4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb piano works by a 20thCentury master., March 8, 2007
This review is from: Kagel: Piano Works (Audio CD)
I had not known that Kagel composed much solo piano music, but this double CD of his works makes it clear that he was just as much a master with the ordinary piano as he was with the many unusual and strange combinations he has utilized over his career. The "Metapiece" is a flexible, largely indeterminate work which is presented here in four different versions, ranging from 5 to 17 minutes duration. Each version is unmistakable as "Metapiece", but each version is also clearly it's own work, showing great individuality. All the other works are also possessed of a clearly reasoned but very avant-garde sensibility, derived from occasionally extra-musical associations, or from very specifically musical elements as harmonic practice or from basic piano technic. No matter what he draws upon, Kagel always brings to light profound yet joyful music of superb originality. Paulo Alvares, a South American compatriot of Kagel (Alvares is from Brazil, Kagel of course hails from Argentina) realizes all the music with flawless authority and unquestionable musicality. I look forward to hearing other recordings by Alvares based on the excellence of this set. Beautiful recording by CPO, and they very kindly offer this set at a 2-for-1 price, making this set an outstanding bargain, too.
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