Customer Reviews

Ivan Moravec Plays Debussy & Chopin

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

 

 

It irked the French of my Dad's generation that the greatest interpreter of Debussy piano music was Walter Gieseking - not exactly a Frenchman.

I don't know if it bothers the French today that the mantle has passed to a Czech. If it does, they should get past it, and just be grateful that anyone can play this beautifully.

The Chopin Mazurkas are I think as close to Moravec's heart as they were to the composer. He often offers them as encores at recitals, and invariably reduces the audience to hushed rapture.

All music lovers should snap up any Moravec album they come across - especially if it includes a Chopin Mazurka.

This is truly one of the most beautiful CD's I own. I first heard of it about 15 years ago, before I owned a CD player: I read in a British classical music magazine that Moravec's playing of Chopin was inspired and that his playing of Debussy was reason enough to buy a disc player. The writer called CD's "silver cookies" and this disc was right at the top of his list of ten favorites. I have listened over and over and still continue to marvel at the subtleties of Moravec's pianism. Gorgeous and delicate, but these are not wispy interpretations which melt like cotton candy. Moravec plays with strength. I love the Chopin CD and think it honestly compares favorably with Rubenstein, but it is the Debussy interpretations that have stayed with me and that I come back to time and time again for a 45 minute vacation from life in New York City. The price listed above is unbeatable...about 1/2 of what I paid. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I stumbled across this album several years ago and couldn't believe my good fortune. I've listened to recorded piano music for a number of years, and while I would by no means consider myself to have any special expertise, I consistently find Mr. Moravec to be the single most communicative pianist in my experience. This set, along with all of his recordings reissued on VAI that I've been able to hear, are simply wonderful.

The wonderful thing about being a student of classical music is the joy that comes from finding a wonderful recording that few people know of on a "budget" label and at a bargain price. This CD is one such prize. This all digital recording features absolutely brilliant performances and interpretations of Debussy. Many well known classical pianists seem to be in an effort to "do it all." Moravec has always been much more limited in his repertiore, specializing in fewer areas that he performs beautifully. The performances on this CD set are my favorite Debussy recordings, and the price simply cannot be beat.

I'm delighted with the balance, the restraint (when necessary), the exquisite phrasing and everything else. Really, this is as close to perfection in piano playing as one can hope.

If you are not a Chopin fan (and let's be fair, not everyone is) you will still delight in the Chopin performances simply because of the beauty and power of the interpretations. As for the Debussy? Revelatory. The colors of the Debussy and all the shades Moravec shows us is breathtaking.

You'll want to get a few copies of this. One for yourself and one for everyone you care for.

Short and to the point.
Hey go ahead and ignore my opinion, go buy this and forget Roge.
But after you buy this cd, then buy Roge, and you tell me which you prefer.
I even prefer Michelangeli(4 stars) over Moravec.