Griffes: Complete Piano Works, Vol. 1

Charles Tomlinson Griffes (Composer), Michael Lewin (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Michael Lewin
• Composer: Charles Tomlinson Griffes
• Audio CD (January 19, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos American
• ASIN: B00000HZOG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,907 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #7 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( G ) > Griffes, Charles T.
  #7 in	Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Modern, 20th, & 21st Century > Composers > Griffes, Charles T. - Works by Griffes

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Pillow - Roll (Scribbles)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The good die young..., February 13, 2000

By	Michael Rindt - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Charles Tomlinson Griffes (1884-1920) was, like Schubert, taken from this world way to early. His impressionist style compositions are a match for, while not necessarily mimicking, Debussy, and his Sonata is an extraordinary piece of unique, forward-looking music. He was also something of a rarity in his time - an American composer of highly original talent. Michael Lewin performs Griffes' music with sensitivity and energy. Naxos produces, when one considers the price, some of the highest quality cds money can buy. I highly recommend this selection to all interested in 20th century piano music.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential American piano music, October 28, 2003

By	klavierspiel "klavierspiel" (TX, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The music of Charles Tomlinson Griffes has a place in musicians', and especially pianists', hearts out of all proportion to its quantity. Michael Lewin has recorded the complete piano music of Griffes on two CDs, of which this is the first. On this CD there are relatively familiar works, such as the Roman Sketches and Sonata, alongside yet-to-be published rarities, such as a charming transcription of Offenbach's Barcarolle, and a lovely Chopinesque Prelude dating from the young composer's fifteenth year (he was to die, alas, only two decades later).

Getting these rare Griffes items alone makes this disc worthwhile, particularly at the Naxos price. That being said, the playing itself is somewhat uneven. In the impassioned, ferocious late Sonata Michael Lewin's extroverted style fits the music perfectly; elsewhere, in the more delicate numbers his approach seems frequently outsize and clangorous. Still, this disc provides a lot of rare and beautiful music at a bargain price.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great music from a genius, August 16, 2000

By	Santiago Barcon "Santiago" (Mexico city) - See all my reviews

The piano music of Griffes is very profound. Since the first Sonata you can hear that something great is coming.

My favourite is the Barcarolle Nuit d'Amour (Track 14)

Very romantic music with excellent performance and recording. Another winner for Naxos