading in Hyperion's catalogue that he is recording the Concerto again. I hope he's revamped his entire understanding and execution of this work. Until then, I would recommend buying Jack Gibbons CD.

Conclusion: Get Jack Gibbons's recording on the ASV label. Gibbons's powerful rendition of the Concerto Op. 39 is vastly superior to Hamelin's schizophrenic excursion. The Gibbons CD also contains even more of Alkan's music and some great interpretations of them (as a personal note, I don't like Gibbons's interpretation of the Symphony and prefer Hamelin's Hyperion label CD for that... interesting how he does the best Symphony but the worst Concerto). However, since I don't expect anyone to take my word for it, I encourage you to buy both CD's and make the judgment for yourself.

Overwhelming grandeur!.......2005-01-09

In the Gay science , Nietzsche states : Every great human being exerts a retroactive force; for his sake all of history is placed in the balance again , and a thousand secrets of the past crawl out of their hiding place ...into his sunshine ...Perhaps the past is essentially undiscovered .

This Concerto is in itself a revelation ; one of the most original creations of the second half of the nineteenth century . The abundance of its melodic richness seems no equal in the literature for piano through those fifty years .

With the only exception of the Franz Liszt ` s Sonata in B it makes for any serious analyst to find such similar work . The epic and epicurean ; the fantasy and the imagination ; the obsessive élan and wealthy incandescence of contrasted melodic lines conform a work which may be well associated with the stormy and enraged waters of the best Turner paintings .

Alkan was called "the Berlioz of the piano" . Its opening and fascinating bravura theme is repeatedly such a magnifique obstinate is accompanied by bravura tremolos and sparkling
sparks of fevered pianism . There is grotesque humour and sinister tunes ; eloquent charm and unsurpassed shimmer .

In the Adagio the cynicism appears disguised under dark tonalities and gloomy arpeggios .

In the Allegretto alla barbaresca Alkan once more , turns his moods , and writes vigorous tour de force bars plenty of vibrating emotion . If you pay special attention you will distinguish distorted notes of the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 .

Only the masterful pianism of Mark Andrea Hamelin and his prodigious musicality made possible this performance resulted an undeniable artistic triumph.

One of the best.......2004-12-31

Hamelin or Alkan fans shouldn't bother reading the rest of this review. This is an essential disk. Buy it.

If Hamelin receives any negative criticism at all, it seems to follow a regular formula: his technique is divine, but the interpretation is too rigid, fake, almost inhumane. In nearly every case I simply think the exact opposite. Yes, Hamelin's technique is divine, perhaps the greatest ever recorded, and yes, his interpretation sometimes sounds almost too perfect, but I cannot see this as a fault. If anything at all, his interpretations are sublime-- he is able to take music which may seem mundane and commonplace and create sound so beautiful, sometimes I struggle to take it all in. In practical words, his understanding of long form compositional structure (as the first movement clearly demonstrates- almost 30 minutes of sonata-allegro form) is so precise that each note maintains its excitement and importance from the very first to the last. His control of color is exhibited both in the slow lyrical parts as well as the places of incredible technical challenge (something you will not hear on ANY other recording). This disk has only one minor (minor minor minor) drawback - it was not recorded on Hamelin's present label, Hyperion and therefore cannot benefit from the tremendous sound quality Hyperion has consistently engineered. I do hope Hamelin re-records this as he has a number of other pieces so that it is included in the Hyperion catalogue.

And a bit on Alkan: the man was a master. If you wonder why you haven't heard of him, google his name and read a bio, its a fascinating story. Compositional revelations aside, his music is honest and soulful, often ironic, and always strangely familiar. There was a lot to this man and his music has much to say.

a gift from God.......2004-07-14

Not a day goes by when I don't hear this masterpiece in my head. This is a stunning work and even more amazing performance. The only problem I have is that this was recorded on a Yamaha, which I truly feel is the wrong instrument for this work. This will bother only the purist and fans of the Steinway (Hamburg) sound. The only recording that comes remotely close to this is the Ogdon recording. This is a miraculous performance that everyone should own. A legendary performance. PLEASE BUY!

Average customer rating:

The embodiment of FURY
Completely over the top!
Good alternative.
(No title).
An incredible recording! Gibbons' Alkan is superb!

Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Alkan: The Railway and other Piano Works

ASIN: B0000030PK
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

Etude No.1: Comme Le Vent
Etude No.2: En Rythme Molossique
Etude No.3: Scherzo Diabolico
Etude No.4: Sym-First Movt: Allegro
Etude No.5: Sym-Second Movt: Marche Funebre
Etude No.6: Sym-Third Movt: Menuet
Etude No.7: Sym-Fourth Movt: Finale
Nocturne in B, Op.22
Allegro Barbaro: Etudes, Op.35 No.5
Assez Vivement: Chants, Op.38 No.1
J'etait Endormie, Mais Mon Coeur Veillait: Prlds, Op.31 No.13
Le Staccatissimo: Esquisses, Op.63 No.2
Les Cloches: Esquisses, Op.63 No.4
Les Soupirs: Esquisses, Op.63 No.11
En Songe: Esquisses, Op.63 No.48
Gros Temps: Les Mois, Op.74 1st Ste No.1
Barcarolle: Chants, Op.65 No.6
La Chanson De La Folle Au Bord De La Mer: Prlds, Op.13 No.8
Le Temps Qui N'est Plus: Prlds, Op.31 No.12

Tracks:

