Search - Arthur Loesser :: In Recital

	Arthur Loesser In Recital Genres: Special Interest, Classical Arthur Loesser (1894-1969) was better known as a teacher and writer (of Men, Women and Pianos) than as a pianist. But, as these live performances demonstrate, that is an injustice. The first CD comes from a concert of obsc... more » « less
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CD Details

All Artists: Arthur Loesser
Title: In Recital
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Harmonia Mundi USA
Release Date: 3/12/2002
Album Type: Import
Genres: Special Interest, Classical
Styles: Ballets & Dances, Baroque Dance Suites, Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750), Classical (c.1770-1830), Modern, 20th, & 21st Century
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 638335203621

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Arthur Loesser (1894-1969) was better known as a teacher and writer (of Men, Women and Pianos) than as a pianist. But, as these live performances demonstrate, that is an injustice. The first CD comes from a concert of obscure piano music at Town Hall, New York, in 1967. Most of it was issued on LP, but the CD adds works by Clementi and Hummel, played on a fortepiano--quite a rarity at the time. This is a collection of fascinating byways in the history of piano music, played with Loesser's typical elegant command (and with a few amusing remarks). The remainder of the set contains more familiar music (Bach, Haydn, Prokofiev, Chopin), but still includes a few surprises, like obscure sets of variations by Chopin and Beethoven. Loesser's refinement and choice of repertoire mark him as a pianist for connoisseurs, although the joyous outburst at the end of the Bach Fugue in F and the power of Prokofiev's Fifth Sonata make it clear that Loesser had all the pianistic resources he needed for any task. The recordings (mono on the first CD, stereo on the second) sound fine. Not for beginners, perhaps, but pianophiles who buy this set will love it. --Leslie Gerber

CD Reviews

Pure Enjoy

Ryan Morris | Chicago, IL | 10/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This release is pure joy from beginning to end. In these days of stoic roboticism at the keyboard, it is so refreshing to hear someone who transmits joy in every note they play-from beginning to end-who cares more about the music than whether or not a piece can provide him with pyrotechnics or the chance to make a dramatic grimace toward the ceiling. You can tell he is enjoying himself-just take a peek at the programs, half of what he plays you will rarely hear anywhere else will such elan-especially the Prokofiev Sonata 5-probably the finest version I have heard. For pianophiles this is a real must-This is not technical fireworks-though the playing is wonderful, as is the tone. It is more like listening in on a very personal, private performance amongst friends. I couldnt recommend this more to those who love great piano music, and very good playing. Also there are pieces that you will be hard up to find anywhere else-especially by a pianist worth hearing. Soon Doremi will be releasing Loesser's complete Well Tempered Clavier, and if the three excerpts on this disc are any indication of what is to come-then we should all be in for a very romantic treat.

Enjoy."