Search - Frederic Chopin, Juana Zayas :: Preludes (24)/Barcarolle/Andante Spianato

Zayas a real Chopin pianist!!!

08/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of the Preludes, Barcarolle, and AS&GPB exhibits high craft. Next to it, Argerich's account, while very good and interesting, must yield. Zayas has the passion of Argerich but the control of Pollini. Paradoxical, I suppose, but ever so true. Harold Schonberg reviewed this CD along with Louis Lortie's recording of much the same music (see J/A American Record Guide). Here's some of what he had to say: "She filters Chopin's notes through a fertile mind, with a very personal but never overdone kind of romanticism that looks back to the great pianists of a previous age. . . . Zayas is an extraordinary pianist. Next to her Lortie, even with his brilliant technique and excellent musicianship, sounds rather pale. His phrasing is accurate but tight-too literal for these volatile pieces. Both pianists enjoy superb recorded sound. Put your money on Zayas." There you have it from the former senior critic of the New York Times. Not convinced? Perhaps the fact that Zayas's recording of the Etudes (M&A CD891) was declared to be the best Etudes recording of the century will persuade even the most skeptical."

Straightforward reading

John Robinson | Rockport, MA United States | 01/16/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Lately I've been listening to multiple recordings of the preludes again for the umteenth time in as many years. Reading these reviews of Ms. Zayas work, I was salivating to hear her. Well, the pianism is impeccable and tasteful, and she sure does have the chops, but for me, her interpretations are, dare I say, too healthy, too sunny, a little too muscular. This is why I don't care much for Rubinstein's playing. I want more darkness in spots, a bit of morbidezza. If we are on the same page, try Tzimon Barto, who brings something really personal, and in places, exquisitely tender moments; or Argerich, who is, as usual, on fire; or Pogorelich, who, while often over the top and wedded to point making, has some very interesting things to say about the music. For a more mainstream, but also more poetic approach, I like Ivan Moravec. My two cents."

Speed, Power, and Eloquence - Juana Zayas

Carlton | CT, USA | 11/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Chopin's Preludes are a protean tour de force of emotional depth, musical inspiration and keyboard originality. Of the 33 recordings I have of the Preludes, this resides in the top five "must have" performances. Juana Zayas is phenomenal. Her reading is just an eyelash below Pollini and Argerich. But, she eclipses both of them in Preludes 5, 12, 16, and 22. This is a titanic effort full of speed, power and above all eloquence.

Also on this CD is a magnificent rendering of the Barcarolle Op 60. Written between 1845 -1846, this great work represents a culmination of artistic achievement for the composer and the Romantic Movement. It's nine minutes of sumptuous beauty delightfully executed by Zayas. Her reading certainly stands with those of Davidovich, Ashkenazy, Ohlsson, Perahia, Zimerman and Arrau.

I heartily recommend this CD.

Note: Another great performance of the Preludes that remains under the radar is that of Seta Tanyel. I rate her recording in a dead heat with Zayas. If you can find a copy on Collins Classics - don't hesitate. It's terrific.



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