Search - Kaikhosru Sorabji, Jonathan Powell :: Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji: Piano Sonata No. 4

Now THIS is Sorabji!

John Carey | America | 03/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An incredible work from start to finish, Jonathan Powell performs it with utmost care and attention to detail. He brings out every note in a way that makes this sound like MUSIC, and not a blurred "wave" of sound (a la Madge/Ogdon). This is how Sorabji is MEANT to be performed and listened to.



The first movement: Incredible playing throughout... one can hardly comprehend the nearly unbelievable complexity that Sorabji writes for the pianists meager 10 fingers. There are 7 themes here, which are all played AT ONCE at the end of the movement. How any pianist is capable of doing this is beyond me, but Powell seems to handle it with easy. You will hardly believe your ears!



The second movement: This movement contains some of Sorabji's most beautiful moments; a sumptuous representation of "Count Tasca's Garden." The sound seems to wash over the listener who is often in awe that the music can be so complex yet so quiet and delicately played. It often sounds that one would need 4 hands to play spin such complicated textures. This is, by far, my favorite movement.



The third movement: This is the longest movement, containing a cadenza, 2 fugues, and a stretta where, like at the end of the 1st movement, all the themes are played simultaneously. I would have preferred it if Powell had played the fugues faster, but that's just personal taste. Overall, Powell plays this movement amazingly.



I can hardly wait to hear Powell's recording of Opus Clavicembalisticum, a work that truly needs a decent performance."

The Church of Sorabji . . .

Valerie Scruggs | Alexandria, Va | 04/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jonathan Powell proves himself, once again, to be the perfect guide into Sorabji's dense, complex writing style. Where other pianist seem to lose their way amidst the notes, producing a harsh discordant sound that deafens the ear, Mr. Powell effortlessly creates Sorabji's most angelic utterances to date. To my ear, this is nowhere proven more the case than in the 35 minute nocturne on disc two - "Count Tasca's Garden."



This is truly a once in a lifetime recording, and a joy to have in my library. Don't delay in acquiring this epic performance. As with most Sorabji recordings, it will soon be unattainable.



"

Listenable Sorabji

David L. Zielke | San Francisco,CA USA | 03/04/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion , this is one of Sorabji's more listener - friendly pieces , especially the langorous Villa Tasca movement . Another great Altarus release of this fascinating and puzzling composer's long and complex piano works."