Paul,
We were so looking forward to this disc, as me and my other half are really into solo piano, especially Beethoven’s sonatas. Having all what Gilels recorded for DG is a blessing, but also a curse at the same time, who will now have the artistry and insight to repeat that understanding of this music? Let’s hope Kovacevic will go to the studio again, hoping that EMI will get their heads around SACD. As for op. 111 our favourite is Ivo Pogorelic, for the same reasons we love Gilels. Yes, his playing is an acquired taste, but what a story he has to tell – especially in the second movement! After we played Pizzaro’s 111 we had to play Pogorelich immediately afterwards to recover our hearing :)). Shostakovich once said that he always considered second movement of op. 111 boring music (unless it was played by Maria Yudina). And it is understandable why – playing the notes it’s just not good enough. Late Beethoven is not what it looks like on the paper, the same thing as with his late quartets. I think Pizzaro has on his plate more than he can chew, let’s see what will happen in years to come, but we won’t be rushing to by his CDs again. And will be getting rid of this one ASAP!
|