Etude No.8: Con-First Movt: Allegro Assai
Etude No.9: Con-Second Movt: Adagio
Etude No.10: Con-Third Movt: Allegretto Alla Barberesca
Etude No.11: Ov
Etude No.12: Le Festin D'Esope

Amazon.com

Alkan's gargatuan Op. 39 Etudes embody a symphony (Etudes 4-7), a solo concertos (Etudes 8-10), an overture (No. 11), and a riotous set of 25 variations depicting the animals of Aesop's fables (No. 12, La festin d'Esope). The music demands boundless technique and stamina, which Jack Gibbons supplies in spades. He dives headfirst into the treacherous writing, letting the chips fall where they may. One can't really top Marc-Andre Hamelin's unflappable proficiency in the concertos, yet Gibbons rougher, leonine demeanor thrusts Alkan's Dionysiac qualities more to the fore. Bet you can't digest this yummy 12-plus course piano feast all in one sitting! --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

The embodiment of FURY.......2004-09-24

Gibbons' occasional technical vulnerabilities give these performances a human edge missing from hamelin's recordings. Alkan's op39 is music the pianist must fight with. Blood and sweat are a must. Its raw fury can be lost when cooly presented (ala Hamelin). The symphony finale oozes raw excitement under Gibbons' hands. Like in a disaster movie, we root for the protagonist and hope he survives through to the end. A most rewarding experience.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Completely over the top!.......2003-08-04

The main differences between this recording and the only other complete recording of the minor key etudes by Ronald Smith are:

1. Superior sound
2. A virtuosity that must be heard to be believed. Gibbons plays fast, Gibbons plays loud, Gibbons plays soft, Gibbons plays all the notes, and all the while Gibbons plays them musically! A truly remarkable performance of some very complex music.

But the recording by Smith has much going for it too. In an ideal world, if you're a fan of Alkan, get both recordings. I've got them both!

Good alternative........2002-11-02

It's a good alternative to Hamelin's recordings. With a really wilder approach!!

(No title)........2000-12-15

Comme Le Vent, Like the wind, is a firey, unrelenting deluge of notes which, if played at Alkan's specified metronome marking, travels at the rate of 160 bars per minute -- 20 densely packed pages in just 4'30," and Gibbons falls unbelievably only 7 seconds short! En Rhythm Molossique and Scherzo Diabolico, both technically wicked compositions, receive commanding and sure-footed performances. The Symphony further demonstates Gibbons proficiency in adherence to tempo and metronome markings inspite of taxing athletic and visceral demands, giving it a great sense of impetus, space, and drive. The Concerto, in his hands, is less classical and crisp than Hamelin's, but more wildly romantic; an extraordinary feat of virtuosity. Le festin d'Esope and Allegro Barbaro in all their fiendish and barbaric virtuosity get very poetic readings, very rare indeed... The more slow pieces all fall within the heartbeat, receiving sensitive, simple, and atmospheric performances... Gibbons is an Alkan interpreter of exceptional authority, and I cannot wait until his next release (of anything). In excellent sound, this very generous two-CD set is a TOP recommendation!

An incredible recording! Gibbons' Alkan is superb!.......1999-09-04

Alkan's Magnum Opus (39) has been seen recorded many times over the past years in part, as well as in whole. Jack Gibbons demonstrates that his interpretation of this monstrously challenging set stands at the very top of the list. Out of the 250+ CDs I own, I would have to say that this is the best. Gibbons' "Comme le Vent" is breathtakingly virtuostic and full of velocity. His "En Rythm Molossique" is a great wall of power and control, his "Scherzo Diabolique", feindish and scary. This recording of the "Symphonie" is fantastic, second only to Lewenthal's. His "Concerto" is very ordered, the finale a dazzling display of pianism (despite the missed note in the final black-key run). The "Ouverture" is the best recorded yet, and shows the true depth of Alkan's creations; I could write a review on just this piece! His "Festin" is a bit slow, but he never overexagerates the tempos. The other pieces added to the first disc ruin one's picture of the all-out-bravura crazed Alkan, replacing it with a sensitive, profound one. This CD is truly incredible. If you have any affection for Art Music whatsoever, this recording is a must have!

Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope

Average customer rating:

Truly Virtuosic
One of the best solo piano recordings ever made.
so fast it misses the point
An Inimitable Masterpiece
Astonishing technique

Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope
Charles-Valentin Alkan , and Marc-André Hamelin
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Alkan: Symphony for solo piano
Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39
Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes
Marc-André Hamelin Live at Wigmore Hall
Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith

ASIN: B000002ZW4
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 20 ans. Tres vite
Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 30 ans, Quasi-Faust. Assez vite
Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 40 ans, un menage heureux. Lentement
Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 50 ans, Promethee enchaine. Extremement lent
Sonatine, Op. 61: Allegro vivace
Sonatine, Op. 61: Allegramente
Sonatine, Op. 61: Scherzo-Minuet
Sonatine, Op. 61: Tempo giusto - Coda
Barcarolle, Op. 65, No. 6
Le Festin d'Esope, Op. 39, No. 12

Customer Reviews:

Truly Virtuosic.......2007-05-14

The piano music of French Romantic composer Charles-Valentin Alkan is not for everyone. It would never be described as "easy listening." In fact, listening to Alkan's music, especially the first time, requires an effort almost as great as playing other music. Repeated hearings allow one to penetrate the intensity and appreciate the incredible complexity of the compositions, though it is reported that some listeners find the music too unsettling to ever enjoy. Certainly all will find that the music on this CD evokes a wide range of reactions.
If Alkan is a virtuoso as a composer, than the pianist on this CD, Canadian Marc-Andre Hamelin, is equally great. Few pianists are up to the task of performing Alkan's music. Of those, Hamelin must be the best. His playing skills and understanding of the heart of the music make this a truly exceptional CD.

