Search - Edvard Grieg, Sviatoslav Richter :: Grieg: Lyrische Stucke [Lyric Pieces]

Lovely playing

Norman Duffy | Amsterdam | 12/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The obvious comparison here is with the famous Gilels DG disc from the 70's. Richter's way with these delicious pieces is a shade more literal than Gilels, whose classic readings are so personal and perfect as to be almost religious. Richter is perhaps more straight in his approach. These are however magnificent performances by any measure and beautifully recorded. There have been some fine recordings recently by Pletnev and Asdnes among others, but I think this disc is better than any of the more recent offerings.The pieces themselves cover a substantial period of Grieg's recording career. They are beautifully crafted miniatures. The term miniatures should not fool anyone into thinking trivial.. these are anything other than trivial, they are actually wonderfully concentrated and finished works who have a lot to say but in a relatively short time. Nothing outstays its welcome.Another part of the enormous, seemingly limitless repertoire from Richter. Wonderful. Recommended with enthusiasm along side the Gilels."

Richter playing a solid 5, but a 3 for less than perfect rec

Stefan C. Mazur | Santa Barbara, CA | 03/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD offers by far the best rendition of Grieg's beautiful little gems in a live recital setting. Richter shows why he is one of the best, if not the best, pianist of the last century. His playing of the lyric pieces chosen for this 1983 performance, leaves one in awe in terms of artistic depth and splendor - simply breathtaking. He seems to reproduce the very essence and mood of each piece in a way and with a touch that eludes most artists. But that is Richter! Particularly in "Traumgesicht" und "Waldesstille" he shows why he is the best. I have heard Grieg's Lyric Pieces by Oppitz and Austbo (devoid of soul, canned and rushed), Gavrilov and Gilels (very good), Andsnes (good but not outstanding). Here, Richter is the proverbial gold standard again.

Unfortunately the recording and engineering is rather poor. There is much amplified ambient noise beyond the usual live recital atmosphere and often an obnoxious squaking noise from what must be the piano stool is heard off and on. However, this shortcoming nothwithstanding, it is one rare gem of a CD and highly recommended. For someone who wishes to explore and experience Grieg's wonderful lyric pieces, look no further and start with this CD!"

The elder Richter at his most touching and profound

Giacomo Holdini | Portland, Oregon | 11/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes that accompany the CD state that this recital was recorded on July 7, 1993 (not 1983, as both the editorial review and one customer reviewer state), meaning this performance took place less than two years before Richter's last-ever public performance. This may explain why the interpretations are so profound - the result of a lifetime's accumulation of musical wisdom - and also why Richter's technique is not at its peak. However, while this is not the Ricther of the 1960s, make no mistake: he is more than capable of rendering these miniature masterpieces in wonderful detail and shading, with a simplicity and stillness that is utterly moving. Compare, for instance, Ricther's version of "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" with those by either Pletnev or Andsnes. Both younger pianists emphasize the merriment of the occasion (Andsnes especially), underscored with brisker, more buoyant rhythms, and flawless technique. Richter's approach is more subdued, more wistful, a little less steady on its feet, as though one may still ponder the momentousness - not all of it joyous - of such a life-changing event. It is one of the best pieces on the disc, but all pieces in the program benefit from similar felicities.



The sound is generally excellent; not studio quality, to be sure, but an excellent live, digital recording. All but the most demanding audiophiles should find this more than acceptable. (What I wouldn't give to have his 1958 Sofia recital recorded in such quality!) It is unfortunate that this recording is no longer in print, for it stands alongside the very best Lyric Pieces recordings made, including those by Gilels, Pletnev and Andsnes. A wonderful disc, well worth acquiring.



Edit (8/4/2008): I have just noticed that this disc is once again being sold by Amazon. Good news indeed."