Search - Liszt, Scriabin, Rachmoninoff :: Die Junge Nonne / Fantasia B Minor Op 28

Grand - Romantic Playing from Berman

Alex Serrano | Perrysburg, Ohio United States | 11/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lazar Berman will apparently forever remain obscured and his due unrecognized - and listening to this extraordinary live recital simply makes me wonder whether his obscurity could only be his choice and uncompromising musicianship.
The Scriabin Fantasie which opens the recital is simply heartbreaking - its passion held again and again in cries barely obscured by the huge technical demands for the performer. And only a pianist with the aplomb and temperament of Lazar Berman could make this music work.
Then 5 transcriptions by Liszt of Schubert songs remind us that the piano every once in a while finds a performer who can actually make it sing. As simple as they sound, these works are also very demanding. And once again, Berman flies past these olympian hurdles and produces a glowing sound and differentiates all at once the distinct voices Liszt brings to attention at one point or another. This is simply put beautifull playing.
Next, Rachmaninov's Moments Musicaux op. 16. Here, Berman really pushes his technique all the way in a true virtuoso rendition. The final work in particular, he ahcieves an almost orchestral volume which is simply amazing as when i thought that he could not get louder he simply was able to go up a notch again. Unlike a Horowitz sudden burst of energy, this is volume that seems sustained yet somehow keeps on building. Is this a contradiction? - try finding a copy of Evgeny Svetlanov's conducting of Scriabin's Poem of Ecstassy with the USSR State Orchestra - this kind of climax building is what Berman acheives on the piano alone.
Finally, his account of Liszt's Funerailles is dark, virtuosic yes, but never overblown. Here is a pianist who knows he could toy and tinker with this work at his will, and yet chooses to deliver a sober and gloomy rendition. Another proof of his viruosity serving his musicianship.
Unfortunately, finding recordings by Lazar Berman has proved a daunting challenge over the years. This live - beleive it or not - recital from the Aura label is very welcome and a testament of a great artist and hopefully, a chance for others to listen to what grand - romantic playing is all about."

Little-heard works done well

James S. Plank | Knoxville, Tennessee | 12/16/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Berman seems to get bad press becuase he's got such technical prowess, but this CD contains great lyrical works that are his bread and butter. For the price, you can't do better, and you don't hear many of these pieces (e.g. the Scriabin Fantasy or the Liszt/Schubert transcriptions) very often. Go for it."

Bermans brilliant playing

Mr P Greenwood | Bolton, Lancashire, England | 03/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a CD that I would recommend to anyone.The playing is is of a superb standard. I have never heard a better version of the Funerailles or the Erlkonig.The Scriabin is new to me and I was greatly impressed. The recording is good and the disc is an incredible bargain at the price."