Search - Domenico Scarlatti, Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann :: Gilels

An excellent Gilels sampler

Michael Whincop | GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, QLD AUSTRALIA | 01/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"BBC Legends is turning up some wonderful stuff from its archives, and this disk is an excellent find. These performances come from the late 1950s ('57 and '59 to be precise). In general, Gilels was a much more volatile artist here than a decade and a half later. This is to some extent evident in the disk, but the choice of repertoire shows that Gilels was never an extrovert, even in the 1950s, when the music demanded otherwise. The Scarlatti pieces are wonderful openers. The only other Gilels performances of these that I know of come on an Ermitage disk which was recorded in Locarno in 1984; the contrast is interesting. These performances are fresher, more exuberant, and better fingered. The Bach Aria and Variations is a rarety. Of course, Gilels' approach to it is rather unfashionable by today's standards, given the broad tempos, more liberal use of the pedal, and the warm rubato. However, those fond of the Bach pianism of Feinberg, Kapell, and Lipatti will find a great deal to enjoy. Here, especially, Gilels famous golden tone is especially rich. The second half of the disk is dominated by Schumann's First Sonata. Gilels doesn't quite unify this sprawling work but the local felicities are many. Sofronitsky remains the performance of choice, but Gilels -- obviously familiar with the older master's way with this work -- is exciting and romantic. The Tchaikovsky pieces are beautifully crafted and sung with that burnished tone. The disk closes with Prokofiev toccata. There are more high-octane performances of this work -- Argerich, Horowitz, and Demidenko are examples. But Gilels keeps the rhythms sharp and incisive, more menacing than savage, and it's a welcome change. The sound is generally very good for the era."

Best performance of Scarlatti's K27

Charles R. Hall Jr. | 10/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To began this concert, Gilels plays several Scarlatti Sonata's, something I had never heard Gilels play before. I own Pletnev, Pogorelich, Horowitz, Landowska, Zacharias, and some Michelangeli. Despite owning all of these, I truly had never found these works to be anything extraordinary.

The scarlatti sonata's on this disc, each and every one, are the finest performances I have ever heard of them. Michelangeli made K27(L449) famous, and it is my favourite as well, musically I believe it reveals Scarlattis abilities to the fullest in terms of technique, polyphony, and most importantly, beauty. He plays the K27 at almost half the speed that I had ever heard it before, making it sound as remarable and substantial as the most beautiful Bach. Gilels performance of the Scarlatti is worth the price alone, but then Bach Aria and Variaitons follow, which begin well but eventually almost come to a halt in boredom. Schumann's Piano Sonata is a Gilels favourite, something you can find on almost any of his live recitals. The tchaikovsky is standard Gilels, and finally we come to the Prokofiev Toccata, a perfect finale for this disc and probably one of the most exciting performance of this tense, cool piece I know of.(far better than Argerich's, Sandor's or Horowitz's late version) I recommend this disc for all Gilels fans so they may explore this new scarlatti territory and crave more, though it is difficult to find any beyond illegitamate bootlegs outside of Russia."

Compelling performances - More evidence of Gilels' genius

Craig Matteson | Ann Arbor, MI | 07/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, I am a huge fan of Gilels. I find him more witty and spontaneous than many other great pianists. Those beneficial qualities are in evidence on this wonderful disk. It is full of treasures that you don't hear every day.The Scarlatti is very nice if not as polychromatic as Horowitz. The Bach variations are wonderfully done. And the Schumann sonata is so wonderful to have on disk. This interpretation is very poetic and introspective while still keeping a heroic tone.The pieces by Tchaikovsky are especially tender and the Prokofiev is driving and interesting as a perpetual motion piece must be to come off well.The only criticism I have for the disk is the hideous shade of orange someone chose for it. Just odd. But nevermind that cosmetic defect. The music is great!"