Search - Olli Mustonen :: Bach, Shostakovich: Preludes & Fugues [Germany]

Personal Readings

Marcus K. Maroney | 12/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mustonen has one of the most distinctive piano sounds today, and he puts it to excellent use in these performances. The dynamic gradations and clarity brough to Bach's C Major prelude kick off two discs full of personality and intelligence. Voicings in the fugues are always done with utmost precision. Shostakovich's C# minor prelude is a great example of Mustonen's lucid articulation that brings a crystalline precision to the music. The gorgeous accompanying fugue is wonderfully introspective and poignant. The Shostakovich Db major prelude and fugue lacks the last bit of power that a pianist like Sviatoslav Richter brings to it, but the carefully observed dynamic gradations and impeccable rhythmic security of the fugue allow the listener to hear many details and interrelationships that get lost in more viscerally exciting performances. The spinning motion in the Bach D minor has hypnotic momentum and Mustonen's unique articulation of the ensuing fugue subject brings an imaginative reading that at first catches you off guard but on repeated listening makes more and more sense. Listening to other performances (such as Rosalyn Tureck's stern readings) I miss Mustonen's quirkiness. He is unafraid to bring humor, devastation, whispered tones and harsh attacks to the music when appropriate, and there are many moments when those sounds are 100% appropriate in both sets. The alternation of Bach and Shostakovich is fascinating in the order that Mustonen has chosen. Highly recommended to all fans of distinctive pianism."

Exquisite background music

Peter Seibt | 07/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Non-percussive piano music begins with Bach ( adapted to the modern piano ) and roughly ends with Shostakovich ( and Hindemith's Ludus tonalis ). On two double-albums, Mustonen creates a unifying soundspace for the beginning ( Bach ) and the end ( Shostakovich ). This is an exciting challenge. In order to obtain a climate of homogeneity, Mustonen has to sacrify on the one side the well-established ceremonial character of the "Ancient testament of piano music", on the other side some pathetic features of "russian music, as deep as the russian soul".

He marvellously succeeds. Light, inspired piano music.

The two double-albums should be appreciated by relaxed newcomers to classical music as well as by experienced insiders in search of new, strong sensations. And by people who simply like the piano."