Search - Franz Liszt, Edvard Grieg, Modest Mussorgsky :: The Art of Julius Katchen, Vol. 4

Katchen Goes Domestic

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 05/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After buying a half-dozen of the "Art of Julius Katchen" volumes as expensive imports (see my reviews), I too was finally able to take advantage of purchasing one of the domestic releases at a much lower price. I had not previously purchased this title, Volume 4 in the series, because I already owned Katchen's accounts of the Liszt Piano Concertos with Argenta on a Decca Legends CD (see my review). But the opportunity to hear Katchen perform the Grieg Concerto and an entire disc of solo works for piano, with the Liszt Concertos tossed in, was too great to pass up. The Grieg, with Kertesz conducting the Israel Philharmonic from 1962, is very good but the Liszt Concertos are still the highlight in my opinion. The solo works on CD2 range from Mussorgssky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Balakirev's "Islamey" to three pieces by Liszt -- "Mephistio Waltz No. 1," "Funerallies," and "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12." These performances are all in mono (recorded between 1951 and 1955), and the sound and playing are both excellent. In all, this is a priceless set, even more enjoyable at a cheaper price."

Ageless Beauty

Emily | Phoenix, AZ | 07/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy all of the composers featured in this album, but I bought it because of Katchen's gorgeous performance of Grieg's piano concerto. I received this recording (in LP form) for Christmas when I was a teenager, and I loved it dearly. I have waited for it to be released on CD for years. Hooray!





There are few performers these days who can equal the classical performers of the 20th century. When you get the chance to obtain a recording by one of these masters -- grab it."