Customer Reviews

Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor; Paganini Etudes; Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13; Transcendental Etude No. 10

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

 

 

Mr Wilkinson has gotten his wrist slapped for writing such a blunt review, but even for a listener who is sympathetic to Andre Watts, still the most famous Afro-American classical pianist in the world after forty years, it's discouraging that his impressive technique didn't lead to musical growth. Many of his best recordings date from the beginning of his career. This flashy Liszt recital includes all the notes, but as Wilkinson says, it's all a bit muddled and aimless musically.


He's also right to point out that Watts displays none of the flashing brilliance and fire of a Volodos or Kissin, and La Campanella is indeed tinkly in his hands. The great B minor Sonata is given a flabby run-through, as is everything else here. I am giving three stars in sympathy with Watts' intentions, too guilty to award what he really deserves.

I was interested in this recording since it had some selections that I did not have in my collection, plus several with Mr. Watts performing ones I have by other artists. Some review comments, including the one very negative one, nearly scared me away. But I bought the album. I compared the selections that I have by others (Kissin, Cziffra, Horowitz) and in EVERY case this interpretation and recording were at least as good to my ears as the others, and usually more satisfying. On the ones I did not have, I heard great performances. I have listened to this album several times looking for the defects others find. It makes me wonder if they have bad ears or a bad hi fi system. Listening proves Mr. Watts to be a fine artist.

AND THEREFORE AM PUZZLED WHY THE FIRST TWO REVIEWERS THINK A BUDGET RELEASE SHOULD HAVE TO 'DELIVER' "ABSOLUTE PERFECTION"! SPEND MORE $$$ AND CHECK OUT THE REVIEW BOOKS, FOR GODS SAKE!

CZIFFRA IS ONE THING YET I FIND THIS CD TO BE EXCITING, BEAUTIFUL, NEVER BORING, AND VERY WELL RECORDED. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE PRICE!

I highly recommend this cd. Mr. Watts does a excellent job of interperting the Paganini Etudes-especially La Campanalla, in my opinion Watts plays it better than Kissin. Even though Kissin plays it 13 sec. faster, but with less emotion. Rhapsody No. 13 is played with virtuosity and power. he plays the Transcendental Etude differetly than most people, but it is still nice. The Sonata was a little dissapointing, some parts weren't as exciting as Naida Cole's verison. For the Sonata get Cole's verison. But over all a very good buy! Nice job Mr. Watts!

Most amazing: 3. Six Grand Etudes After Paganini: No.3 'La Campanella'