Search - Chopin, Van Cliburn :: Chopin: Sonata No. 2, op. 35; Sonata No. 3, op. 58/Liszt: Mephisto Waltz; Sonetto del Petrarca; Un Sospiro

Classic Chopin, Lucious Liszt

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 10/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Van Cliburn disc, featuring two Chopin Sonatas and three shorter pieces by Liszt, is one of my favorites by the world-renowned pianist. What makes this CD so enjoyable for me is Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2. At this point you might be saying to yourself, what kind of person finds a piece commonly referred to as the "Funeral March" enjoyable. Well, in general, I'm not a big fan of this composition -- it's too dark, dreary and depressing for my tastes. But in Cliburn's capable hands a certain joy and understanding is injected into the somber passages, and in the more hopeful second movement Cliburn's playing is positively sublime. Cliburn also perfectly captures the intense beauty and power of Chopin's Sonata No. 3, while on the Liszt "Sospiro" and "Sonetto," the delicacy of Cliburn's touch comes to the forefront. The final piece, Liszt's "Mephisto Waltz", is certainly more playful and exuberant than the previous tracks, and is an excellent conclusion to the disc, especially considering how the CD began with the grave 2nd Sonata. Finally, this album is a great value too, it logs in at almost 75 minutes. Fans of Cliburn's music will enjoy this disc thoroughly."