BaL 12.04.14 - Schubert: Impromptus D899

[Nick Armstrong]

It was, as you say, an excellent BAL, and it was good to be reminded of how many excellent recent recordings there are. The Lupu is really lovely.

Yes, it would have been useful to have had a serious appraisal of the various period instrument recordings available : he said nice things about the Katin, but was unimpressed by the Lubimov - and seemed unaware of the other performances which might have been considered. I don't really think our Reviewer is a period piano man....

A generous appraisal of the programme, vinonobile, given your preferences

I always enjoy Robert Philip's style and got a lot out of his survey, but I would have appreciated having my ears opened to the best period instrument options and to that extent I was disappointed, and learnt less than I'd hoped (knowing 2 or 3 of the featured recordings already).

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

i listened abed in raptures of delight at the excerpts the music the performances and the appraisals; it does not get better than this BAL, different but not better ... i was very pleased that Mr Phillips began with Edwin Fischer

[aeolium]

I enjoyed it, and thought the Perahia and Lupu extracts sounded very good, but was struck by the eloquence of the single Peter Katin extract on the square piano and wish we could have heard more. I think the reviewer should have made a judgement at the outset as to which of the three Brendel recordings he preferred (I think he eventually plumped for the 1970s one) so as to allow for a greater range of extracts from others but that was a minor quibble. I'm glad he spent quite a lot of the review on the first impromptu in the set, which is less often heard (nos 2, 3 and even 4 quite often played as encores).

[BBMmk2]

I was quite astounded by the quality of the recording with Edwin Fischer's!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I know it's not really anything to be proud of, but when I hear or play the E flat impromptu, I always think of Lex Luthor in Smallville. He played it rather well.

Does this qualify me for hosting Breakfast, Essential Classics or In Tune?

[vinteuil]

I know it's not really anything to be proud of, but when I hear or play the E flat impromptu, I always think of Lex Luthor in Smallville. He played it rather well.

Does this qualify me for hosting Breakfast, Essential Classics or In Tune?

... surely it qualifies you to run ALL of Radio 3 !

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Ouch!

[Nick Armstrong]

... surely it qualifies you to run ALL of Radio 3 !

What about Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport? I suspect that with that remark, Alpie demonstrates that he has the advantage of at least the current and previous incumbents....

[amateur51]

What about Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport? I suspect that with that remark, Alpie demonstrates that he has the advantage of at least the current and previous incumbents....

And he's never knowingly fiddled his expenses

[Black Swan]

I enjoyed the BAL as well. I have the 1970's Brendel recording and Uchida which are good enough for me. I enjoyed the Lupu adn Perahia but won't be adding any more recordings to my library.

[BBMmk2]

I might acquire the Perahia, as I do rather like this pianist.

[waldo]

I know it's not really anything to be proud of, but when I hear or play the E flat impromptu, I always think of Lex Luthor in Smallville. He played it rather well.

Does this qualify me for hosting Breakfast, Essential Classics or In Tune?

I gave up at the start of the second series. As much as I love Superman, the "freak a week" formula was a bit wearying. But just found this piano playing scene on youtube.........and was shocked to see Luther had hooked up with Lana, who also appeared to have special powers........

[Karafan]

And he's never knowingly fiddled his expenses

Hehehe...Ammy hits it right out of the park!

[Tony Halstead]

I might acquire the Perahia, as I do rather like this pianist.

I have worked ( 'played' actually) quite a lot with Mr Perahia not only in orchestral but also in a chamber-music contexts.
It has always struck me that the particular timbre of piano tone ( of which of course he produces multitudinous shadings) that he nearly always 'approved of' with his recording producers and engineers, for classical repertoire, would have been better realised by the use of a period piano:
Not necessarily a restricted, tinkly Stein or Walter but maybe an early 19thc. Streicher or indeed a Graf.
I will always remember a rather gruelling 12 concert tour with MP that I took part in, well over 25 years ago, in which we had an earnest discussion during a 5 hour journey on the 'orchestra bus' ( he always used to travel with 'the band' in his modest and unassuming way) about 'old instruments'. Plucking up courage, I asked him whether he would ever consider playing a 'fortepiano'/ 'Hammerfluegel' etc.
With a rather withering look he almost snarled back 'No, never!'
'Why not?' I countered,
'Because they always sound like s#it' - said M.P.

[BBMmk2]

My sentiments as well Tony!! Thank you!