A unique version of Schubert's Sonata
davidsrx | Chicago, IL | 05/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved this recording of Schubert's ghostly Sonata in A-minor by Kissin. I've personally seen Kissin play this Schubert sonata in concert. It was a fantastic performance then, and it is spectacularly perserved here in this CD. In the late Haydn sonata, Kissin's pianistic virtuosity is showcased in the final movement of this great sonata. This is one of the best Kissin recordings for Sony Classical to date. If you like Schubert, then get this CD today."
The wunderkind has grown up!
Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 01/04/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"
Twenty two years have elapsed since the entire world stirred with the emergence on stage of this lavish teenager, but this fact by itself may become the razor's edge, because having reached the absolute maturity you are subjected to an unsuspected performance levels in order to justify the wrought legend by the same artist.
Fortunately, he has known to deal about it with gratifying results.
"
Delicacy and bravura from a genius disguised as a boy
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 03/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kissin still looks very much the boy in the cover photo of this 1994 recital, one of the earliest follow-ups to his rapturously received Chopin recitals, also on RCA. He is jsut as phenomenal here. His commanding technique is reined in for the two Haydn sonatas, yet he presses just enough on the classical line to make it sound more vibrant and enticing.
Richter made a great specialty of the Schubert A minor Sonata D. 784, yet Kissin steps up with his own less haunted, more heroic interpretation--it works extremely well. Both pianists rescue Schubert from his cliched role as a lyrical innocent, revealing his underlying Beethovenian aspirations.
But really the most fun here is Tausig's barnstorming arrangment of the familiar Schubert March Militaire, a baby piece that gets transformed into Godzilla--it's a grotesque change but an irresistible adventure. Kissin tosses off the murderous passagework and cross-ahnd prestidigitation as if they were child's play. Meanwhile, the listener sits agape and thrilled to death."