Search - Beethoven, Chuprik :: Piano Sonatas 15 & 21

Miraculous

J. Lambie | LA, CA | 05/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording qualifies as proof of intelligent design in the universe. To get the technical stuff out of the way first, the sound is lovely. You feel like you're in a concert hall sitting in the acoustical sweet spot. And whatever instrument Ms Chuprik has been blessed with is fantastic. And then there is Ms Chuprik herself. According to the liner notes, she is Ukrainian and about 40 at the time of this recording which is only a few years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. She is astonishingly accomplished. The Sonata #15 has always been a favorite of mine. It's a charming, sunny, good humored piece that's too seldom programmed. (The wry syncopation of the final movement makes it feel very contemporary. I've used this movement for years to introduce people to the lighter side of Ludwig and it's almost never recognized.) For my taste, I've not heard it played better. And then we have the Waldstein. Have a listen to the Media Player previews. Thsi was my mother's favorite Beethoven. I only wish she could have heard this recording before she died. As I write this, Amazon lists only a handful of copies available, as it is out of print, and the most expensive is about $3.00 which is what ia paid for mine in a record store. Miracle piled upon miracle."