One of the best solo piano recordings ever made........2005-05-22

This disc is totally astonishing. One you start listening to it you will not be able to stop. The Grande Sonate is one of the most beautiful, moving, complex pieces of music for solo piano ever written. Hamelin brings it to life like no one else can. If you have never listened to Alkan, this is a fine introduction to some of the greatest (and most forgotten) piano music ever composed. And if you have never listened to Hamelin - this is probably his greatest work ever. The more you listen to the Grande Sonate the more you discover in it. You wait for those dramatic, breathtaking moments. You marvel at how two human hands can produce these sounds through the piano, and you continually find more subtlies and nuances in this materpiece. Words fail in describing how great this recording is. If you love piano music - get it. It you love Alkan it is truly a must.

so fast it misses the point.......2005-05-20

Much of Alkan's music is vacuous. This is not to dismiss its value, but it is to say that there is much which is of interest because of the technical demands and effects which are on display, and the apparent challenge and impressiveness which these incur. The Grande Sonate stands alone as being altogether different. It is a poetic masterpiece. It is a misconception to regard Alkan as being simply a composer of pyrotechnical virtuosity, even if it is a common and understandable one. What is unforgiveable is to treat the Grande Sonate in the same way as one might approach 'Comme le Vent', 'le Chemin de Fer', the 'Scherzo-Focoso' or any other piece which is clearly reliant on a stringent adherence to tempo and little in the way of expressive variation. Is it sensible to condone a performer who does this? One who plays note-perfectly at an astonishingly fast pace, yet who does not take the requisite time to bring out the almost infinitely complex and inter-related themes, motifs, ideas that inhere the piece? If you are interested in hearing someone play challenging music very quickly then buy this recording. If you want to hear what is arguably the most original work of solo piano writing to come out of the nineteenth-century performed with all the poetic nuance that it deserves, then buy Pierre Reach's stunning recording. Hamelin is an incredibly athletic and gifted pianist, and perhaps an ideal exponent of Alkan, but the Grande Sonate deserves a more patient and respectful approach, and this is not to be found on this recording.

An Inimitable Masterpiece.......2004-06-30

There are special moments in life when you remember exactly what you were doing when it happened. I remember exactly what I was doing when I first heard Bruckner's Eight (Guilini), Mahler's Second (Bernstein), Liszt Sonata (Horowitz), Gaspard de la Nuit (Michelangeli), and I can still hear to this day Richter's Schuman Symphonic Etudes, just to name a few. They were all life-changing events. My friend and I were having dinner when Hamelin's Grande Sonata appeared from the radio. Wow! I remember asking, "What crazy person had the nerve to compose this?", and more importantly, "Who on earth had the gall to record it?" Up to this faithful day in 1995, I had never heard of Hamelin or Alkan.
On this disc, Hamelin plays with so much elan, control, and technical ease that it leaves you breathless. Although the legendary Raymond Lewenthal and the late Ronald Smith have to be commended for their efforts in popularizing Alkan's much-neglected music, I believe Hamelin and this disc has been even more influential. I don't know if Alkan playing on this disc will ever be matched. This is certainly one of the greatest albums in history and should be part of the collection of all true classical music fans.

Astonishing technique.......2004-05-23

Marc-Andre Hamelin is an astounding virtuoso. He gives life to Alkan's works, which I hear for the very first time! It is really mind-boggling how he succeeds in tackling the Augean stables of the eight-part fugue at the end of Quasi-Faust!!!
It is no wonder, then that even Liszt was afraid to compete with Alkan, whom he deemed a superior virtuoso to himself. Alkan's music in itself has a tremendous intrinsic value, which, if one can feel, describes to such depth the essence of the human soul!

Musique française: Alkan, Hahn, d'Indy, Jadin, Saint-Saëns (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Musique française: Alkan, Hahn, d'Indy, Jadin, Saint-Saëns (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Valois
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005R2KU
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Average customer rating:

Marc-Andre Hamelin Hyperion CD
This is it
this recording is very great
Fantastic
Truly phenomenal

Marc-André Hamelin Live at Wigmore Hall

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Alkan: Symphony for solo piano
Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope
Godowsky: Sonata; Passacaglia
Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes
Marc-André Hamelin plays Liszt

ASIN: B000002ZVE
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

First movement from Piano Concerto No.3
Romanza for Piano Concerto No.1- Romanza; Larghetto
Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76: Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76 for the hands separately and reunited- Fantasie in A flat major (left hand)
Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76: Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76 - Introduction, Variation and finale in D major (right hand)
Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76: Trois Grandes Etudes, Op.76 - Moument semblable et perpetuel [Rondo-Toccata in C minor] (hands reunited)
Sonatina No. 6: Sonatina No. 6; Kammer-Fantasie uber Carmen, BV284 , after Bizet
Danza festiva , Op. 38, No.3: Danza festiva , Op. 38, No.3( Forgotten Melodies, Vol.1)

