Customer Reviews

Schubert: The Impromptus; Moments musicaux

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

 

 

I concur with an earlier reviewer who wasn't impressed with the sound quality of these early 1990s digital recording of some of Schubert's most familiar shorter works for the piano. However, I still highly recommend it based solely on Andras Schiff's beautiful playing. I've had this compilation sitting on my shelves for over a year and finally had a chance to listen to it a few days ago; despite the recording's flaws, Schiff's playing is majestic, poetic, demonstrating his empathy for Schubert's music. Both sets of Impromptus are played with ample dignity and grace; the same holds true for the Landler (waltzes) and Moments Musicaux. It's a pity that Decca's usually high fidelity standards weren't in evidence here, or else I would say that this two CD set would deserve recognition as among the finest recordings of these Schubert pieces currently available.

I can't stand it when recording engineers go out of their way to ruin recordings. For some reason, the engineer for this recording chose to place some microphones very close to the piano, and some far. The result is very unnatural sound. I wish I could find a good recording of the Musical Moments, but have struck out twice. (My other recording is with Lupu, which is also a superb performance but a lousy recording - early digital). I wonder if Schiff is aware of the sabotage done to his art by over zealous recording engineers. As far as the music goes, I find Schiff to be one of the best Schubert interpreters, which is why I bought this CD. Schiff plays this music superbly as expected.

I concur with an earlier reviewer who wasn't impressed with the sound quality of these early 1990s digital recording of some of Schubert's most familiar shorter works for the piano. However, I still highly recommend it based solely on Andras Schiff's beautiful playing. I've had this compilation sitting on my shelves for over a year and finally had a chance to listen to it a few days ago; despite the recording's flaws, Schiff's playing is majestic, poetic, demonstrating his empathy for Schubert's music. Both sets of Impromptus are played with ample dignity and grace; the same holds true for the Landler (waltzes) and Moments Musicaux. It's a pity that Decca's usually high fidelity standards weren't in evidence here, or else I would say that this two CD set would deserve recognition as among the finest recordings of these Schubert pieces currently available.

Andras Schiff shows once more why he is on the top of the ten best pianist in the world. His impressive phrasing, his superb expressiveness and supreme panache have deserved to him the most outstanding comments all around the world.
Nowadays he may be the most eloquent pianist in which Schubert concerns. His multiple conversations with Sandor Vegh, his personal efforts for several Schubert Complete Sonatas around the world, and conferences are undeniable evidences for his profound devotion for this Austrian composer.
Go for this album. You will be surprised if it's the first time you listen him and convince by yourself about his Haydn and Mozart too.