Search - Alexander Scriabin, Håkon Austbø :: Complete Piano Sonatas 1-10

Hakon Austbo's Scriabin Sonatas

Alscribji | Washington, D.C. | 05/22/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Complete sets of the Scriabin sonatas are not as unusual as they once were (e.g., Ashkenazy, Laredo, Hamelin, Szidon, Taub, Kasman). Austbo makes his contribution as well. Those who like a more docile timid approach to the sonatas will like Austbo's versions. Even in the fortissimo parts Austbo, at times, seems to play "quietly"; he plays with little volume. The recorded sound is not bad. Otherwise, Austbo's versions do not really stand out all that much. They are MUCH better than Yakov Kasman. But, unless one is merely interested in listening to and judging as many different recorded versions of the Scriabin sonatas that exist, Austbo's versions are not that interesting; stick with Hamelin or possibly Taub for complete sets. Otherwise, Austbo's pianism is much bettered served in the music of Messiaen. See Austbo's CDs of Messiaen's solo piano music--great performances well worth owning and at an affordable price (Naxos label)."

Good approach to Scriabin sonatas

Renato C. Siqueira | 09/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard a lot of Scriabin's sonatas performers: Hamelin, Horowitz, Szidon, Ashkenazy among others. Recently I bought Hakon Austbo playing Scriabin sonatas. I knew him from the Messiaen piano solo recordings. He plays all the Scriabin sonatas very well. I could find in every sonata what have already heard from others performers' recordings. Yes, I could. For a first approach to Scriabin sonatas is perfect. For whom, like me, wants to hear a very good playing and musical nuances, that is a good option too. That is why my 5 stars."