Amazon.com

The Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin is quickly becoming a favorite with piano connoisseurs, particularly in late Romantic music. In this live recital, Hamelin concentrates mainly on unusual arrangements: a Beethoven movement as recomposed by Alkan, a Balakirev reduction of a Chopin concertos movement for solo piano, Busoni's Sonatina which uses themes from Bizet's Carmen. You have to be pretty far involved in the late Romantic ethos to appreciate these obscure tidbits, but if you are, Hamelin's virtuosic and colorful performances will prove extremely attractive. The live performance atmosphere comes across vividly in this recording, as does Hamelin's tone. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Marc-Andre Hamelin Hyperion CD.......2007-04-10

This is a wonderful CD full of out of the way pieces most of us do not know exsist. I loved the Chopin/Balakirev transcription of the Piano Concerto #1. Also try two other Hyperion CD's of Nikoli Kapustin, One played by Hamelin and the other by Steve Osborne. This is jazz in a classical format and it will wow your shirt off.

This is it.......2007-02-26

Hamelin is probably one of the greatest pianists ever, and his courage in championing such unusual and technically demanding material as Godowsky's Études turns him into one of the most interesting musicians today. As for this particular recording, it's needless to say that his playing is superb, as usual, and his technique is unassailable and immaculate. His choice of material is bold, to say the least. He starts off with a wonderful reading of Beethoven's third piano concerto and then goes on to overwhelm the listener with effortless and sublime renditions of works by Chopin, Medtner, Busoni and - oh my! - Alkan. I never thought I would ever come to like Alkan's works, but Hamelin's rendition of the Études are so effective and engaging that I began to take some interest in it. It's by far the best live recording I've ever heard and it certainly helped me redefine my ideas about what's possible for a human being to do on the piano.

this recording is very great.......2007-01-29

This recording was for me entree Marc Andre Hamelin. I think then he must is most amazing of technic since Liszt. No I did ever to hear Liszt, but I am pupil of Kremova, and she tell all pupil word of Mme Ida Nagy "et bene audet" of maestro. Of this recording not only is there all notes (Kremova required us learn Alkan op 76 naught if ever we may dare of playing recital!) but Mr Hamelin his of playing so confident and of "fun" and of warm! This recording is the very great. Did M Hamelin in real there play Alkan Beethoven No 3 cadenza! I would fainted were I present real there Wigmore Hall! Here it is on this recording! I would fainted! Is true.
I say here so will not so wounding, M Hamelin not is good play our Rachmaninov and Scriabin. So will not so harsh be Rachmaninov and Scriabin of his other recording difficult for artist such as M Hamelin are not the technic but the music sensiblite. M Hamelin a youth.
So! A great youth artist! Let he perform now youth accord a his greatness!

Fantastic.......2004-09-18

Hyperion recorded this CD from a series of live recitals given in June 1994, at Wigmore Hall. It is one of my favorite live albums. Hamelin performs Alkan's transcription of Beethoven's 3rd concerto, the Trois Grandes Etudes Op. 76, as well as Medtner, Busoni and a Balakirev transcription of Chopin.

Hamelin's performance of Alkan's Beethoven 3rd is a remarkable feat of the recording age. Most pianists would never even touch the work with it's brilliant 6 minute cadenza that echoes the finale of Beethoven's 5th symphony. To perform it live is quite another matter. It is uncertain whether the great Busoni played the work himself in a recital he gave in Berlin in 1906. Hamelin's is the only recording of Alkan's transcription I'm aware of, but it's probably the only one needed.

Balakirev's transcription of the Romanza of Chopin's first piano concerto is a loyal one. However, this is probably my least favorite track on the album. While pretty and thoughtful, it seems out of place in this energetic collection. Hamelin's interpretation is a bit too clean and cold for my liking. His technique is suitable to play tranquil pieces wonderfully, but here it just doesn't seem to work.

Alkan's Trois Grandes Etudes op 76. are some of the most technically challenging compositions in the entire piano repertoire. In Hamelin, Alkan has a faithful performer that is able to create the effects of a full-scale orchestra on the piano using a mere five fingers. Not only does Hamelin perform this work live, he does so flawlessly. The first is the 'Fantasie' for left hand alone, the second 'Introduction, Variations and Finale' for right hand alone. The final 'Rondo Toccata' is a dizzying piece, reminiscent of the final movement of Chopin's Funeral Sonata. The 30-minute performance of this work leads one to admire both Hamelin's pianism, as well as his physical endurance!

The Carmen Fantasy by Busoni is essentially a whirlwind tour of Bizet with the flair of Busoni. Hamelin could have let loose with this piece, but instead decides to let the work speak for itself. The result is a reflective piece that is filled more with the contrast of emotions than excitement. Hamelin's performance is good, but it would also be great to hear this piece played with more energy.

The final piece on this album is Medtner's Danza festiva No. 3. It's whimsical that brings the album to a joyful close. This time, Hamelin's dynamics are perfect and bring out the color and energy in the piece.

All in all, 'Live at Wigmore Hall' is a remarkable achievement that is well worth adding to your collection. Hyperion has done remarkably well in putting together this album. The sound quality is crystal clear, and the audience's rapturous applause really adds to the enjoyment.

Truly phenomenal.......2003-10-04

From track 1 on, it is clear that Hamelin is one of piano music's most meteoric talents ever to blaze the pianistic firmament. He dispatches Beethoven as if driven by the very fires of Hell. Surprising, as elements of wry humour are often a characteristic of this artist. But with that aside, this is a brilliantly successful recital.

