Search - Ina Heifetz :: Piano Music for Children

RARE PIANO MUSIC NOT JUST FOR CHILDREN

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 10/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is a fetching collection of miniatures by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Shostakovich depicting a "child's-eye-view" of the world. Tchaikovsky? Well, that sort of makes sense; he was rather childlike himself, really. But Prokofiev and Shostakovich? These two definitely seem out of their depth here. Out of their depth? That's an understatement! But, ah, happily, no. What an encouraging surprise to find the "child" in them, too. And nice for once, as well, to have a compilation that makes sense, especially one that allows us to hear works rarely recorded or performed.



Inna Heifetz plays these delightful and nostalgic pieces with just the right amount of affection. And impishness. And a wonderful naivete. Listening to her wistful and devotional rendition of Tchaikovsky's "Morning Prayer" (Op. 39, No.1), I knew at once that this CD was going to be a beauty. My gut feeling was confirmed by the simple, mournful quality of "The Sick Doll" (Op. 39, No.6). Beautiful, and imbued with just the right amount of sensitivity and childlike grief. My traversal of the remaining pieces from Tchaikovsky's Children's Album, Op. 39 proved equally enchanting. "Sweet Dreams" (Op. 39, No. 21), alone, is worth the price of the disc. Under Heifetz's fingers, such quiet, nostalgic melancholy is impossible to resist.



Prokofiev's Music For Children, Op. 65, is comprised of twelve pieces that never fail to please. The opening work, "Morning" (Op. 65, No. 1) recalls his atmospheric orchestral suite, A Winter Campfire, and is moody and haunting. Listen, as well, to the Op. 65, No. 5, "Regrets," for distilled elements that manifest themselves later in his more robust symphonies; but, here, it is subdued, seedling angst only. Fascinating! The "Waltz" (Op. 65, No. 6) that follows is a lilting dose of sheer, unadulterated joy. This is Prokofiev at his most congenial. Perhaps you've never heard him like this (aside from the "Classical" symphony)? Well, here's your chance.



Ditto with Shostakovich. How often does he let his hair down? Not often. But when Heifetz is the conduit, his Dolls' Dances For Piano, Op. 91c, will surprise and captivate you completely. Sample the opening "Lyric Waltz." Can such piquant flavor be more delicious? Or the warmth of the "Romance," Op. 91c, No. 3. Indeed, here again is a Shostakovich I doubt you'd recognize. I wouldn't.



The sound is warm and natural. A very special recording, in every respect, from beginning to end.



[Running time: 57:18]"