Search - Schubert, Gilels :: Piano Sonatas

In Gilel's hands, these works attain masterpiece stature.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 07/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The regions of Eastern Europe we used to called Russia have produced some phenomenal pianists. One such was Emil Gilels. Investigate a recent "Great Pianist of the Twentieth Century" issue on 100 double CDs and you'll find three double CDs devoted to him. Of his now legendary recorded performances not included in that marathon issue, this CD comprises Schubert and Liszt sonatas he recorded in New York in 1960 and 1964. To the Schubert Sonata he brings a sturdy energy in the first movement, a controlled sense of repose in the second, a playfulness to the outer sections of the Scherzo, and a jauntiness to the Rondo movement. If this performance raises the stature of the Schubert Sonata in your estimation, then you'll possibly come to regard the Liszt Sonata as a masterpiece once you have listened to Gilel's poetic, dazzling performance, the second work on this CD. A slight dissatisfaction with the sound quality denies this CD of a possible five star rating. Even by 1960s standards, the piano sound lacks immediacy. Dynamic extremes have been reduced, especially in the Liszt recording. I confirmed this by unearthing versions by Schnabel (Schubert) and Horowitz (Liszt), recorded many years earlier in the 1930s, and heard greater dynamic contrasts. Sound quality reservations apart, this 71 minute CD represents one of the best value packages you could drop into your trolley."

Gilels and the Liszt b minor

Robert Balaban | Rockford,Illinois | 03/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the privilage of sitting onstage (overflow) in Chicagos orchestra hall in the late sixties when Gilels performed the Liszt sonata and then the Extreme Privilage of 6 master lessons with him on (yep! the b minor Liszt) to up my own performance in recitals and international competitions. well we all know about the 6 Heavyweights who play it but what about Gilels? Hes in a league of his own! He follows the Peters ed. He makes it big,powerful, but most of all plays with his heart open and always with reserve! A TRUE GEMSTONE! And of course the Schubert sings ever as well! When I hear this CD I know Mr. gilels is still with us! For eternity! Dr.Robert Balaban"