Hamelin has no equal as an interpreter of Alkan; he inhabits the overheated world of this strange proto-Lisztian figure with a completeness that combines a total mastery of its fearsome technical challenges with an innate understanding of its sometime elusive emotional content.

A huge achievement...and not only technically but musically as well. Hamelin delivers on every level: this recording had me gasping in disbelief, and then laughing out loud at the sheer audacity of it all. Hamelin is a revelation. Where was I before I discovered Him? I might as well have been unconscious.

Henselt: Piano Concerto, Op. 16; Variations de Concert, Op. 11; Alkan: Concerto da Camera, Op. 10/1; Concerto da Came
Average customer rating:

A Brilliant Concerto. Bravo!

Excellent!

The minor league on in prime time.

A Disappointment in a Series That Mostly Thrills

(No title).

Henselt: Piano Concerto, Op. 16; Variations de Concert, Op. 11; Alkan: Concerto da Camera, Op. 10/1; Concerto da Came

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Hamelin, Marc-André | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:

Korngold: Piano Concerto, Op. 17; Marx: Romantisches Klavierkonzert

The Romantic Piano Concerto, 8: Nikolai Medtner

Kullak / Dreyschock: Piano Concertos

Rubinstein: Piano Concerto No. 4; Scharwenka: Piano Concerto No. 1

Brull: Piano Concerto in C Op24; Piano Concerto in F Op10

ASIN: B000002ZUA
Release Date: 1994-05-17

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In F Minor, Op. 16: Allegro Patetico - Religioso - Reprise
Piano Concerto in F Minor Op.16: Larghetto
Piano Concerto in F Minor Op.16: Allegro Agitato
Variations De Concert Op.11: Introduzione (Larghetto ma non troppo)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Theme (Moderato)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Variation 1 (Grazioso assai)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Variation 2 (Un pocco Pito e sostenuto)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Variation 3 (Scherzando)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Variation 4 (Con fuoco e pomposo)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Variation 5 (Vivace ma non troppo)
Variations De Concert Op.11: Adagio - Cadenza
Variations De Concert Op.11: Finale (Allegro vivace)
Concerto Da Camera in C Sharp Minor Op.10 No.2: Allegro moderato
Concerto Da Camera in C Sharp Minor Op.10 No.2: Adagio
Concerto Da Camera in C Sharp Minor Op.10 No.2: Tempo 1
Concerto Da Camera In A Minor Op.10 No.1: Allegro moderato
Concerto Da Camera In A Minor Op.10 No.1: Adagio
Concerto Da Camera In A Minor Op.10 No.1: Rondo: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A Brilliant Concerto. Bravo!.......2003-11-30

Henselt's Piano Concerto Op.16 is one of the most beautiful that I ever heard. The romantic melody makes me recall the style of a concerto composed by Chopin, specially the slow second movement. Despite the coincidence, this piece is quite original in elements and musical structures. The solist Marc-André Hamelin gives us a brilliant performance of what a real romantic concerto is. Also I'd like to metion the two concertos da camera by Alkan. So, I strongly recommend this CD.

Excellent!.......2003-01-19

First of all, if you like piano concertos by chopin, schumann, brahms etc. don't miss this one. You'll be on your toes the whole time (not a dull moment)

Secondly, i read an above review from a person who did not like this recording. And usually I'd say - "in the eye of the beholder" but i cannot do that right now.
I've heard many other recordings of this concerto. And non came close to this one. This one is simply FIREY!!!!!
You will not regret this CD.
And if you have the chance, try rudiger steinfatt recordings of Henselt's impromptus and you'll never listen to chopin again!
I recorded some henselt for anyone who wants to get a "taste"
...
bye

The minor league on in prime time........2002-04-19

After having had so much fun listening to Piers Lane's performances of the d'Albert, Parry and Stanford piano concertos on two other issues from Hyperion's treasure trove, I decided to pull this member of the family from the shelves for a re-evaluation.

Comparing notes with the previous reviewers, I agree with many of the comments made. Let's be honest these are not the best among the lesser known piano concertos. Henselt clearly was not in the same league as d'Albert and his works miss the charm of the afore mentioned concertos by Parry and Stanford. I rate Alkan's Quatre Ages Sonata among the best romantic piano works, but his two chamber concertos don't belong in that stratosphere. Yet, I do think all four works on this cd deserve at least one top notch performance in a catalog that contains a 100+ (re)issues of the likes of Beethoven 5.

The performances on this disc, indeed, are so good that I felt no reservation in giving this disc my full 5-star endorsement. Henselt's concerto is considered notoriously difficult, but even in the most difficult passages Hamelin has so much torque and horsepower left, that things remain smooth and creamy.

The Henselt Variations de Concert are an entirely decent representative of this once so popular genre. The performance is stellar again. To all those who keep on harping about Hamelin's lack of musicality/musical character I advise a listen to track 11, for a level of playing that the likes of Bolet only reached at their very peak.

The Alkan chamber concertos are short and pleasant, but lack true substance and grandeur. Yet, I believe that Charles-Valentin deserves this level of over-compensation after almost a century of neglect.

The recording is good. No problems there.

I once saw Cherkasky perform an Anton Rubinstein concerto in concert and hope that that complete set may one day also find it's way into Hyperion's excellent series.

A Disappointment in a Series That Mostly Thrills.......2001-11-15

Generally, I find Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concertos series one of the most revelatory and entertaining in the catalog. But I'm afraid I can't warm to this release. I can't fault Hamelin's playing; he's an expert in such out-of-the-way repertoire, and along with his sympathy for obscure Romantic piano literature goes a prodigious virtuosity that's heard to advantage especially in the Henselt.

