Études (6) for piano, left hand, Op. 135: Prélude: Allegretto moderato
Études (6) for piano, left hand, Op. 135: Alla Fuga: Allegro non troppo
Études (6) for piano, left hand, Op. 135: Moto Perpetuo: Allegretto - Doux et tranquille - sans vitesse et très également
Études (6) for piano, left hand, Op. 135: Bourrée: Molto allegro
Études (6) for piano, left hand, Op. 135: Élégie: Poco adagio
Études (6) for piano, left hand, Op. 135: Gigue: Presto
Chacony
Studies (5) for piano, Anh. 1a/1: No. 5, Chaconne, after Bach, for left hand
Etude for piano (left hand), Op. 36
Prelude for piano in C sharp minor (for left hand alone), Op. 9/1
Nocturne for piano in D flat major (for left hand alone), Op. 9/2
Symphonic Metamorphoses of the Schatz-Walzer from Der Zigeunerbaron by Johann Strauss, for piano, left hand
Leon Fleisher made this recording in 1991, several years before he regained the ability to play with both hands. What makes this disc worthwhile even for the general music lover is Brahms's transcription of the Bach Chac... more »onne, much more faithful and effective than the famous one by Busoni. The disc also includes an amusing set of études by Saint-Saëns, a dazzling étude by Felix Blumenfeld (Horowitz's teacher), two excellent pieces by Scriabin and several contemporary works. If Fleisher doesn't quite eclipse memories of Simon Barere in the Blumenfeld Étude, his playing is always musical and technically sound, especially in the difficult Brahms transcription, the best performance of this arrangement ever recorded. --Leslie Gerber« less
Leon Fleisher made this recording in 1991, several years before he regained the ability to play with both hands. What makes this disc worthwhile even for the general music lover is Brahms's transcription of the Bach Chaconne, much more faithful and effective than the famous one by Busoni. The disc also includes an amusing set of études by Saint-Saëns, a dazzling étude by Felix Blumenfeld (Horowitz's teacher), two excellent pieces by Scriabin and several contemporary works. If Fleisher doesn't quite eclipse memories of Simon Barere in the Blumenfeld Étude, his playing is always musical and technically sound, especially in the difficult Brahms transcription, the best performance of this arrangement ever recorded. --Leslie Gerber
"Leon Fleisher needs no introduction. Don't you just hate that? Everybody needs an introduction, no matter how famous they are. You, out there, may have never heard of Leon Fleisher. You may not even feel bad about it, considering that you are way behind in your other self-improvement projects. You may be stuck in the middle of the Plato's Dialogues, and may not have even started that Balzac.
No matter what your circumstances are, you need to be urgently introduced to Mr. Fleisher, and this CD is a perfect way of doing it!
You will be immediately impressed by the most delicate playing ever, in which Mr. Fleisher literally caresses each note. As you listen to his performance of Bach you will finally understand what Plato meant by the world of perfect forms. The rest of the pieces reveal emotional variety and richness in which you will easily participate.
Maybe Mr. Fleisher is so famous because he makes his listeners feel so special. We achieve musical greatness vicariously, through him.
After you finish listening to this CD, please "Google" Mr. Fleisher to learn about his extraordinary courage and spirit in times of disability of his right hand. There is a happy ending in which his love and great gift for music conquered all adversity! You will also learn about his incredible, most impressive musical pedigree. By this time, fortunately, it will be too late to be intimidated by it! Leon Fleisher has already become your friend. He played his gentle music just for you, in your living room.
"
Amazing left-hand recital!
offeck | New York, NY -- United States of America | 12/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Clear and detailed Toccata and Fugue. Crisp Saint Saens Op 135. Masterful interpretation of Brahm's transcription of the Chaccone from Bach's Second Solo Violin Partita. The Scriabin and Blumenthal are expressive and warm but seem aren't terribly moving. Thee hand-taxing Symphonic Metamorphoses is sparkly and flamboyant. Sound is a bit bright, but disc is highly enjoyable."
Dr. James L. Franklin
Dr. James L. Franklin | 01/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A wonderful introduction to a sampling of the most important works for solo piano left hand, beautifully played and with an informative discussion of the music on the "record jacket"."
Fleisher the Master of Left Hand
Scriabinmahler | UK | 03/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Michel Beroff recorded similar repertoire, superbly played, but somehow it hasn't caught my interest. On the other hand, Fleisher's performaces of these works are captivating. Amazing thing is that your attention is never drawn to left-handed-ness of playing, but to the music itself. Sheer musicianship and artistry transcend such technical matter. His performance of Saint-Saens' Etudes, Brahms's transcription of Bach's Chaconne, Blumenfeld's dazzling Etude is second to none. Except for too languid account of Scriabin's Op.9 Nocturne (unusually for him Fleisher completely misjudges tempo!), I thoroughly enjoyed every track of the CD."