44.00 PLN

CD:

Nr kat.: 8802084
Label  : Newton Classics

Robert Beattie MusicWeb International, September 2012 "In these performances [Emmanuel Ax] demonstrates all the qualities that have made him such a consummate all-round performer and musician. He displays enormous variety of tone not to mention his refined and elegant phrasing and rubato. There’s also that superb technical ability and digital articulation when required. He starts with the Humoreske…A gorgeous tone is conjured from the Steinway in the dreamy opening and the melody is delineated with great sensitivity and refinement. The ensuing sehr rasch und leicht section is played with rhythmic vitality and flair. The third section is very well executed while the Innig fourth section is played with evident warmth and humanity. Some of the playing in the penultimate section is extremely fine…The phrasing in the final section was immaculate with Ax relishing the rich harmonies. I preferred Ax’s interpretation of the Fantasiestucke set which, for my money, was played with much greater musical insight and imagination. Des Abends is played with poetic sensibility. The figurations unfold naturally and with grace. There’s vigour and drive in Aufschwung which is allowed to soar with energy coursing through some of the figurations. There’s an authoritative Grillen in which artful rubato lays bare the whimsical and quirky nature of the piece. It’s wonderfully characterised. The whimsical narrative at the heart of Fabel is beautifully conveyed while the whirling figurations of Traumes Wirren are dispatched with virtuoso élan. Schumann described Ende vom Lied as a combination of wedding bells and funeral bells. Ax gives it muscularity and invests the huge chords with a radiant tonal warmth." © 2012 MusicWeb International