While the recorded sound is somewhat dim--highly unusual for Hyperion, which usually produces crystal-clear though resonant sound characteristic of a good concert hall--the main problem here is the music. I'd heard the Henselt long ago and was not impressed then, though I thought the recording and performance might have been at fault. But the music IS undistinguished--derivative of an unhappy mix of composers (Field, Chopin, and Schumann, I think) and without memorable melodies or a strong emotional profile. The Alkan is somewhat more interesting, especially in terms of the highly individiualistic keyboard writing, but compositionally, the pieces are scrappy, it seems to me.

Given the lack of enjoyment I had, two stars is in order, though for Hamelin's playing I've grudgingly given this CD three stars. I'd pass on it if I were you.

(No title)........2000-12-07

This disc is among the finest, if not the finest, of Hyperion's Romantic Piano Concerto series. (Most) all credit, of course, is due to the pianist, Marc Andre Hamelin, who, in his phenomenal technical abilities and superb musicianship, delivers astonishingly dexterous, breathtaking, highly persuasive, commited performances of each of these compositions staggeringly unforgiving and formidable difficulties, written to be so well concealed that they become almost transparent to the ear... A thoroughly enjoyable disc!

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: John Ogdon, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

An iconoclast pianist!
BURN-OUT
The Titanic Ogdon
The Good and the Bad of Ogdon's Playing
A "Must Have" for the keyboard lover. Shattering brilliance.

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: John Ogdon, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Great Pianists of the 20th Century: John Ogdon, Vol. 2
Claudio Arrau
Clifford Curzon
Alfred Brendel 2
Robert Casadesus

ASIN: B00000I0LJ
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 36: 1. Allegro agitato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 36: 2. Non allegro - Lento
Piano Sonata No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 36: 3. L'istesso tempo - Allegro molto
Piano Sonata No. 4 In F Sharp, Op. 30: 1. Andante
2. Prestissimo volando
Concerto pour piano seul (12 Etudes dans les tons mineurs Op. 39): 8. Allegro assai
Concerto pour piano seul (12 Etudes dans les tons mineurs Op. 39): 9. Adagio
Concerto pour piano seul (12 Etudes dans les tons mineurs Op. 39): 10. Allegretto alla barbaresca

Tracks:

Variations And Fugue On Prelude In C Minor
Piano Concerto, Op. 39: 1.Prologo e introito
Piano Concerto, Op. 39: 2.Pezzo giocoso
Piano Concerto, Op. 39: 3.Pezzo serioso
Piano Concerto, Op. 39: 4.All'italiana
Piano Concerto, Op. 39: 5.Cantico

Customer Reviews:

An iconoclast pianist!.......2006-02-17

The egregious figure of John Ogdon was a determining factor in the new generation of young musical promises who aroused after the WW2. He possessed technique, temperament and tune , the famous three "T" in what excel pianism concerns. His sudden attacks and emotional outbursts conferred still more a vivifying splendor to the score he played.

Liszt, Alkan and Busoni were the most related composers for his febrile personality. Consider this legendary interpreter among the five most pyramidal pianists, inside a list composed by Myra Hess, Solomon, Clifford Curzon and John Lill.

BURN-OUT.......2004-03-16

The tragic story of this prodigiously gifted and very unworldly musician is moderately well known. He simply could not say no. He would carry on giving encores for hours on end. He would pursue any musical lost cause and learn and perform the most unbeguiling modern works, while still pounding out renditions of the Tchaikovsky, Liszt and Grieg warhorses `because one enjoys playing them so much', as I heard him say in a broadcast interview. I think he played more works in a single season than Michelangeli and Serkin played in their entire lives. He was a prolific composer into the bargain, but the most pitiful aspect of the whole saga is the wince-making story of the punishing concert schedule he took on to pay for better suites of furniture and other manifestations of his wife's seeming desire to be some kind of Hyacinth Bucket.

It was all bound to end in tears, and it ended in worse than that. He suffered a breakdown in 1973 while still in his 30's but continued pushing himself beyond endurance. The reliability of his playing became, not unnaturally, a little unpredictable, but if one thing is for certain it is that he got through a lot of output. I am reminded of a phrase in the old Latin liturgy about one of the Jesuit saints `consummatus in brevi explevit tempora multa' - burned up in a brief space he achieved many lifetimes. Trying belatedly to know his work better, I find one thought growing on me. Of pianists born in the 20th century there are six, I do not say which, who stand out for me by virtue of an extraordinary and pre-eminent individuality. There is no seventh, but if there were a seventh for me it might well be Ogdon. I am only half in agreement with the view that he did not live to establish a fully distinctive manner. Horowitz and Michelangeli both, Horowitz showing at least basic courtesy Michelangeli a great deal less, disparaged a new generation of near-indistinguishable assembly-line virtuosi. What I do feel is that this set does not quite show why I might exempt Ogdon from this category.

