Customer Reviews

Best of Piano Music

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think that the interpretation of Satie's work here is really good, but my complain is that the recording has a lot of noise in it, is not just the noise of a life performance (which I don't mind), but there is a clear white noise in the background that spoils the overall effect. Still, as I said the interpretation is just great, but the noise issue forces me to give a 3 start rating.

The performance of all of the pieces on this disk are exceptional, and the recording of the piano itself is well done. Unfortunately, both are almost irreparably marred by a loud recording hiss throughout the performances. The fact that this hiss fades to zero between sets only serves to highlight the hiss and make it distracting again. I am stunned that this disk advertises itself as a DDD recording, the engineers and producers should be ashamed. If you know how to process hiss out of a recording, go for it. Otherwise, be warned, you may be disappointed.

I must confess my ignorance with respect to Satie and his music, so this fine CD was a revelation. Satie clearly falls in the same group of "Impressionist" composers such as Debussy, but still remains an enigmatic figure, in part because of the satirical content of his music, as well as his personality. In Aldo Ciccolini, Satie had one of his foremost champions. This CD is replete with graceful, lyrical playing of Satie's works. I am truly surprised that Satie was neglected until the 1960's, when Ciccolini began championing his music. The sound quality isn't nearly as warm as earlier EMI analogue recordings, but this isn't a major disappointment in what is otherwise a splendid introduction to Satie's music.

Satie's popularity has waxed and waned over the years, and his music will probably continue to divide opinion. A musical maverick, to be sure - but is there real musical value behind the quirks (or superficial beauty of his more popular works)? I have to admit that I remain skeptical. But if anyone is going to convince me that this is music of real stature and lasting quality, I suppose it has to be Ciccolini; but even so, despite the fact that Ciccolini has recorded the composer's complete piano output (including overdubbing himself in the works for piano duo), this disc of selections is more than enough for me, at least for now.

The performances are finely judged, crisp and expressive - but not more emotional than necessary (the Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes are thus better done than in any alternative account I've heard - for these are works that can lure the most professional pianist to cloying sentimentality); relatively straightforward and not making any attempts to insert or overdo musical jokes. Maybe the playing is a tad self-conscious at times, but the results are generally very elegant and charming (in a good sense) - with a very well-judged mix of nobility, meditativeness and suavity. Sound quality is, however, problematic - flat, and more importantly marred by a hiss (as pointed out by other reviewers here). Still, this disc is absolutely recommendable to fans of the composer - and maybe skeptical ones like myself as well.

I just love this CD. I have the 5 cd's box set whit Ciccolini recording from 1960's. That was good, but this one is better. Maybe the best SATIE in history. This one have superb sound. the box set have sound just so, THIS IS JUST OUSTANDING!