Rachmaninoff Volume II
Ian Dando | New Zealand Listener | 01/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The eight Études-tableaux Op. 33 are a logical extension of the Preludes in Barbara Nissman's recently released Rachmaninoff by Nissman, Vol. 1: The Preludes. Her hallmarks as a top Rachmaninoff pianist are present here in her colourful liveliness, and strong dramatic momentum all underpinned by a fine structural sense. In the more extended nine Études-tableaux Op. 39, Nissman's clarity with the densely chordal No 5, the tricky part playing of No 4 and the hyperactive No. 9 with heavy chords flying up and down the keyboard, is, as always, impeccably clear as though played with the composer's own superhuman hand span of an octave plus fifth instead of Nissman's mortal female hands. Nissman's vitality is served well by Pierian label's honest recording technique which does not use dynamic compression. Turn your volume up a bit to enjoy the resultant natural and spacious sound."