The technical dispatch is colossal. Ogdon placed his massive frame on the piano stool and any movement was from the elbows downwards, recalling to me some accounts of Handel's playing. I am not bothered in the slightest by a misplayed chord in the Alkan - good heavens try assessing Horowitz or Richter on that basis. The Rachmaninov sonata has to face comparison with Horowitz and it comes badly out of it. It is full of fire, drama and virtuosity, but there is far too much pedal and one appreciates just how savvy Horowitz was. He gets into his stride with the short Scriabin sonata and stays in it from there on. In the Alkan the obvious comparison is with Ronald Smith, but as Professor Smith uses an instrument contemporary with the composer the comparison is tricky and probably a bit pointless. What does start to identify something really unique in Ogdon here is the sense of continuity and unremitting concentration in the first movement, nearly half an hour of it. The BBC have a performance from him of Schubert's C minor sonata that is the greatest I have ever heard, better than Lupu and far better than Zacharias, and if you ever hear that amazing account of the last movement, seemingly played as one huge phrase, you may see and hear what I mean. I find something of the same here in the Alkan.

The biggest thing on this set is obviously Busoni's tyrannosaurus of a concerto. For me this is what Horowitz called `kleine Grosskunst', full of wind, sound and fury signifying not much. If I could even recall the other performances that I have heard of it I should not be surprised to find Ogdon's the best, and I am certainly not in search of better. The general pattern is as before - terrific virtuosity, but in a piece where the actual music does nothing for me the playing does not quite do the trick for me either as, say, Michelangeli's does for me in Liszt's almost equally unalluring Totentanz. In Ogdon's memory I hope the BBC may sometime release a performance of Liszt's E flat concerto from him, in which he seemed to me to rival Cziffra and maybe even Michelangeli himself. I have had enough glimpses of what he really amounts to for me to want to get to know more.

Rest well now, big guy, if anyone ever tried his outright hardest you did. The world is a better place for what you put into it.

The Titanic Ogdon.......2002-07-07

Philips great series of the "Great Pianists" has seen fit to devote 2 two-CD volumes to the titanic English pianist John Ogdon who died in 1989. This volume and the second one are must-haves for anyone who is interested in great pianism. The Rachmaninov 2nd sonata was originally released by RCA in the 60's. I still have this vinyl record, and the performance, in my opinion, is only outshone by Horowitz' 1968 live performance on Columbia (Sony). (When will somebody re-release the 1st Rachmaninoff sonata? Surely the best performance of that work ever put on record). Ogdon's lyricism is alternated by his thunderous sonority when the music calls for it. The Alkan is a classic recording. The performance of this piece is astonishing. The Scriabin is mesmerizing. Finally the Busoni is the real reason to get this recording. Quite simply still the best Busoni concerto ever put on record. The piece takes repeated hearings to digest but the time is well worth the effort. Ogdon's masterful control is evident throughout. If you want to hear the playing of a fantastic artist and musician, get this and the other volume of Ogdon in the Great Pianist Series. You won't go wrong.

The Good and the Bad of Ogdon's Playing.......2000-10-24

It is fairly well accepted that pianist John Ogdon is one of the greatest musical talents and potentials of this century. This particular compilation, however, does not do very much justice to his skills. First in line, his recording of the Alkan concerto is very fuzzy and spontaneous in sections. The sound quality is no better than decent, and Ogdon is definitely not at the height of his technique here. From the harsh opening statement of the first movement to the missed chord in the opening of the last movement, one gets the impression that Ogdon did not put as much time or thought into the process that all pianists must, the process of realizing the shape of the work and how to make that shape interesting, but not radical. Probbably included on this disc for reasons regarding Alkan's often overlooked importance, this recording is not a very specail one, lacking the sound structural clarity of Gibbons or the bombastic virtuosity of Hamelin. After this long session of confused musical intention, we move to a very redeeming recording of Scriabin's popular 4th sonata in F# Major. The first movement is beautifully played; Ogdon's tone is very airy and delicate. Once we move to the "very fast and flying" second movement, Ogdon's rythmic playing and aviodance of strong accents move the piece along very smoothly. The coda remains very exciting, even after repeated listenings, though his treatment of the final two measures are somewhat out of the brilliant context of the massive sound he achieves earlier. Ogdon's Busoni concerto is very sound, and the finale is beautifully complimented with a much more prominent male chorus than in most performances (as Busoni specifically noted that the chorus was to be literally hidden from view and only suggestive in importance to the solo opportunities of the orchestra). This is defenitily the steak of this set, and it is niether underprepared nor overdone. The true music enthusiast, however, should dwell on more important recordings by Ogdon, such as his performance of Sorabji's titanic Opus Clavicembalisticum. Ogdon's love of the neglected and obscure is much easier to picture after listening to this set, but his amazing virtuosity and technical prowess is not done justice here, especially in the Alkan.

A "Must Have" for the keyboard lover. Shattering brilliance........1999-04-19

John Ogdon was one of the centuries most interesting pianists. An artist of spectacular technical capacity, he was also one of the great musical explorers. His performance of Charles-Valentin Alkan's astounding Concerto for Solo Piano would make these CDs worth having all by itself. That this compilation also includes his performance of Busoni's Concerto for Piano & orchestra makes for an embaressment of riches. On 2 CDs one has a compendium of all of the best of Ogden's art. Do not pass this one by.

Average customer rating:

some parallels

Nocturnes (Complete) [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Balakirev: Piano Music (Complete) [Box Set]
Smetana: Piano Music (Complete Czech Dances, Polkas, Dreams)
Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]
Janácek: Piano Works (Complete)
The Romantic Piano Concerto, Volume 1

ASIN: B0009VI4X0
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Customer Reviews:

some parallels.......2005-07-10

The idea of creating a "nocturnal anthology" is an excellent one, and I wonder how nobody has thought of it until very recently. Van Oort's creation is not entirely unique. Similar disk entitled "Nocturnal World" and performed by Dimiter Terziev has appeared recently on the market, thus making the comparison between the two projects unavoidable.

