Search - George Enescu, Luiza Borac (piano) :: Two Pianos Sonatas (Hybr)

Inspired performances.

Robert Manari | San Francisco, CA United States | 08/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A natural follow up to an already successful release for Avie in 2003 (Enescu's complete cycle containing the 3 Suites for piano), the present CDs are the perfect showcase for Luiza Borac's virtuosity. A compatriot of Enescu, her rendition of the Third Sonata may not surpass Dinu Lipatti's legendary account for EMI recorded in 1943 and still regarded the benchmark. Still, Borac's performances are an obvious first choice for anyone interested to have the two piano sonatas together. The superb Super Audio CD sound only adds to the attractiveness of these relatively inexpensive CDs."

Wonderful playing!

M. Hillyer | California, USA | 03/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this set after reading a review in BBC Music Magazine, in which the reviewer rated it "vehemently recommended". I can only echo this review, and say that no-one who loves piano music will be disappointed with this recording. And the sound is top notch, too, allowing you to hear all the subtle nuances of the performance."

Calling all music lovers!

Wayne Dawson | New Zealand | 10/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Enescu's talent was remarkable; the anecdotes that refer to it in the liner notes are the stuff of legend. Aside from composition (and much else), he was also a noted violin teacher. Yehudi Menuhin and Arthur Grumiaux were among his pupils, but rather than repeat more of that information here, I'll leave it as a surprise for those who will explore this two disc release. For the initiated, the temptation is a new recording.



I've listened to a lot of solo piano music but this was like a fresh world of discovery. Romanian born Enescu (1881-1955) was a pupil of Gabriel Faure and the relationship was obviously a fruitful one. Enescu moves the subtle framework of Faure's harmonies into another realm that also sets him adrift from predecessors like Chopin. His nocturne, just over twenty minutes long, is of a different potion compared to Chopin's magic and the effect is more surreal and liberating.



As for the Sonatas, they seem like lucid explorations of a breath taking cosmic infusion that may have sprung from, and been contemporary with, the French Impressionism of Debussy and Ravel, but arrive at some place else altogether: Namely, Enescu's spiritual homeland; Romania.



This is expansive, atmospheric music of extraordinary vision and beauty. The gentle humility of the man, streaked with the flame of genius, is presented with exemplary tenderness and depth by Luiza Borac: A stunning release!

"