Search - Alkan, Hamelin :: Piano Music: Grande Sonate Op 33 / Sonatine Op 61

Spectacular

Robert J. Sullivan Jr. | Chicago, IL USA | 11/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Hamelin's first exclusively Alkan recording for Hyperion, closely following his "Live at Wigmore" recital that showcased two Alkan blockbusters. Returning to the studio, Hamelin continues the nigh super-human standard he established at Wigmore; if anything, there's a superfluity of power, an edginess that sets him apart. It's the sound of a piano pushed to the limit - strings struck so sharply that unexplained overtones crop up.The "Quasi Faust" of the Grande Sonate grips the soul with its oration, titanic climaxes giving way to tender chorale. For me, this album was a discovery of Alkan's lyricism; I heard for the first time phrases that dripped sentiment, and I was moved in a way that his Concerto for Piano Solo never could. The signature, clattering brilliance is still there, but it's vertical dimensions are confined, as in the Sonatine, which tends towards Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Worte albeit driven to extremes.There are few superlatives left that I can throw Hamelin's way. Naturally, I've begun to look for faults. At his best, he can throw the piano into a bombilation like few greats; his percussive touch, the way his fingers seem spring-loaded, reminds me at times of Horowitz. Sometimes, though, through the volleys of notes, I wonder if he isn't missing some of the rapture."

(No title).

offeck | New York, NY -- United States of America | 12/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ah, what an extraordinarily Grante Sonata is Alkan's The Four Ages, about a man gradually growing older, losing steam, giving up hope in life. Hamelin's performance is everything that could be wished for. The first two movements successfully overwhelm in its hair-raising, breathtaking bravura, always with a crispness and precision in finger movement in spite of the superhuman feats demanded. The third movement, a picture of domestic bliss, really is that, not to mention charmingly and beautifully poised. The fourth movement, lacking here in some of the tear-jerking tragedy abundant in Smith recording, is still a Promethean finale, most powerfully and effectively projected, ulimately avoiding the self-mocking and cliched abandon Alkan saw to be old age. The Sonatine, concise and concentrated in the extreme, is delivered an extremely fine-articulated, no-nonsense reading, bringing out the clarity and economy of writing in one of Alkan's more classical compositions. How serene, beautiful, seductive, and hypnotic the Barcarolle comes across... To top it off, closing the disc, is a stunning display of pianistic acrobatics ala Aesop's Fables filled to the brim with charisma, will, and domineering personality... In terrific sound, with informative and interesting liner notes, all wonderfully presented for Hyperion's Annivery, this disc is yet another Hamelin (and Alkan) absolute must!"

A true Alkan champion!

James W. Iman | Pittsburgh, PA | 10/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hamelin is by far the best of the Alkan interperters! He combinds the FFF playing remenisant of Lewenthal (who's recordings are also some of the best) with the subtlty of Gibbons and Smith, with his own flare that is completely unique to his interpertation. He captures wonderfull the "bombastic bass" Alkan loves to put in his music (e.g. some of the variations in the etude op.39 no.12 and the symphony for solo piano), and he also gets at the beautiful tones Alkan wrote in his Grande Sonata. Hamelin has a fire that not many of the other Alkan players have. His performances have an unmatched energy (listen to the trios grandes etudes, performed LIVE!). I am waiting with baited breath for Hamelin to do a complete recording of the op.39, I would DIE for him to do the complete Alkan music! By far my fave Alkan player."