4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent summation of Perahia in his prime, August 28, 2009
This review is from: Murray Perahia - Great Pianists of 20th Century (Audio CD)
It would be a great shame if Murray Perahia's best years are behind him. Afflicted with a serious thumb injury over a decade ago, he has become a more reflective, perhaps staid musician. But he's far from staid in these selections, which are lagely from the Eighties, his most exciting decade. Only the short Scarlatti sonoatas, the Schubert Impromptu, and the brahms Ballade are from the Nineties, ending with 1996. As his many fans know and appreciate, Perahia has always been a musician first and a virtuoso second. His seriousness is part of his demeanor, but he never carries it to the point of plodding earnestness. His touch in Mozart and Schubert placed him in the front rank of interpreters. After hearing the K. 503 piano concerto included here, one can venture with confidence into Perahia's entire Mozart cycle for sony. the bartok is unusual and dates from 1980, one of the first items recorded. The Mendelssohn Variations serieuses receives a riveting performance that shows how close to Beethoven Mendelssohn could be, on rare occasions.
In sum, this is a distinguished survey of Perahia's accomplishments in his young and middle years. they are very impressive. It was this kind of aristocratic but lively playing that made me an ardent fan in those years.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
