The standard for the Concord Sonata
Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 11/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first became familiar with Ives Concord Sonata through the recording by Aloys Kontarsky. Soon afterward, I heard Kalish's recording.Immediately I was impressed that I was in the presence of a musician who clearly understood Ives and could convey the beauty of this music from within the enigmatic writing. I came to love the piece through this recording.The recorded sound is spacious and the piano sound is realistic. This CD is a Concord Sonata worth owning even if it were selling at full price. I highly recommend it."
Still Ives' masterpiece
simpcity | 02/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have always been fond of John Kirkpatrick's recording of the Concord Sonata. I was most pleased to discover the quality of this performance and recording.
The obligato parts really soften the effect of the piece emotionally. This is also a slower version of the Concord, timing out at almost 49 minutes to Kirkpatrick's 38. Charlie himself played this even faster.
A lovely performance, indeed I like "Emerson" the best, and I think Gilbert Kalish was right to include the viola part for this recording."
A Definitive Recording of the Concord Sonata
Pont du Gard | 11/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Among all the recordings of Ives' Concord Sonata, I think Gilbert Kalish's interpretation brings the composer's true intent to the foreground. The performance is technically perfect--perhaps a given. But more importantaly, the colors, nuances and energy of the work are brought to life. I recommend this CD to anyone looking for a definitive interpretation of this seminal work of the 20th century. It may not have the slickness of a modern, completely digitally recorded version, but the performance makes up for that. And anyway, the recording quality is very good and not even a real issue. I've heard some other recordings of this work and I could barely recognize them as the same work--big muddy messes with no understanding of foregound and background, nor of rhythmic treatment. This is the one."