6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great technique, mediocre interpretation, October 18, 2001
This review is from: John Ogdon II: Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century, Vol. 73 (Audio CD)
This is a very good set because it includes many works that only a few pianists can ever play. Having both sets of the Etude-tableux, plus all the fiendish Liszt works makes this CD quite a bargain.
If really there was a pianist in which you can say... overcome any technical barrier for the piano, chances are John Ogdon's name will be mentioned. His technique was known to be limitless, and even during his bouts of schizophrenia, he was known to give recitals, but not just recitals... he offered such overwhelming works such as the Mussorgsky Pictures in an Exhibtion and the Liszt Totentanz for Solo Piano!
As for the music in this CD, these fiendish works are played with an absolute ease. So much so there really isn't that much tension or fervor. I found his interpretation of the Liszt/Busoni La Campanella, and the Don Juan Fantasy quite boring. The etude-tableux all are played very fluidly, but they don't stand out. For a definite version of the Etude-tableux I recommend the version by Sviatoslav Richter.
I think the best recording of this set is probably the Reminiscences de Simone Boccanegra. With this piece, Ogdon manages to tell a dramatic story with the usual stunning virtuosity.
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6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An exellent example of the spirit of John Ogdon, August 10, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: John Ogdon II: Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century, Vol. 73 (Audio CD)
This CD demonstrates the exellent technique of Mr. Ogdon. This CD has all the pieces that make him who he is. The Rachmaninoff is almost flawless, although his playing seemed to be a bit "heavy" at times. I have never heard a better recording of "La Campanella" in my entire life then the one that is on this CD. -Matthew Weissman
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