Search - Robert Schumann, Murray Perahia :: Schumann: Kreisleriana; Sonata No. 1, Op. 11

Kreisleriana not as exciting as when performed in person

C. Broadbent | Houston, TX United States | 07/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a college student years ago, I heard Perahia perform the Kreisleriana. It was a magical performance, one I haven't forgotten almost 25 years later. It inspired me to study the work, and since that time I have searched for a recording and interpretation of Kreisleriana that reminded me of that performance. When I discovered this Perahia recording, I thought my search would be at an end. Alas! It hints at, but doesn't quite measure up to that performance of long ago. Yet it is the closest I have found, and beats the others I have heard by a long shot."

A More Emotional Perahia

twc | 05/23/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of Murray Perahia since college, seeing his every concert whenever I've been lucky enough to be in the same time and place as he is. I've also defended him from criticism (Murray-bot) regarding his lack of emotion. While I've felt that his playing is technically faultless, he is an intelligent, shy man (Yes, I shook his hand and hugged him on multiple occasions! Lucky me!), so I always thought: it's no wonder that he also plays politely, in a nuanced, civilized manner. In my opinion, his natural style is distinctly suited for the elegance & structure of classical and baroque, and I love his recordings for that genre. (In fact, this CD: Handel/Scarlatti: Murray Perahia Plays Handel & Scarlatti is among the best piano recordings.)



The first time, I heard Murray's Schumann, I was very happy because it surprised me. I knew I was in for a technical thrill, and it's there in all its dazzling glory. However, Schumann's music allows a wiser, more human performance if the artist risks. I was pleasantly surprised and then delightfully listened, hearing a mix of Murray's usual technical beauty with a deeper, more inward pondering -- the Sonata is lovely.



I am happy to add this to my collection, but as much as I love Murray, this is not the Kreisleriana I will turn to the most as it's simply not gutsy enough for my taste. Murray's touch is light, controlled, measured, and intelligent, but there are moments (personal preference) where I feel the artist can even be raw and terrible.



So while I feel that Murray is more emotional than he usually is, it is not enough for Schumann's Kreisleriana. It's still beautiful, still soul-searching, and still sublime but for that last bit of distance. Maybe if I had heard it first, but I know better. The one Kreisleriana that still leaves me breathless is Argerich's 1984 recording with Deutsche-Grammophon because that is all-encompassing. Robert Schumann: Kinderszenen/Kreisleriana"