"Those who believe they know Bartok as the champion of dissonance would do well to listen to this magnificent collection of Bartok's solo piano works. As Bartok's leading pupil and confidant, Gyorgy Sandor possesses unique insight into how the master's music ought to be interpreted. The result is a transparent and accessible recording that revels in, among other things, the Hungarian and Romanian folk music that forms the basis of much of Bartok's work.Mr. Sandor, does, in fact, know just what to do with Bartok's dissonance. Featuring Bartok's strong melodic lines, Mr. Sandor presents the dissonance as a sub-text that adds depth to but does not overwhelm the work.Of particular note is "For Children" in the first volume, a collection of 79 short pieces based on Hungarian and Slovakian children's songs. It is performed simply and expressively,with the sensitive touch for which Mr. Sandor has been known for well over half a century.This collection is essential for anyone who has an interest in 20th Century classical music before it went wrong."
Best piano cd-design ever
jermels | Netherlands | 10/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oh boy, imagine yourself marketing a bloody piano cd of the complete works of Bartok.... Or even worse: imagine yourself designing its cover...
But, friends, see what happens. Maestro Sandor at the keyboard and a proper CD-designer with imagination and courage. Four CD-s in an exploding view of the grand piano, showing off the internals of the most beautifull instrument around. Thus allowing us to investigate the grand pinao ourselves:
CD1 cover: the strings of the grand piano
CD2 cover: the cast iron frame,
CD3 cover: the sound board (which shows Yamaha),
CD4 cover: than the keys, and mayor woodwork of the grand.
The front of the box giving us a view of the top lid of the grand, and the back of the box giving a beautiful sight on the bottum of the grand.
Thank you lord, and sony, for bringing us such a beautiful testimonial for the grand piano. The instrument that has been build for over 200 years, but still holds its treasures.
Not to mention Bartoks piano works, nor Gyorgy Sandors interpretation. This is a must have. Never mind the cover, you wont get any closer to Bartok with his interpretation. Bartoks writing is mesmerising, and like Kodaly a standpole in european art.
Listen to this music, admire Sandor, and spread the word: play Bartok, play the piano, and for once .... admire this CD-design.
"Gyorgy Sandor established an absolute rapport during all his life with Bartok' s music. The whole spirit of the Hungarian master has been preserved with all its uniqueness, expression and unsurpassable sonority, Sandor' s phrasing simply has no parallel. He sees far beyond the score, and for all of us who had the enviable fortune to watch him twice in Caracas in the eighties, were exception witnesses about his genuine incisiveness and powerful fingering.
In case you acquire this album, I can guarantee you won' t need to worry about any other performer.
Track Listings (96) - Disc #1
