Customer Reviews

Grieg: Lyric Pieces; Sonata; 7 Fugues

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Mikhail Pletnev is unquestionably one of our finest pianists. His splendid playing is not only replete with much drama and pathos, but also has a strong intellectual streak that is as vivid as Brendel's. This splendid recording of Grieg's piano sonata along with some of the most famous Lyric Pieces demonstrates that he is as convincing an interpreter of Grieg as he is of Chopin, Rachmaninoff or Haydn. Along with Leif Ove Andsnes' recent recording of Grieg's Lyric Pieces, Pletnev's splendid account is as brilliant as the classic Deutsche Grammophon recording by Emil Gilels. Indeed, in some of Pletnev's performances, most notably the Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, I doubt I have heard the Lyric Pieces played better with such warmth and vividness approaching Impressionism. Pletnev's exceptional performance of the Piano Sonata may be the finest I have heard. Without question this fine CD is among Deutsche Grammophon's best recent recordings of works for the solo piano.

Please ignore the editorial review of this album. I just heard it on the radio and am rushing to buy it. I've heard a number of recordings of most of these pieces, and have never heard them more beautifully played. Grieg can sound really rinky-dink or absolutely profound and moving; this playing is the latter. And the piano that he's playing on has one of the loveliest tones for this kind of music that I've heard.

I can imagine being there again, in Norway, contemplating the magnificent fjords in majestic silence, listening to the pure waterfalls.

There are so many sounds, many images, many moods that other pianists were incapable of capturing. Pletnev makes you dream and feel, he tells you simple stories of life, and you listen, fascinated, wondering how such simple things could be so complex.

There's a grace, a refinement, a harmony, a sensibility never heard before from Grieg. It's melancholy. It's joy. Iridescent beauty...

This is a wonderfully refined and vibrant performance of Lyric Pieces. Pletnev's super delicate pianism suites this sort of music very well and he captures the intimate poetry and ethereal beauty of each piece masterfully with his keen sense for tonal subtlety and colours. Sonata is played brilliantly with Horowitz-like dexterity and vivid imagination. Highly recommendable alongside;

Grieg: Lyric Pieces (Lyrische Stucke) by Emil Gilels
Edvard Grieg: Lyric Pieces Op43; Lyric Pieces Op54Grieg: Lyriske Stykker; Debussy: Six Préludes Richter

Pletnev has given us the most pleasurable performance on all these unique pieces from Grieg. It is truly a rare gem! The recording quality is good as well.