Search - Edvard Grieg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fritz Zaun :: Wilhelm Backhaus Plays Piano Works By Mozart & Grieg (1933-40)

Backhaus!

Chung-Whun Chung | Seoul, Republic of Korea | 12/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In Korea, Wilhelm Backhaus' recordings of middle ages issued three CDs by native minor label Monopoly(Chopin's Etudes op.10 & 25, Brahms' Piano Concerto no.1 & Paganini-Variationen and this). Maybe this CD's master tape(made in Italy) was offered to Korea. Mozart's 26th Concerto('Coronation') was recorded in 1940(dates unknown. with Stadtisches Orchester Berlin conducted by Fritz Zaun) by Electrola(now EMI Electrola). Backhaus played his ordinary method-solid structures and little lyricism. So, his Mozart had no brilliant and virtuosic sound-unlike many pianists in present days. But this 'brusque' performance shows Mozart's gallant style and naive emotion with no exaggeration and no bluster. Grieg's Piano Concerto was recorded in October 1933 by HMV(His Master's Voice now EMI) with New Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Barbirolli. Like a Mozart, Backhaus immersed this work's inside and made Scandinavian lyricism very naturally. I think it's a huge performance like a Everest. But I think this CD's restoration was very insincerity. Orchestra's sounds are so loud and piano's clarity tone has deprived. They propagandize CEDAR Sound System is better than other restoration system. But, not only good technique but also restorator's devotion."