Absolutely fabulous playing of the first calibre
07/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The performance is excellent and first rate, paricularly in the development section of Op3 #6 and capitulation of OP3 #7. Once can truly feel and envisage the jovial and sublime nature of the pieces. The artist's artistry in both technique and interpretation is superb and unsurpassed in previous recordings. This is truly a serendipitous find. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do."
Not a Scriabinist
01/13/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Although well played in general, this recording is flawed to the point that I would not recommend it. The main fault lies in Long's often times hard-edged, rhythmically unimaginative approach, which deadens the character and saps the poetry out of most selections. We know that a hard and inflexible approach is what Scriabin himself most abhorred in performances of his works. I get the impression that Long is not in touch with Scriabin's highly individual, mystical sound-universe. The approach is altogether too straightforward and prosaic, although not lacking in liveliness and drive. In addition, there are actual rhythmical and notational misreadings: for example, in op. 3 no.7 ms.66 or op.3 no.9 ms.30. Why save a little more with this Naxos release when Long largely misses the point and other versions (Le Van, Feinberg, Pizarro) manage to bring out the essence, the emotional depth and mystery of these works ?"