Search - Franz Liszt, Nikolai Demidenko :: Nikolai Demidenko Plays Liszt

The Definitive Liszt Sonata--at Bargain Price

C. Pontus T. | SE/Asia | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is certainly no shortage of good Liszt B-minor Sonata recordings. The reason why Mr Demidenko's version is so special is that after listening to it, it is difficult to turn to any other version without winding up missing this and that--and practically everything from Demidenko's account. His playing is a rare amalgamation of total command and exquisite flexibility. His tempos are just right--swift in the notes-dense sections, measured in the notes-sparse sections. His overall sense of the music is as organic as astounding. Also the couplings are superlative. I can only second Bryce Morrison in his praise for the uniquely electrified Scherzo & March.



In terms of recorded piano sound, this disc presents one of the most lifelike renditions ever made of the instrument. Its dynamic range and three-dimensional perspective is beyond demonstration quality. The Snape Maltings evidently is one of the foremost venues for recording piano music (compare the similarly amazing sound achieved in Mr Lortie's benchmark complete survey of Ravel's piano works for Chandos--review pending).



At bargain price--hats off to Hyperion Helios!--this disc surely is mandatory in the collections of all lovers of timeless music. Hence: to be acquired urgently. One can only pray that Demidenko will be given the opportunity of recording the Dante Sonata and the B-minor Ballade--arguably Liszt's most beautiful and haunting creation."

Gorgeous

Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 08/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been taking in a steady diet of recordings of the Liszt Sonata, looking for outstanding recordings. Demidenko deserves to be considered in the top tier. My survey has included notable offerings from Anievas, Ax, Argerich, Arrau, Bolet, Browning, Cliburn, Gilels, Horowitz, Hough, De Larrocha, Li, Pogorelich, Pollini, Richter, Rubinstein and Zimerman. Demidenko's playing is beautifully recorded and his playing is alternately poignant and dramatic.



Ultimately, a Liszt Sonata recording can be judged by how well it sustains the epic musical argument. Some recordings literally rivet you to your seat, while others have you looking at your watch periodically. Demidenko's can be highly recommended as an example of the former rather than the latter.



Moreover, the recording of the Scherzo and March is the finest recording that I have heard. I highly recommend this disc."