Customer Reviews

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in Am; Ravel: Alborada Del Gracioso

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

 

 

Like Clifford Curzon, Leon Fleisher was a student of the great Artur Schnabel and if I had to elect *the* American pianist of the century, it would probably be Fleisher. His collaborations with conductor George Szell resulted in some of the most splendid interpretations of Brahms, Grieg or Schumann's piano concertos. Unfortunately, Fleisher's right hand became paralyzed and almost stopped his career. He went on playing most works for piano for the left hand, including Ravel, Britten and Prokofiev's concertos.

These recordings date back to the 1950s, at the time when Fleisher made his comeback. Franck's Symphonic Variations probably find here their best interpreter, perfectly accompanied by Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. The Rhapsody is maybe even better with Fleisher's dazzling, brilliant but also truly poetic playing. And I lack compliments to describe his vivid reading of Ravel's "Alborada del Gracioso".

The collection from which this CD is taken is called : "Legendary Performances". I'll totally agree on that one. My only regret : like on many CBS releases, the booklet is really too thin. Few details on the composition of the included works, but no details at all on the performances, alas.

Fleisher is remembered mainly for his superlative performance of Beethoven & Brahms concertos, but he plays Paganini Rhapsody with titanic virtuosity and emotional intensity, comparable to Russian greats, that surpass most of existing great recordings. It would sound like this if Richter had recorded this work.

These are recordings made fairly early in Fleisher's career -- 1957 for the Rachmaninov, 1958 for the Ravel. By now the legacy of Fleisher and Szell on disc is a testament to a great partnership. The two have no intention of making the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini sound Russian, or for that matter soulful. Orchestra and soloist are reazo-shar, which gives Fleisher the opportunity to dazzle; nothing is very moving emotionally, however. A fascinating comparison would be to William Kapell, who made a similarly propulsive, unsentimental account (reissued on RCA) bfore his tragic early death. I would gladly keep it as my only version despite mediocre mono sound. The Fleisher-Sezell Ravel concerto, from which I expected a great deal, is hard-edged and clattery, miles away from the correct approach.

My Dad and I think that this recording is one of the best. You won't be disappointed, and is a good price also.

This stuff is definitely uplifting for anybody who needs a bit of spunk in their life. It's got a sense of humor, urgency, accuracy, and it is artistically excellent.

Spiritual food for sure!!!!!!