Search - Muzio Clementi, Robert Schumann, Alexander Scriabin :: Piano Works

Surprise, courage and character

A music fan | Teaneck, NJ | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful CD. Finally someone out of the ordinary, courageous enough to let emotion and character speak, not the dusty teaching book or pathetic assertions such as "this is how the composer wanted it".



The Clementi is vibrant and colorful; the piano sings, not unlike that of a Zimerman, Pogorelich or even a Horowitz. In her Schumann, Ms Wacyk reminds me of Pletnev or Mustonen. Very lyrical, very sensitive, with unique phrasings, warmth and a special assertiveness. The masterpiece of this interpretation is in my opinion, however, the Scriabin. Seldom before have I heard so many sounds, colors and succinct tempi from a piano alone, transcending his fourth sonata from the romantic right into, yes, the modern, in other words, right with the inlet art of the Kadinsky, where it belongs. Chopin's Scherzo is a great and bonus, also.



It is refreshing to finally listen to a CD that is not routine, never static, never predictable. The booklet is very educational, and I am curious to see what other surprises we can enjoy in the future.



If you see music as an industrial, mechanical process, look elsewhere, but if you see it as a lively enterprise to discover and express yourself, by all means, get this CD."