Search - Frederic Chopin, Valerie Tryon :: Chopin: Scherzos & Ballades

Musically Enhancing, But Lacks Compelling Temperament!

Raymond Vacchino | Toronto, ON. Canada | 01/13/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Chopin's music calls for great flexibility and consequently opens itself to interpretation. Ohlsson and Argerich are examples that personify this approach. The music also seems to have its own niche, and the challenge here is finding it. Rubenstein and Moravec follow that direction, and Valerie Tryon tends to gravitate to the Rubenstein vein. Her playing of Chopin is indeed formidable and her specific strength lies in her ability to convey the structure of the works with a refreshing clarity. Tryon takes the time to define the inner voices, however, at times it seems to be a challenge for her technique especially in the G minor Ballade. In the third Scherzo Tryon conveys the fluency of the work, yet the overall effect is less captivating. The third Scherzo's opening reveals the fierce contrasts characteristic of Chopin's larger works, yet the overall urgency and temperament needs to intensify the mood more consistently. Tryon seems to lean towards a more classical approach in her playing of Chopin which is fine, but conveying more of the revealing romantic content, would bring together characteristics of both practices. Her interpretations are forthright yet her tempi tend to be on the slower side sometimes causing a lack of vitality, which becomes apparent in the fourth Scherzo. Her use of dynamic contrasts in general requires greater scope to be truly convincing. The overall playing does convey a fine cantabile but not without questionable moments along the way. Criticism aside, Tryon performs with immaculate virtues which are displayed for the most part to enviable advantage. Her approach displays characteristic grace and fluency complemented by the most natural musicianship.



Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus. A.Mus. L.R.S.M. Licentiate (honorary)"