The first and most obvious difference is that van Oort's project is by far more comprehensive. The four CD package includes the complete set of Chopin and Field nocturnes plus little known nocturnes by Pleiel, Clara Schumann, Glinka, Alkan and others. This vast repertoure and the use of period instruments gives van Oort's project certain academic or a "collector's choice" aura. In contrast, Terziev's approach is apparently more oriented towards finding some sort of architectonic continuity wthin a single disk. He includes only twelve nocturnes by eight composers. Interestingly enough, the two performers show remarkable dissimilarity of choice. Except for the usual suspects of Chopin and Field, Terziev's disks contains two practically unknown late nocturnes by Liszt, as well as nocturnes by Faure, Scriabin, and three XX century composers writing in a late-romantic idiom. It is rather interesting that both performers have chosen to avoid the famous Liszt's "Liebestraum" and the other 2 nocturnes in the same opus, as well as the famous Grieg's "Notturno". Regarding the performance, both van Oort and Terziev are sensitive and intelligent interpreters. They have their magical performances (e.g. van Oort's entire 4th disk or Terziev's Vladigerov), and a few that sound somewhat superficial (van Oort's Chopin Op. 72 No.1 or Terziev's Chopin Op. 27 No. 1).

Yet, as a whole, these are disks certainly worth having and listening to again and again in your special "nocturnal" moments.

Alkan: The Railway and other Piano Works

Average customer rating:

Charles Valentin Alkan: "The Berlioz of piano"
(No title).
Great value for money

Alkan: The Railway and other Piano Works

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Esquisses Op 63
Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39
Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith
Alkan: Sonate de Concert; Grand Duo Concertant; Piano Trio
Alkan: Piano Music, Volume 1: 12 Etudes, Op. 35

ASIN: B00000148O
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

No.1: Lentement
No.13: J'etais Endormie, Mais Mon Coeur Veillait...(Cantique Des Cantiques, 5:2), Lentement
No.17: Reve D'amour
No.25: Priere: Lentement
No.1: Andantino
No.3: Vivace
Le Chemin De Fer, Op.27
No.6 In B Flat - Bernard Ringeissen
No. 8 In A Flat - Bernard Ringeissen
No.12 In E Major - Bernard Ringeissen
Marche Funebre: Andantino, Op.39, No.5 - Bernard Ringeissen
No.1: La Vision
No.2: Le Staccatissimo
No.3: Le Legatissimo
No.4: Les Cloches
No.5: Les Inities
No.8: Pseudo-Naivete
No.10: Increpatio
No.13: Ressouvenir
No.16: Fantaisie
No.18: Liedchen
No.21: Morituri Te Salutant
No.32: Minuettino
No.38: Les Bons Souhaits
No.43: Notturnino-Innamorato
No.48: En Songe
Scherzo Diabolico, Op.39, No.3 - Bernard Ringeissen

Customer Reviews:

Charles Valentin Alkan: "The Berlioz of piano".......2006-07-26

The weird creative universe of Alkan, his well marked introspection as well as his febrile activity in which concerns the expressive possibilities of the piano, surrounded him of a sort of mysterious halo.

His introspectiveness exerted on the audiences, caution, veiled admiration and a certain misgiving. His lyricism was not precisely direct. He faded into oblivion until the second half of the XX Century when Roland Smith, John Ogdon, Raymond Lewenthal, Michael Ponti, Bernard Ringeissen and lastly the renowned pianist Marc Andre Hamelin have really worried to make of him a better known composer, and judging by the nourished list of new recordings of Alkan, the result has been pretty fruitful.

This album presents a set of interesting piano pieces, that it would be extremely advisable to take into account, in case you are a true musical archeologist, incessantly active for searching the enormous number of unknown Op. and treasures to find out.

Laurent Martin is solvent pianist with a broad range of sonorities. Ringeissen is besides other untiring pianist always receptive to new sounds.

Iron horse, Op. 27 is perhaps, the most astonishing and original piece of the album, plenty of suggestive sonorities and wild beauty.

(No title)........2000-12-15

This is an excellent, excellent disc. However, the content is only selections duplicated from complete recorded performances previously available (in their entirety) on Marco Polo by Bernard Ringeissen and Laurent Martin... This is an excellent introduction to Alkan, no doubt, and the price is beautiful! However, you may be a little wary after buying this (which is basically a great hits compilation) to go for the more serious stuff available elsewhere... Most likely unnecessary purchases for Alkaholics.

Great value for money.......2000-10-06

I'm not really a great fan of Naxos. I am, however, a great fan of romantic pianists, and since Alkan was one of the and the Naxos recording was the only one I could get...well, I had to buy it! And I'm glad I did. This recording is amazing! First of all, I was amazed by the many aspects in Alkans music, but even more so by the quality of the recording. Ever note stands out and is perfectly clear (well, as clear as can be when it's alkan we are talking about!). The two performers are obviously the right choice for this recording and it's a shame that I haven't heard of them before. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Alkans music, this is $6 well spend...just wait till you hear "The Railway", that is simply amazing, it's a wonder that anyone is actually playing like that! a really good cheap recording like this is hard to find, so do yourself a favour and buy it!

Music Composers:

Music Composers

Music Composers