Search - Beethoven, pianist Jennifer Tao, Chopin :: Tao Piano

Very nice, good selection of tunes and superb piano playing

12/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sound on this album is clear and crisp, while Tao's renderings are absolutely elegant. She plays with an excellent balance of drama and delicacy, never overwhelming her pieces but at the same time, fully in command. Her Medtner is fanciful but never playful -- she takes this work very seriously, and it shows in all the strong nuances she's able to pull from the notes and phrasing. The Waldstein is marvellous. Tao reaches into the depths of this music to draw out every ounce of drama, yet the work never suffers from becoming morbid or tense -- in fact, the drama comes off almost as joyful. I admit, the Ives was too discordant for me, but the Ravel is tender while at the same time lively and bold. This is strong pianism, very confident. Play this CD louder than you would ordinarily do -- the sound is so great that you'll feel as if you were sitting right next to Tao and her piano (it must be a steinway) in the concert hall. I'm very much looking forward to this pianist's next albums! If you like solo piano and if you like a commanding performance, do not neglect this album. It is delightful and will certainly become one of the favorites in your collection."