Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Lambert Orkis :: Schubert: Impromptus, Moments Musicaux

Nice and not so nice

kornelio | Budapest, Hungary | 11/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These are two CDs and two different fortepianos. The fortepiano on the first CD (Impromtus d899, D935) is an original one from 1826, and it has a magically beautiful, really coulourful sound. The fortepiano on the second disk is a modern copy, with an unfortunately unpleasant sound. Lambert Orkis's playing is elegant, stylish and very intelligent, enjoyable, I have no problems with it. Even if I compare his playing to famous pianists like Brendel (I very much like Brendel's early Vox recording of the impromtus) or Schnabel, I'd say Orkis gives a convincing interpretation of Schubert. If the sound of the second disk were more pleasant, this would be a 5 star CD, so I give four."

Old instrument, modern interpretation

Czinczar | Southeast Michigan, USA | 11/10/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD wondering what the catch was. How could I get all this great music at such a low price? When I got it home, I found out the catches. I didn't read the fine print on the label. These works are recorded on a FORTEPIANO. I dislike fortepianos. This one isn't bad as fortepianos go, but it's still a fortepiano. That may be bad or good for you, depending on your opinion of fortepianos and whether you wanted to hear these works on a period instrument. Me, I wanted a nice modern concert grand. Also, this instrument is obviously miked too closely. What IS modern is Orkis' interpretation. This is a modern romantic interpretation, very heavy handed. Schubert's brilliance is such that the best way to treat his music is to just let Schubert be Schubert. Just give it a simple, graceful, straightforward performance. Orkis doesn't do this. He really sinks his teeth into this music. This recording is all about his interpretation of Schubert. And as such, it fails. He second guesses and overwhelms Schubert. So from both sound and interpretation viewpoints, I can't recommend this recording."

Enchanting in every respect

Classical DJ | Arlington, VA | 06/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lambert Orkis has been the keyboard artist for the National Symphony Orchestra since the position was created for him by Mstislav Rostropovich. Here he plays a historically-informed performance on fortepiano, an instrument I underestimated until I heard this recording. Lambert's sensitivity and skill bring out a beauty in this instrument I could not have imagined. As far as I'm concerned he's virtually channelling Schubert in the Impromptus. Don't miss this chance to hear an inspired collaboration between a master player and an instrument with an exquisite voice."