Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Frederic Chopin :: Richter in Leipzig

The publisher speaks

Leslie Gerber | Saugerties, NY | 08/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do not take my approval of this recording as being in any way subjective. I run Parnassus Records and I published this CD. I only want to call attention to the fact that our remastering of this recording has largely corrected the flutter which ran through the original edition of Op. 109, making it much easier to listen to. Someone else will have to give opinions on the performances; obviously I love them or I wouldn't have published them."

CLASSIC & SUBLIME! and yes, Richter moments abound!

G. Engler | The Frigid Northeast | 01/09/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leslie Gerber, CEO of Parnassus Records who wrote the review above, has nothing to apologize for. This recording is a much improved version of Richter's legendary concert in Leipzig. This is an extraordinary concert - by a pianist known for performances that run the gamut from eccentric to, more often, revelatory.



Reviewers often speak of "Richter Moments" - those moments while listening to a recording when your ears perk up, and your jaw drops - either at Richter's astonighing technique, his audacious musicianship, or his unique musical interpreations of often heard works. This disc abounds in such moments.



Keep in mind, that even with the remastering, the recording remains in the "very good" category - it does not approach state-of-the-art sound and some very slight flutter remains in the opening movement of Sonata 30. If you're considering purchasing this disc , as opposed to the original, heavier-flutter-filled disc selling for $100 or so on amazon you don't need, or care to be advised of this. Instead revel in the artistry that Deutsche Gramophone has called the "Pianist Of The Century". Perhaps he really was.



I'm sure that all music lovers will enjoy and appreciate Richter's performances of Beethoven's last three sonatas as much as I have. If you do, and don't mind slightly dated monaural sound,you should also check out Parnassus' recordings of Richter In The 1950s, again, as I have! This five volume series of recordings captures Richter as a Russian sensation, without a drop of Western influence in his blood. (Not that he ever had any) Perhaps starting with Vol 3 Sviatoslav Richter in the 1950s, Vol. 3 which contains extraordinary performances, some unique to Richter's discography including some red-hot Liszt, and sublime Beethoven (Pathetique), and absolutely gorgeous Ravel. What a repertoire!



One final note: you may want to grab these recordings soon. Word on their site tells us the unfortuante news that Parnassus Records, Leslie Gerber's labor or love, is going out of business. Taht means these discs will disappear. Get 'em while you can.



Thanks again Mr. Gerber for providing music lovers with recordings that we may not have ever had the chance toe hear. Your love of music lead you to this. The least your customers can do is thank you and say that your work and vision have been appreciated."