Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Frederic Chopin, Sergey Rachmaninov :: Richter Rediscovered

A Moving, Vivid Sense of Hearing Richter in Concert

09/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A fascinating release indeed-- Sviatoslav Richter, the great Russian pianist, playing during his American debut in 1960. This two-CD set documents the Carnegie Hall recital of December 26, 1960, complete with the many encores offered from that occasion and those from his program of December 28, in Newark's Mosque Theater. The release features superbly clear and dynamic "24/96" sound. The few selections that were previously found on a long out-of-print RCA LP are now heard in superior sound. The rest of the selections will be new even to many "seasoned" Richter collectors. One must bear in mind before buying that Richter himself was never satisfied with his playing during this 1960 American tour, and certainly a sampling from his vast discography will turn up more focused performances of many of these works, albeit in lesser sound. Yet, one still finds great value in this playing which balances poise with daring intensity, poetry with shattering power, and an elegance of true rarity. Haydn and Chopin selections from the first disc feature highly idiosyncratic interpretations. Particularly noteworthy is the intimacy of the Adagio from the Haydn, or the forward direction of the Chopin Scherzo. The Rachmaninov Preludes are regal, and are colored with somber, uncanny sense of timing. The Ravel pieces are brief examples of Richter's original approach which is not shy of dynamics, fluidity, and shadings. Disc two features an energetic Prokofiev Sixth Sonata, and the encores. A listener to this disc can share in the palpable excitement of the audience (note how between some selections, members of the audience silence others with "shh!" or at one point how a lady calls out "Thank You!" in Russian before Richter launches into a Prokofiev encore). The encores are miracles of versatility and characterization, as in the Debussy "Les Collines d'Anacapri." The final three Chopin encores show Richter at his poetic and communicative best. The overall excitement and sense of occasion is well-captured on this beautifully packaged release. The sound is immediate and intimate, though has surprisingly little of Carnegie Hall's warm acoustic ambience. Hopefully RCA will continue this highly-recommended tribute to a great artist with a follow-up release of more "Rediscovered" material."

Another breakthrough release!

G. Dillard | New York City | 09/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The only question is; why did it take so long!!! The
sound quality, the piano and urgency of performance
make this recording a "must-have" for Richter and
Classical fans! Here we have a Richter who is just
becoming used to America after a series of amazing
recitals. While being "red-hot" in Prokofiev, he
lays on the "humor" and delicacy of Hadyn while
giving us the "drama" and passion of Rachmaninov and
Chopin. This is Richter at some of his most inspired
if not best playing! The variety of compositions on
these two discs also give a well rounded view of Richter's
versatility! What a musician!"

Overwhelming

G. Dillard | 12/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album should be titled "Richter Discovered." I have many of his recordings--all the Phillips collections and various live recitals among them--but nothing approaches this. "Powerful" is such a worn-out word for describing performances (performances much less powerful than this), but it will have to do for starters. And everything, everything is wonderful beyond belief--from the first notes of the Haydn you know you're in for something special. I've never heard those Chopin pieces played with such ability to evoke emotion in the listener. The Rachmaninov superb; the Prokofiev out of this world. Well, this babbling on is ridiculous. Words can't do this recording justice. You simply must experience it."