Alexander Budyonny Performing Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff & Liszt

Liszt (Composer), Beethoven (Composer), Chopin (Composer), Rachmaninoff (Composer), Alexander Budyonny (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Alexander Budyonny
• Composer: Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff
• Audio CD (March 27, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B00008K2SC
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #744,886 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ludwig van Beethoven--Sonata #8 (Pathétique), C minor, p. 13, No. 8

2. Ludwig van Beethoven--Sonata #3, C major, Op. 2, No. 3

3. Frédéric Chopin--Polonaise, A-flat major, Op. 53

4. Sergei Rachmaninoff--Prelude, D minor, Op. 23, No. 3

5. Sergei Rachmaninoff--Prelude, B-flat major, Op. 23, No. 2

6. Franz Liszt--Paganini Etude #3 (La Campanella), G-sharp minor

Editorial Reviews

A Distinguished Artist of Russia, Alexander Budyonny stands within the parameters of the Russian piano school, following the tradition of piano performance established in the past century by Gilels, Horowitz, Richter, and Sofronitsky. While pianistic brilliance and technical mastery of the instrument undoubtedly remain the cornerstone of this tradition, they are only important insofar as they contribute to the character and expressive approach which ultimately dictates how an artist translates the composer’s ideas and imagination behind a particular piece into the language of modern piano. To put it differently, the artist’s technique does not and should not stand in the way of his own interpretation, the way he "hears" Beethoven, Chopin or Rachmaninoff. It is precisely this amalgamation of prodigious virtuosity and profound individuality—a trademark combination of the Russian piano school—which the listener will immediately discern in Alexander Budyonny’s performance on this recording.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tour de Force, September 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Alexander Budyonny Performing Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff & Liszt (Audio CD)

This recording has force, originality and technique. If you are used to a wimpy, toned-down "Pathetique," this disc is not for you. The renditions here are full of energy and raw emotion that are typically found in good live piano recordings of this type. Even if you own multiple recordings of this Romantic repertoire in your CD library, I suggest you get this disc as a fresh point of comparison--you won't regret it. And, if this is your very first time being exposed to these pieces, definitely add this CD to your collection--it will provide you with a good point of departure.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STRONG SOUND, November 3, 2004

By 

A. Friedlander (Stamford, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alexander Budyonny Performing Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff & Liszt (Audio CD)

This pianist plays these relatively well-known pieces with much conviction and attack. It's a pleasure to hear someone take up such a refreshing approach--may not be perfect, but convincing, and honest, and definitely worth giving it a listen.

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice live recording of the great piano classics!, July 1, 2011

By 

Ken Greenspan (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alexander Budyonny Performing Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff & Liszt (Audio CD)

This disc plays like a nice, live studio recording. Great touch, great artistry, awesome spontaneity! If you like classical live recordings with all their raw power and surprising ability to make you feel like part of the live audience (a few minor technical imperfections put aside), I'd give this album a try. Why not?