Search - Felix Mendelssohn, Fryderyk Chopin, Alicia De Larrocha :: Mendelssohn/Chopin: Songs Without Words; Polonaise-Fantaisie

Barcarolle - worth the price alone!

John Gouwens | Culver, IN USA | 11/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll make no bones about it, I am a big fan of Alicia de Larrocha, whose supple, sensitive playing makes the most of an amazingly broad range of repertoire. I heard her play most of this program live in Chicago a couple of years ago. She hobbled out on stage with a cane, but there was nothing handicapped about her performance! The Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie is an acquired taste - one I haven't completely acquired, to be honest - the fanatasy element dominates in its moodiness, without the drive of the more usual polonaise. The performance is enjoyable, and certainly convincing. For me, the Mendelssohn pieces were not very interesting - mostly, I think, becausee the pieces themselves were pretty "ho-hum," though I am a hard sell for the more classic-leaning early romantic literature. What "made" this CD for me, was a glorious performance of the Chopin "Barcarolle" - all the fluid rubato and shaping of her best work. Throughout, there are smaller climaxes, underpinned by larger building and relaxing of energy - captivating stuff. The final figuration in that piece is amazing - light, free, fluid, and as it cascades down into the bass range - always phrased and shaped - it becomes very powerful indeed! The Chopin "Berceuse" was for me a slight disappointment - a bit hurried in places, sounding a little perfunctory with the lack of an underlying pulse. The other Chopin entries are fine. Trust me, though, the Barcarolle performance is THAT special. You're missing something wonderful if you don't have this recording!"

¡Bravísima, Alicia!

J. Hanna | Houston TX | 12/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alicia de la Rocha is a legendary pianist and listening to this CD one can see why. Her touch and articulation are extraordinary; there is never any muddy playing with this artist. Her playing of Mendelssohn's "Spinning Song" is spellbinding. The "Polonaise-Fantaisie" by Chopin is played with brio and clarity and excitement. This is a CD to listen to again and again."