Search - Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Alexander Frey :: Korngold: Piano Works, Vol. 1

Frey Triumphs Again

Sherry Johnson | New York, NY | 02/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From New Millenium Classical CD Review:Korngold and Frey: a great performanceFollowing the release on Koch International Classics of the complete piano works of Leonard Bernstein, Alexander Frey turns in another disc of sumptuous, sensual performances, with electrifying virtuosity, high emotion, deep sensitivity and a seemingly limitless palette of color that always characterizes his performances.The works here on this CD are from Korngold's earliest period when the composer was between 11 and 14 years old. Each set of pieces is highly programmatic, and through Frey's hands and musical vision, the listener can immediately sense the playing out of the drama inherent in the Don Quixote Suite and the 7 Fairy-Tale Pictures. Don't be fooled by the titles: these pieces require a big virtuoso technique and great musical imagination. Alexander Frey, as always, delivers some of the finest performances of any repertoire one wishes to hear. In Korngold's piano works, he has set a standard that is so high that very few could even come close to matching. This disc is most highly recommended."