Search - John Corigliano, Ludwig van Beethoven, Arvo Part :: Credo

A Fusion of Intellect and Passion: A Magnificent Recital!

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"CREDO is simply one of the most extraordinary CDs ever to be released. DGG has set a precedent for significant 'recordings' that can only enhance the future of Classical Music survival for the home listener. The concept of this thoughtful grouping of four works is the brain child of the phenomenal pianist Helene Grimaud the concept of interweaving musical threads from Bach and Beethoven through the contemporary John Corigliano and Arvo Part results here in an experience that is at once satisfying to the mind and to the heart. This is programming at its best!Helene Grimaud is a pianist of great dexterity and intelligence, but she is also a pianist who imbues the composers' works with inner strength of spirit and is not afraid to allow her own convictions about the piece to come forward. One is reminded of the great Romantic pianists whose personality enhanced their playing instead of seeming to concentrate on mere reproduction of the composers' wishes. Her playing is warm, the strength coming from not just the fingers but the entire body. She is partnered by Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir and as always, Salonen finds the essence of the works in a way as fresh as the finest conductors of history (and present).The CD opens with John Corigliano's Fantasia on a theme from the Beethoven 7th Symphony's 'Allegretto' - a work of haunting spare beauty played with mysticism by Grimaud. This whisper segues into the Tempest Sonata by Beethoven in which Grimaud demonstrates that she can delve into the majesty of Beethoven with the finest of Beethoven specialists. Almost without pause the third work (Beethoven's Choral Fantasy) begins and by the time the chorus enters it is difficult not to feel as though we are witnessing Elysian. The true surprise of the CD is the final selection which is Part's "Credo" composed for piano, orchestra and chorus and uses a direct quotation at the piano of a Bach prelude that leads into a harrowingly dramatic Credo as sung and played by Salonen's energetically supporting conducting and forces. This is overwhelmingly and beautifully an homage to the indomitable human spirit.The accompanying booklet includes a poetic introduction by Grimaud and a conversation between Grimaud and Michael Church, both of which further substantiate the significance of the originality of Helene Grimaud's philosophy. She is a Colorist and a keeper of the soul. This CD is a must for every type of lover of classical music. Instead of 5 stars, it deserves 10!"

Refreshing and Thoughtful

Tom | Toronto,, Ontario, Canada | 02/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is such an involving listening experience that it seems odd that more classical music CDs don't borrow the approach espoused here. Rather than a disc dominated by one composer, certainly the norm, we get something more closely approximating a recital, a very adventurous one at that, which links composers and pieces that at first glance would seem to have relatively little in common. Part of the joy for the listener is sensing and identifying points of connection among the pieces and finding different ways to listen than perhaps would be in evidence if all the music had come from the same composer. What makes this work a success, however, is Grimaud, who sounds thoroughly at ease and confident in this mixed repertoire. Though she looks delicate, she can pound and thunder with the best (or worst) of them and it is to her credit here that she holds her sometimes tendency to overstate a phrase well in check. She sounds very relaxed, like she is having fun exploring the music, and her interpretations of the Beethoven pieces have a freshness and immediacy that is just thoroughly and immediately engaging. Might be the best classical music CD released this year."

I believe...

tommwi | Sweden | 02/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe?...this is an interesting recording that deserves to be heard both for its unusual coupling as well as for the performances given here. Let's start from the beginning:The Corigliano piece does have some moments of beauty, and mainly so from where the theme from Beethoven 7th - 2 occur and to the end. As a whole the piece seems plain and simple, although some colorations and harmonies are interesting. However the transition into the Beethoven sonata is remarkable and very elegant indeed. All of a sudden you may be a bit into the Tempest sonata without really noticing it! At least I was.With the Tempest we move into home territories for Grimaud. The expressiveness from Grimaud that we have come to know suits Beethoven perfect and brings a freshness I find irresistible. She plays loud, whisperingly quite and also very much in between. Her unusual spread chord playing and her search for freedom of timing make up for the most involving Beethoven sonata I've heard in years. Things progress from strong to marvellous here. The second movement is so fresh but also very beautifully played. It is matched by a third movement that I lack words to describe. If you know her readings of some Beethoven sonatas on Teldec you have an idea of what to expect - but this is even better. This needs to be heard.With the reading of the Choral Fantasy it is game, set and match for Grimaud. And for Salonen, SRSO and most of all for the choral singing at the end. The joyous energy that is put into this has no equal in other recordings of this piece that I know. The orchestral sound is dense and rhythmically strong. There is a wonderful forward momentum despite its rhapsodic character. There is beautiful playing from Grimaud in the middle of the piece that is especially good. Some parts of the interplay between Grimaud and the orchestra are slightly manipulated but still work very well. Surprisingly few if any wrong notes in a live recording where there are no hints of an audience at all. Strongly recommended!The Pärt piece is new to me. It starts off with great choral singing and after a while leads into some structured chaos. After that we hear some typical Pärt sounds and of course there is this Bach prelude. It all makes up for good listening. I happen to have the French version of this CD and it has this Bach prelude as a bonus. It is romantically played and when the Credo moves into the Bach prelude it is inspired from, I hear the most moving part on this CD. Unfortunately this Bach-bonus is not included in some other incarnations of this CD.All in all, I believe (!) the Beethoven pieces are reasons good enough for a recommendation. The choral singing at the end of the Choral Fantasy is reason enough for me! Find a place and timing to test your equipment and play it loud! You may also find new pieces to enjoy here and most of all discover what a great work the Choral Fantasy is.A word of warning. Grimaud playing is very characteristic and what I find very fresh can also be mannered in the ears of others. Frequent use of rubatos and thick chord playing makes for a challenging listening that will irritate some. Melodic lines are stretched and then hurried. Straight lines and simplicity is not a Grimaud approach."