Search - Emil von Sauer, piano María Eugenia Tapia :: Emil von Sauer: Piano Works

A SAUER "SAMPLER" THAT'S SWEET, INDEED!

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 08/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of Emil von Sauer (1862-1942), most of us know, primarily, that he was one of the leading piano virtuosi of his day (right up there with Hofmann, Lhevinne and Siloti), with a career that spanned sixty years. Some of us may recognize Sauer as the person whose rigorous efforts produced so many performing editions of works by Liszt, Chopin, Brahms, amongst numerous others. But how many of us know that amidst his frenetic world tours, his teaching, his editing and his voracious appetite for learning, that the man actually composed music, as well? Such energy! Piano concertos, piano suites, concert etudes, sonatas, etc. (Where and when did he ever find the time?)



The sampling of von Sauer piano works on this CD is refreshing, melodic and exceedingly easy on the ear. The music never outstays its welcome; on the contrary, the playing of pianist Maria Eugenia Tapia is so contagiously soothing that her affection for the composer and his work spills over in the most nurturing way. Amazingly enough, there is not one composition on this entire CD that falls short... or flat; each has a lyricism to convey, a mood or reflection, and each is well-wrought.



It's a rare pleasure having this altogether delightful disc, newly recorded by pianist Tapia, and released by one of the original trailblazer companies, Genesis Records. Kudos are in order! Not only for such endearing performances by Maria Eugenia Tapia, but for superb sound quality and presence, and, not least of all, to Genesis for bringing Emil von Sauer back to life.



[Running time: 62:02]"