Customer Reviews

Reverie: Carol Rosenberger

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

 

 

Although created and marketed by Delos as a classical moods album, this disc of the slow and quiet is comprised entirely of short pieces that can well stand by themselves. In addition, the recorded sound of the Imperial Bosendorfer piano here is just breathtaking.

Among the 15 or so selections, Rosenberger's performance of the famous Ravel Pavane pour une Infante defunte, is one of the finest I have ever heard and I would especially recommend this disc if you love that work.

This CD's collection of music epitomizes Carol Rosenberger at her best, both in regard to performance and choice of material -- keeping in mind that as concerns material, tastes vary widely. Rosenberger's performance shines like a fine image of a full moon over still water on a cloudless night. Where clarity is the desired effect (and I agree fully with the previous reviewer in regard to the sublime Ravel piano version of "Pavane pour une enfante défunte" [roughly, "elegiac dance for a long-ago princess"] ), Rosenberger removes the mist that so many conductors, as well as solo or chamber-music performers, have layered on where not called for. That was in fact a major complaint of Ravel and, in particular, Claude Debussy.

For comparison's sake, the exquisite Chopin Berceuse (cradle song) is played with utmost clarity in the right-hand melodic line, but with a softer feel in the left-hand bass accompaniment, as befits a gentle and lovingly tender lullabye. I am not a pianist, but from past lessons will speculate that these effects were achieved via Rosenberger's deft use of the soft, sustenuto, and damper pedals on a magnificent piano (see previous review).

Debussy's lovely prelude, "Bruyères" (heather), is also played to perfection.

The only piece in this collection to which I would assign four stars, rather than five, is Schumann's Kinderszenen, which (for my taste) is a bit overly sentimental. Still, those who are Schumann aficionados would doubtlessly love its inclusion here; and the piece in no way interferes with the overall calming, soothing effect of the whole, which is balm for both the ears and the soul.