Search - Samuel Barber, Leon McCawley :: Barber: Music for Solo Piano

Better than browning

N. Chongsiriwatana | Chicago, IL USA | 02/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although John Browning is recognized as one of the, if not *the*, top performer of Barber's music (indeed, the piano concerto was written for him), I have to say that I far prefer McCawley's performances of the solo piano works over Browning's.Probably the major work on this CD is the Piano Sonata. Sure, it takes some getting used to due to its near-atonal third movement, bitonal second movement, and complex harmonic structure otherwise. But McCawley really sparkles with his clear and astounding fingerwork, as well as his musicality. Not only is his third movement dramatic and pained, but the first movement is revealed dynamically, from the bold opening to the more calm sections, to the frantic skittering it sometimes reaches. The fourth movement, which is said to rival Prokofiev in difficulty, is riveting and exciting, and the fingerwork doesn't seem to interfere with McCawley's direction. Browning's just doesn't seem as inspiring on the whole.Plus, you get the Souvenirs in this one, which you don't in Browning's solo piano music album. Of course, if you want a *really* good rendition of the Souvenirs, get the ASO/Levi recording of the Violin Concerto/Souvenirs/Piano Concerto. Jon Kimura Parker's rendition of the Piano Concerto is amazing on that album, too."

McCawley draws you in and wins you over

Smak Me | China | 02/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This pianist makes deeply expressive use of the piano's enormous potential and here gives an interpretation which sucks you into a whole new world of sounds. The Excursions incorporate American folk tunes and rhythms and are captivatingly played by this young English pianist, and winner of several international competitions, Leon McCawley. Barber's fiendishly difficult Sonata Opus 26 is given an authoritative performance. Leon McCawley's account shines through in the dazzling Scherzo and the virtuoso closing Fuga, whilst his melancholy lyricism wins your heart. If you like this disc, you should listen to this pianist's delightful Beethoven recording..."

Still unsurpassed version!!

Scriabinmahler | UK | 11/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
After listening to other pianists playing Barber's solo piano masterpiece, especially Excursion and Sonata, I still hold Leon McCawley's solid and sensibly paced interpretation as best. His playing has masculine verve and tonal sensitivity of the Russian masters like Richter or Gilels, and that gives more depth to his performances, while most of other pianists manage to scratch only surface of the music. The very evocative and atmospheric rendition of Nocturne is also well worth listening. Beautifully recorded.

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