Search - Hans Bottermund, Zoltan Kodaly :: Starker plays Kodaly

The Definitive Performance

Russ | Omaha, NE United States | 05/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Starker perform this live in Sacramento, CA, about 40 years ago. This recording is exquisite. Although Starker's rendition of the Kodaly has its unfavorable critics, it must be noted that Starker played the work for the composer--the first time when Starker was about 15. His final performance for Kodaly was shortly before the composer's death. On that occasion, Kodaly himself stated that Starker's performance, except for one small ritard, was the "Bible performance".You can't do much better than a recommendation by the composer himself!"

Definitely...

Amazon | Philadelphia, PA USA | 02/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Starker's rendering is the greatest recorded performance of Kodaly's masterwork. You either know that or you should know that. If I live to see the piece or its performance rivaled, I'll be a lucky man. Buy it now, and for God's sake forget Yo-yo's recording..."

Excellent but not quite Starker's greatest

Paul Miller | West Los Angeles | 01/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Delos CD features Starker's 1970 version of the Kodaly Op. 8 Sonata (recorded in Japan, originally for Star Records). I agree with the other reviewers; it's a marvelous performance in its way. But I don't consider it the equal of his 1956 EMI/Angel LP version, or of his greatest studio performance of the work: the 1950 version made for Period Records. In those earlier recordings (especially the Period), the technique and intonation are effortless and flawless (astonishing in fact) and there's greater sheer energy in the last movement. Starker was 46 at the time of this recording and while that's of course not "old", I think it "took a bit out of him" so to speak, at least toward the latter portions of the piece; I'm sure it must be an exhausting work to perform. I have the Saga and Period label pressings of the early recording and also I have the Angel version and would be happy to lend these to anyone who's never heard them."