Search - Jean Sibelius, Annette Servadei :: Sibelius: Complete Piano Music [Box Set]

First-rate performances, but probably for dedicated Sibelian

Dace Gisclard | Houston, TX | 08/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These CD's are identical with those originally issued on the Olympia label. Servadei's set of the piano music is complete, except for a small amount of juvenilia. Previously I had heard two other pianists (Havard Gimse and Risto Lauriala, both on NAXOS) in some of this music. Neither of them made me care about it as much as Servadei does. Not everything here is a masterpiece, but she makes this music come alive. The five stars are more for her achievement than the music itself.



Much of this music reminds me of the lighter Sibelius of the incidental music. The single early piano sonata is at least as good as the much more often performed Grieg, and Glenn Gould (quite rightly) thought enough of the three later Sonatinas to resurrect them. However, the later the work, the more likely it is to be a "potboiler."



Nevertheless, at this low price, the set is a steal, although it will probably appeal mostly to hard-core Sibelians. Sibelius was a sorcerer with orchestral color, and, of course, that very thing is lacking here. The piano writing is not "showy," but then, for Sibelius, the musical idea was the point, not pianistic fireworks. Servadei understands this, and reaches the heart of the music with deep musicality instead of razzle-dazzle. The sound is good, and the 24 page booklet includes an essay by the pianist about her discovery of this music. There are also excellent notes on each piece."

Great collection

Claudio Ordorica Robles | México | 02/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Annette Servadei plays skillfully and with great knowledge of Sibelius spirit. It's the best complete collection I've ever heard of Sibelius piano works."