Search - Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, Evgeny Kissin :: Schumann: Fantasy, Op. 17; Liszt: Transcendental Etudes, Nos. 5,8,10,11,12

ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID ALBUM

Alex Serrano | 05/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All of Kissin's abilities, including his implausible, supernatural technique, are beautifully displayed in the horrifically difficult solo piano pieces recorded on this compact disc. The recording heavily surpasses the work of Horowitz, Arrau, Richter, Ashkenazy and/or any other accomplished pianist that has ever lived. The Schumann work is fantastically interpreted with all of the continually consistent saturated emotion Schumann himself would have intended. Kissin makes the last transcendental etude, "Chasse-Neige," the most powerful, dramatic short recording that has ever been produced. It is superbly dazzling. The longest of the etudes, "Harmonies du Soir," is performed with a growing feeling, which starts out subtly, flourishes about two-thirds of the way through the piece and finally ends ever so delicately-a feeling that Liszt was so very partial to, in that piece, and would have greatly enjoyed. Another etude, "Feux Follets," greatly demonstrates Yevgeny's technical abilities. That piece is played with the utmost amount of controlled excitement obtainable to human nature. Liszt's tenth etude in f minor, also included on this compact disc, is a mystical dream with wonderful musical expression. Lastly, the "Wilde Jagd" etude is performed, from the first instant, with a type of wild, exploding marvel only Kissin is capable of. This piece, my favorite of the recorded pieces, is executed with utterly impeccable timing and phrasing. Yevgeny brings out an extreme amount of orchestral color and power in this piece particularly. Kissin's recording of "Wilde Jagd" makes all of the other professional solo piano recordings of this piece, and any other solo piano recording for that matter, seem very amateur. There are several other great recordings of piano music on the market today, although this album is most definitley one of the finest I have come across. This recording has helped me to establish the obvious fact that Kissin is certainly, by far, the most incredible pianist in the world. In this recording, Kissin shows that he is a true genius who magically coats the soul with mysterious musical harmonies. This recording is priceless and essential for every music collection."

This recital is simply phenomenal

Alex Serrano | Perrysburg, Ohio United States | 11/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the chance of being at Avery Fisher Hall in NY for a concert where Kissin performed this repertoire. After ending with "Wild Jagd" we held him on the stage for 5 encores... The Shumann may lack a little more instrospection in the final movement, but the first two are amazing for his power and projection which reminds me the Horowitz 1965 performance. And the Liszt is just out of this world. Chasse neige is almost scary, and Harmonies du soir has all the bell effects you can imagine and more. By all means, reviewing this recital is total pleasure. Trust me, this is awesome playing."

Kissin's Amazing Virtuosity!

davidsrx | Chicago, IL | 05/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is perhaps one of Kissin's better CDs. I loved every performance on this CD, except for the last movement of Schumann's Fantasy in C where he quickly rushes through the supposedly beautiful ending. I've had the privilege to see Kissin play this entire program on this CD at a recital in L.A. It was an amazing affair. His powerful performances of the Liszt Transcendental Etudes is remarkable; especially the F-minor etude & Harmonies du soir. Kissin's virtuosity is showcased to the max in this CD. I would definitely get this CD now!"