Customer Reviews

Mozart /Chopin/Rachmaninov: Richter - Classic Archive

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

 

 

This recital was originally broadcast on BBC-TV in 1989. Richter was 74 then but clearly had not lost any of his powers. He had, however, developed some idiosyncrasies that have a bearing on this recording. He was playing this recital, consisting of three Mozart sonatas and a selection from Chopin's Op. 10 and 25 études, before a live audience but insisted on having no lighting on the stage except for a crook-neck lamp shone directly on the keyboard and on the scores from which he was playing. This came as news to the BBC-TV crew and they had to, at the last moment, make do with filming him on a darkened stage. Still, after a few moments one does not mind this at all because the filming is primarily of his hands which, for me at least, was an education in itself.

Needless to say, Richter's playing does not need any describing to those who are his fans, but for those who are new to Richter's playing I'll offer brief descriptions. Before the intermission he plays three Mozart sonatas: No. 4 in E Flat Major, K.282; No. 16 in C Major, K.545; and No. 8 in A Minor, K.310. His Mozart is both pristine and romantic. That is to say that both his ability to bring out with utmost clarity the musical line and his penchant for highly personal rubati is very much in evidence. This makes for somewhat unusual Mozart but it is convincing nonetheless. (I'm reminded of his recording of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier which has these same characteristics. And I confess that his WTC is my favorite piano recording of that masterpiece.)

In the second half he plays twelve of Chopin's Etudes (Op. 10 Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11 and 12; Op. 25 Nos 5, 6, 8 and 11 'The Revolutionary'). His Chopin is masculine, dramatic and exciting. His playing of the C sharp minor étude (Op. 10, No. 4) is one of the most breathtaking I've ever heard. (Interestingly, there is a bonus of three tracks recorded in black and white in 1969, twenty years earlier, where he also plays the C sharp minor and although it is noticeably faster than the 1989 performance, it is not quite as exciting.) The 'Revolutionary' étude is also fantastic. The three bonus tracks include a fabulous performance of Rachmaninov's Étude-Tableau Op. 39, No. 3 in F Sharp Minor that fair makes one gape with admiration.

I have given this DVD five stars even though visually some may be disappointed by the above-described limitations. But as I said, I found myself not even much noticing it after the first few moments. Indeed, I found myself focusing far more on the music and Richter's hands than I did on the setting.

An unqualified recommendation, then, for Richter's legion of fans. Perhaps slightly less so for those newly coming to Richter's artistry.

Running time (with bonus tracks): 90mins; Format: NTSC 4:3; Sound: PCM stereo; Region code: 0 (worldwide)

Scott Morrison

I was lucky to have seen Sviatoslav Richter in recital in London in the seventies; the experience was definitely the most enthralling solo concert I have experienced. This filmed recital rekindled some of my happy memories of this great musician. To deal with the musical aspects first, all that really needs to be said is that the viewer is obviously in the presence of a master pianist. The 3 Mozart sonatas are beautifully played; refined phrasing and a light, deft touch that is perfect for this music. The Chopin Etudes are equally memorable and demonstrate Richter's sensitivity and sterling technique. The bonus material is also a treat.

The prospective purchaser needs to know the following about the filming. From my reading about this DVD I was under the impression that there was very little to be seen of the pianist given the very poor lighting (a single lamp). In fact, despite the lamp shining in the viewers eye's at the beginning and other minor annoyances (like brief blank visuals between the musical items), one is able to get a quite reasonable impression of the action and of Richter's playing. These small inconveniences are certainly worth tolerating for the sake of the total experience. The sound on this disc is quite acceptable.

P.S. Richter fans should investigate "Richter The Enigma"-a brilliant DVD documentary about this pianist.

Cet enregistrement est absolument parfait dans tous les sens du terme. Malgré les réserves imposées par Richter qui ne s'attendait pas à être filmé à ce concert, il conserve l'une des plus émouvantes images d'un classicisme inspiré par un maître incomparable et qu'a priori on n'attend pas sur ce terrain. Mozart est redécouvert, mis à nu, exploré par celui qui fut l'un des plus grands pianistes de tous les temps. Je ne pense pas avoir entendu Richter lui-même se confier avec une telle perfection et tant de retenue à son instrument. Le son est extraordinaire et toutes les intentions deviennent nécessaires une fois réalisées.
Quant à Chopin, la comparaison offerte entre l'ancien et le nouvel enregistrement de l'étude en do# min de l'op.10 est effarante!

Richter was very intriguing. I like him for being unique. His playing here is wonderful, and I particularly like seeing him playing the "Winter Wind" Etude of Chopin with the cameras filming from above. It's hard to see him playing the Mozart Sonatas since he insisted on playing in the dark with only a small light beside him. Don't hesitate to get this one, but prepare to be a bit frustrated by seeing him playing in the dark.

The cons were appropriately explained, i.e., limited visual exposure of the artist, the quality of the sound, the forced fragmented editing of the pieces.

This is an amazing performance given by Maestro Richter. His interpretations and mastery of Chopin's Etudes is 2nd to none. As an amateur concert-pianist, I have played/worked on most of these Etudes and to be able to play them like that at 75 years of age is superb. I also love the "aerial view" of the camera when Maestro Richter performs the Etudes where you clearly see his hands and the keyboard.

If you are a Chopin enthusiast or just interested in seeing a Maestro at work, I recommend you buy this DVD. Maestro Richter is clearly one of the great ones of the 20th Century!

Great music, but difficult to play. You must que each selection. You can not put it in a changer.