Splendid Haskil Recital
Björn Blomberg | Gothenburg, Sweden | 06/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This a splendid recital and a splendid recording. After her recitals Haskil was rarely satisfied but the ovations from the audience were usually impressive. Knowing of her enormous capacity (she was once a child prodigy and like Mozart she could memorise a piece she had only heard once - at least a not too long one) she was extremely self-critical. In reality her playing was always good and usually excellent or perhaps even magical. This recital definitely represents Haskil at her very best and the sound quality is excellent. I compared this recital with another one in Edinburg, which has also been re-issued on CD. The sound in Edinburgh considerably poorer and also the first movement of the Schubert sonata is missing (otherwise the program is the same). In fact the sound quality in Salzburg is almost as good as fine mono recording of the time. Mono is no disadvantage in my opinion. I often listen with headphones and then the exaggerated stereo-effect of many recordings is often a bit disturbing. The Mozart and Beethoven are pieces that puts you into a good mood, the Schubert is a more touching piece with many strong emotional under-currents. Although I have heard Haskil's legendary studio recording of the Schubert B Major sonata many times on LP this CD-recital version felt like a revelation. Not that the interpretations are very much different but the contact with the audience seems to add an extra quality to Haskil's playing. Maybe studio recordings are sometimes a bit too perfect..."
A Recital to Cherish
scshu | 07/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The legendary Romanian pianist Clara Haskil gave a recital at the Salzburg Festival on 8 August 1957 with a programme consisting of Mozart's C major Sonata K330, Beethoven's Sonata in E flat Op. 31 No. 3, and Schubert's B flat Sonata D960. The event was broadcast and recorded live by the Austrian Radio and is issued here unofficially on Music & Arts. The sound is often a bit compressed, but it is clear enough for one to enjoy Haskil's round, singing tone and delicate, subtle touches.
Haskil made famous recordings of the said works in the studio for Philips. Yet I agree entirely with the previous reviewer that the presence of an audience seems to inject an extra shot of adrenalin into her playing, so that her performances gain immeasurably in spontaneity. There may be wrong or missed notes along the way, but these mishaps hardly detract one from Haskil's splendid artistry and sublime music-making. The highlight of the entire recital is Schubert's last piano sonata, here receiving a wondrously luminous reading of great beauty and depth from Haskil. A thunderous applause erupted from the audience at the end of the performance.
This is a recital to cherish. It demonstrates why Haskil has been a legend. Despite her ill health and physical frailty, she radiates warmth and exuberance that are life-enhancing."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1