Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17: Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen
Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17: Massig, Durchaus energisch
Fantasie (Obolen auf Beethovens Monument) for piano in C major, Op. 17: Langsam getragen, Durchwegleise zu halten
Études d'exécution transcendante (12 Transcendental Etudes), for piano, S. 139 (LW A172): No. 12 in B flat minor 'Chasse-neige'
Études d'exécution transcendante (12 Transcendental Etudes), for piano, S. 139 (LW A172): No 11, Harmonies du soir
Études d'exécution transcendante (12 Transcendental Etudes), for piano, S. 139 (LW A172): No 10 in F minor
Études d'exécution transcendante (12 Transcendental Etudes), for piano, S. 139 (LW A172): No. 5 in B flat Major "Feux follets"
Études d'exécution transcendante (12 Transcendental Etudes), for piano, S. 139 (LW A172): No. 8 in C minor "Wilde Jagd"
These works present severe challenges even to the most accomplished virtuosi, and Kissin comes through with flying colors. He responds to the Schumann, which requires both tenderness and passion, with exquisite sensitivity... more » and power. If Kissin doesn't quite match the excellent versions by Richter, Arrau, and Horowitz, he does convey the ardent passion and volatility of the score. Kissin's Liszt is on a similar level; what it occasionally may lack in moments of tranquility is more than made up for with spontaneity and daring--few pianists before the public today take so many risks and emerge unscathed. Above all, this disc illustrates Kissin's pianistic mastery, his affinity for drama and color, and his sheer delight of engagement with the instrument. An immensely enjoyable disc. --Dan Davis« less
These works present severe challenges even to the most accomplished virtuosi, and Kissin comes through with flying colors. He responds to the Schumann, which requires both tenderness and passion, with exquisite sensitivity and power. If Kissin doesn't quite match the excellent versions by Richter, Arrau, and Horowitz, he does convey the ardent passion and volatility of the score. Kissin's Liszt is on a similar level; what it occasionally may lack in moments of tranquility is more than made up for with spontaneity and daring--few pianists before the public today take so many risks and emerge unscathed. Above all, this disc illustrates Kissin's pianistic mastery, his affinity for drama and color, and his sheer delight of engagement with the instrument. An immensely enjoyable disc. --Dan Davis
"All of Kissin's abilities, including his implausible, supernatural technique, are beautifully displayed in the horrifically difficult solo piano pieces recorded on this compact disc. The recording heavily surpasses the work of Horowitz, Arrau, Richter, Ashkenazy and/or any other accomplished pianist that has ever lived. The Schumann work is fantastically interpreted with all of the continually consistent saturated emotion Schumann himself would have intended. Kissin makes the last transcendental etude, "Chasse-Neige," the most powerful, dramatic short recording that has ever been produced. It is superbly dazzling. The longest of the etudes, "Harmonies du Soir," is performed with a growing feeling, which starts out subtly, flourishes about two-thirds of the way through the piece and finally ends ever so delicately-a feeling that Liszt was so very partial to, in that piece, and would have greatly enjoyed. Another etude, "Feux Follets," greatly demonstrates Yevgeny's technical abilities. That piece is played with the utmost amount of controlled excitement obtainable to human nature. Liszt's tenth etude in f minor, also included on this compact disc, is a mystical dream with wonderful musical expression. Lastly, the "Wilde Jagd" etude is performed, from the first instant, with a type of wild, exploding marvel only Kissin is capable of. This piece, my favorite of the recorded pieces, is executed with utterly impeccable timing and phrasing. Yevgeny brings out an extreme amount of orchestral color and power in this piece particularly. Kissin's recording of "Wilde Jagd" makes all of the other professional solo piano recordings of this piece, and any other solo piano recording for that matter, seem very amateur. There are several other great recordings of piano music on the market today, although this album is most definitley one of the finest I have come across. This recording has helped me to establish the obvious fact that Kissin is certainly, by far, the most incredible pianist in the world. In this recording, Kissin shows that he is a true genius who magically coats the soul with mysterious musical harmonies. This recording is priceless and essential for every music collection."
This recital is simply phenomenal
Alex Serrano | Perrysburg, Ohio United States | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had the chance of being at Avery Fisher Hall in NY for a concert where Kissin performed this repertoire. After ending with "Wild Jagd" we held him on the stage for 5 encores... The Shumann may lack a little more instrospection in the final movement, but the first two are amazing for his power and projection which reminds me the Horowitz 1965 performance. And the Liszt is just out of this world. Chasse neige is almost scary, and Harmonies du soir has all the bell effects you can imagine and more. By all means, reviewing this recital is total pleasure. Trust me, this is awesome playing."
Kissin's Amazing Virtuosity!
davidsrx | Chicago, IL | 05/20/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is perhaps one of Kissin's better CDs. I loved every performance on this CD, except for the last movement of Schumann's Fantasy in C where he quickly rushes through the supposedly beautiful ending. I've had the privilege to see Kissin play this entire program on this CD at a recital in L.A. It was an amazing affair. His powerful performances of the Liszt Transcendental Etudes is remarkable; especially the F-minor etude & Harmonies du soir. Kissin's virtuosity is showcased to the max in this CD. I would definitely get this CD now!"
Reaching for the Heights
Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 10/02/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Schumann's Fantasy is a difficult work to bring off. It's technically challenging, but there's not a bar of easy virtuosity. Kissin brings rare ardor and poetry to the first movement. Despite the elasticity of the pianist's tempos, the movement, which can easily splinter into sections, emerges as a whole. Kissin shows no fear in the middle movement march, and the treacherous coda is taken at breakneck (or perhaps I should say "breakfinger") speed. However, the final movement, a songful, slow piece, doesn't quite work under Kissin's hands. Some sections are a bit cut and dried, while others suffer from tempo fluctuations that seem inorganic. I can't help but wonder if this movement was cobbled together from several takes.
Kissin's performance of Liszt's Transcendental Etudes is appropriately virtuosic. He plays five of them, cannily selected and presented out of sequence for maximum effect. The fiendishly difficult Feux follets is tossed off with almost insolent ease, while he brings searching poetry to Harmonies du soir. I'd love to hear Kissin playing the full cycle of twelve, but doubt the pianist is an enthusiast of the complete recorded edition approach.
The sound is acceptable, but there's a slightly tinny quality to the piano tone.