"Two Beings Made of Light"
Robert Manari | San Francisco, CA United States | 03/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Two beings made of light" - this is how Madeleine Lipatti called the two legends featured on this Tahra double CD release, a release of undeniable historical value and interest. Clara and Dinu not only share the same country of birth, Romania (incidentally, same as another legend in making, Radu Lupu), but little is known about their very close and dedicated friendship which lasted more than 15 years. Much more is to be learned from reading the immensely interesting, fascinating and touching notes written by Jerome Spycket (Clara Haskil's biographer, whose book is still sadly only available in French). His notes I am proud to say, provided the inspiration of this present review.
Clara Haskil (Bucharest, 1895 - Brussels, 1960) only achieved the well deserved international recognition after World War Two. She is now rightfully regarded as the greatest Mozart interpreter of her generation. On the other hand, Dinu Lipatti (Bucharest, 1917 - Geneva, 1950) has already enjoyed a well established reputation before he passed away so young after a long and painful illness. His unrivaled interpretations from Bach to Bartok will always be treasured by connoisseurs and collectors everywhere. The "Prince of Pianists" (as Lipatti is warmly referred to by Mark Ainley - an expert on the subject whom I like to call a friend of mine and constantly keep bugging to write that much needed Lipatti biography!), is also now being discovered as a very fine composer (his Concertino in classical style for piano and chamber orchestra op. 3, being the most often performed).
The two CDs here are extremely well balanced and filled with programs selected in a very creative way. To begin with, each has a piano concert: Mozart's # 9 for Clara and Bartok's # 3 for Dinu. To just say that both are beautiful played would be a gross understatement..... The Haskil CD also contain few private recordings (unquestionably, of certain sentimental value to her), many never before issued, and made during a period of convalescence after heart problems. They are of undeniable importance being the only recordings Clara ever made of these particular works. Beautiful and emotionally charged little musical treasures, they offer us a glimpse of the private world of an artist at work. How often is one allowed such joy and privilege? Lipatti's Sonatine for the left hand is also very special, being the only recording ever made by the composer himself. Lipatti's CD also contains three, never before issued, radio interviews in French, a real treat to any of his numerous fans. The two CDs link is provided by Bach's Chorale "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland" - each interpretation amazing in its own right, and still so different....
Luckily the present release is still available (for now) from Tahra's own catalogue. I would rush to buy it before it goes out of print, same as another release of vast historical value which comes to mind, and somehow related to the present one: "Festival de Besancon 1951 - Concert d'hommage a Dinu Lipatti, dirige par George Enesco" (TAH 426).
Finally, very sad that Amazon's editorial review written by Leslie Gerber fails to grasp the unique and significant historical, sentimental and artistic value of this present release. I just wish there were more labels like Tahra around! The immeasurable service they have provided and continue to provide to the classical music world (for over fifteen years now), still have to be fully appreciated.
"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1