Search - Dukas :: Variations Interlude

Well played, but dull performance

pianistdg | san francisco, ca | 06/22/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Dukas' Piano Sonata and Variations, Interlude and Finale are two great turn of the century works that deserve to be known by every piano music lover. Fingerhut is a meticulous pianist, she plays with clarity and focus. Unfortunately, her performances, especially of the great Piano Sonata in E-flat minor, are dull. To get a better idea of what the piece should sound like, I recommend the fantastic recording by John Ogden (on EMI). Having performed both works myself, I know of the great technical demands Dukas presents and am sympathetic to Fungerhut's concern over tempos. However, Fingerhut's performance of the Sonata lasts nearly 48 minutes, whereas, John Ogden's takes only 41 minutes. Her tempos are slow enough to add 7 minutes to an already long work!"