Search - Dinu Lipatti, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ignaz Friedmann :: Transfigured Bach: The Piano Transcriptions of Bartók, Lipatti, and Friedman

Superb music, superb pianism, superb piano

Peter G. Moll | Arlington, VA USA | 05/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a triumph by any measure: the music, the execution, and the instrument!Ms. Malan has unearthed three Bach transcriptions that have never been recorded before; strangely so, because the transcribers Bartok, Friedman and Lipatti are among the greatest masters of the art. The Pastorale in F, BWV 590 is an excellent find, and makes very pleasing listening in this piano version. Several of the other pieces, while not world premieres, are hard to find -- both in score and in recording. My favorite on this disk is "Mein glaeubiges Herze" which I think sounds better in this piano version than it does in the original arrangement for voice and chamber orchestra; it is just as joyful and sprightly as the latter but brings tremendous power in the final lines.Ms. Malan's pianism is without fault. She manages to be gentle and easy-going when needed -- e.g. the Siciliano which is pianissimo most of the time -- but manages a great crashing climax in "Mein glaeubiges Herze", and keeps her stamina with the challenging Toccata and Fugue.The technical quality of the recording is perfect. There are no extraneous echos or imbalances.The piano, a Bluethner grand, has a timbre and attack that is highly appropriate for this music. The lower fugal parts are easily recognized as the harmonics on the base notes are not overblown. At last, here is a serious competitor to challenge the Steinway near-monopoly.We hope Ms. Malan doesn't stop here. Hinson's famous book lists hundreds of worthy transcriptions which need to be made available. There are many composers whose piano music is almost unobtainable, such as Florent Schmitt or Vincent d'Indy. It is time that South African compositions had a hearing, e.g. the concerto by Alexander Johnson."

Five stars for a great star

Michael | Denver CO USA | 10/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"World-class pianist Petronel Malan plays transcriptions of Bach works by Bartok, Lipatti and Friedman, including two world premieres. This is compelling stuff. Make sure that you have enough time when you start listening to this CD. You will not be able to tear yourself away from it. From the word go, you will be riveted. The music surges forward, sometimes drawing out your soul with its tenderness, sometimes electrifying you with its excitement. The Bosendorfer concert grand piano enthralls with Petronel's glorious bass lines. If more contemporary pianists play like this, we are living in a new Golden Age of piano playing. May the next CD arrive soon. We also want a DVD!"

FANTASTIC!

Ulrich | UK | 06/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unique transcription music, but wonderful gems. Really worth your money.
I wish we can find more of her recordings. ???She is simply amazing - not to mention probably the most gorgeous pianist out there. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"