Search - Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli :: Great Pianists 69

Not too bad at all

Nicolaus | Penang, Malaysia | 10/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first Michelangeli recording and after reading much about him, I expected quite a lot from this complilation.My first reaction towards this recording was the sound , its a little too soft making listening slightly uncomfortable.Even the Beethoven sonata op. 7 which is taken from DG suffers.His playing as expected are refine, well control and intelligent.This would have made a very good recording if Michelangeli have recorded the Brahms' Variation and Schumann's Carnaval in streo instead.Better recording for both of these works certaintly exist, Kissin's fantastic version for the Brahms' and Arrau's Carnaval comes to mind.But for those who care highly for interpretation value, this recording is just what you need.The Schumann's Carnaval in one of the most original and compelling interpretation I've ever listened.Brahms' ballades op. 10 by Brahms came as a pleasant surprise and my only reservation concerns with the 3rd ballade which I think would have been better or should I say, suit my personal preference if it had been played with more power and robust in the opening.All in all, I find this album not too bad at all, and if weren't for the mono sound in some of the selections, it well deserved a 5."