Peerless performance of works by classical masters.
Abel | Hong Kong | 06/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Contents of this CD:
Bach, J S:
Capriccio sopra la lontananza del suo fratello dilettissimo, BWV992
Beethoven:
Piano Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 14 No. 2
& Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110
Haydn:
Andante & Variations in F minor, Hob.XVII:6 (Sonata - un piccolo divertimento)
& Piano Sonata No. 62 in E flat major, Hob.XVI:52
As can be seen, Gulda's Haydn was rarely heard. This live recording has Gulda in great form, and the two Haydn pieces really shined out (even if compared to other 'greats' in Haydn like Alfred Brendel, Andras Schiff, or even most lately Rafal Blechacz in the Hob. XVI:52).
The DG release a couple of years back had Bach's Capriccio BWV 992 included, but the live performance here is another fresh and enlivened reading by a pianist who, at this period of his performance career, really reached the musical summit.
Gulda performed and recorded Beethoven's Sonatas in cycle several times,and they are his core repertoire. Here we are given two works of contrasting composition period.
Unlike some recent releases of Friedrich Gulda showcasing him in composers like Chopin, Ravel or Debussy, my personal choice is his classical repertoire, and this recent release from Hanssler suits my taste to a 'T'.
Needless to say, Gulda is peerless in such works.
"