|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
IN THE HEAT OF THE CUBAN NIGHT,
By Melvyn M. Sobel "Melvyn M. Sobel" (Freeport, New York) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Lecuona: Danzas Afro-cubanos; Cuban Dances (Audio CD)
I knew from the opening "No hablas Mas!" of the DANZAS CUBANAS that Ferman would be completely immersed, would live and breathe the sultry syncopations of Cuban-born Ernesto Lecuona, would bring a soft, yet passionate, almost sexy new life to these languid works of some sixty-five years ago. As I continued to listen to the "Por que te vas" (Track 4), my intuition was confirmed. How dreamy and ageless these pieces became under Ferman's caressing fingers. So many pianists merely whack away at Lecuona, pounding him to pulp or, in an effort to show off their pyrotechnique, miss the point entirely. How tiresome; how grueling, and how unfair to Lecuona and the subtleties endowed in his music.
Yes, Ferman takes her time with Lecuona, but I see this as no detriment; instead, she allows us visionary insight. Rhythm and lyricism, hidden lines of melody, submerged inner voicing become readily obvious, deliciously piquant and nostalgic. She knows EXACTLY what she's doing, and she brings a new validation, a new legitimacy to Lecuona's compositions. Listen to, for example, the "Danza de las Nanigos" or "Danza Lucumi" from the DANZAS AFRO-CUBANAS. Listen to how every note sings out so affectionately, so lovingly. The variation of tone and color comes from the palette of a consummate pianist. ANDALUCIA (Suite Espanola), from "Cordoba" to "Malaguena," is enchanting, romantic, fiery (listen to the "Gitanerias"), and can easily stand beside the Albeniz "Iberia," whose length, itself, may be self-defeating in the wrong hands. With ANDALUCIA, Lecuona really shows his mettle (even though the Suite is a fine integration of works not originally intended as such). And, yes, even "Malaguena," that ill-famed, over-played warhorse, under Ferman's fingers becomes bonafide and fresh. "Siboney," of course, is a reduction to piano solo of the Lecuona song, and its tuneful longing is peerless. [This was Desi Arnez's favorite Lecuona piece, by the way; don't know how Lucy felt about it, though.] So infrequently do we come across a pianist whose "connection" to a composer is so absolute, whose revelations are so vital and truthful. Polly Ferman falls squarely into this category. I have no doubt whatsoever of the authenticity of Ferman's approach; it "feels" right from beginning to end. It's too bad, though, since the CD allows sufficient time, that Ms. Ferman did not include Lecuona's suite of the ten NINETEENTH CENTURY CUBAN DANCES, as this would have made the present recording even THAT much more indispensable. However, even as it is, it's perfect. [Running time: 66:02]
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
SORRY IT AIN"T GOT IT,
By "amusiclover33" (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Lecuona: Danzas Afro-cubanos; Cuban Dances (Audio CD)
As an avid lover of the music of Lecuona, I have listened to all of the available recordings, and some which are now out of print, including LP's long gone by Echaniz, Pennario, etc. which were wonderful. This pianist, though a good one, misses the point ENTRIELY in this music. Soft, supple, singing, insights, bravura-none of these words decribe her playing, which is quite routine on this disc. (surprising: I have other CD's by her which I just love). She simply does not understand what Lecuona's music is about: the composer's conceptions of tempi, dynamics, structure of what the forms themselves represent, etc. Here in lies the problem: a misconception and uneducation of both performer and listener as to what Lecuona's music really is. It's been played badly for so long, that when it's played correctly, one fails to discern the difference. One may say her playing is "insightful" if one approaches the recording without knowing really what the music is: if you REALLY know, you would immediately point this recording out as just another failed attempt to reinvent Lecuona's music into something it isn't.Lecuona's style is very specific. One can hear that in his own recordings for BMG. Lecuona's own playing has great technical panache, bravura, almost Lisztian in the presentation. Interpretation such as presented here on this disc, is completely out of place. No matter what you say, or how fans might want to color it, this is NOT the Lecuona recording to have.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary version of heart warming music.,
By Nicolacci "Nicolacci" (Greenwich, CT USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Lecuona: Danzas Afro-cubanos; Cuban Dances (Audio CD)
This is a lovely recording of highly spirited musicality. It brings memories of quieter days past in a south american music salon. The performance by Ms. Ferman brings forward an inspiring palette of delicate sounds. I strongly recommend this CD.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Passionate about music?
Learn more at SoundUnwound, the personal music encyclopedia, or challenge your friends with our music quizzes.
