Leon Fleisher Recital - Bach/Brahms, Scriabin, Saint-Saens

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Leon Fleisher made this recording in 1991, several years before he regained the ability to play with both hands. What makes this disc worthwhile even for the general music lover is Brahms's transcription of the Bach Chaconne, much more faithful and effective than the famous one by Busoni. The disc also includes an amusing set of études by Saint-Saëns, a dazzling étude by Felix Blumenfeld (Horowitz's teacher), two excellent pieces by Scriabin and several contemporary works. If Fleisher doesn't quite eclipse memories of Simon Barere in the Blumenfeld Étude, his playing is always musical and technically sound, especially in the difficult Brahms transcription, the best performance of this arrangement ever recorded. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Toccata and Fugue, Op. 56
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 1. Prde
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 2. Alla fuga
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 3. Moto perpetuo
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 4. Bourr
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 5. Ele
Six Etudes, Op. 135: 6. Gigue
Chacony (1988)
Partita II In D Minor For Solo Violin BWV 1004: Chaconne
Etude in A-flat major, Op. 36
Prde in C-sharp minor, Op. 9 No. 1
Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2
'Der Zigeunerbaron' By Johann Strauss: Symphonic Metamorphoses of the 'Schatz-Walzer'

Amazon.com

Leon Fleisher made this recording in 1991, several years before he regained the ability to play with both hands. What makes this disc worthwhile even for the general music lover is Brahms's transcription of the Bach Chaconne, much more faithful and effective than the famous one by Busoni. The disc also includes an amusing set of études by Saint-Saëns, a dazzling étude by Felix Blumenfeld (Horowitz's teacher), two excellent pieces by Scriabin and several contemporary works. If Fleisher doesn't quite eclipse memories of Simon Barere in the Blumenfeld Étude, his playing is always musical and technically sound, especially in the difficult Brahms transcription, the best performance of this arrangement ever recorded. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Dr. James L. Franklin.......2007-01-15

A wonderful introduction to a sampling of the most important works for solo piano left hand, beautifully played and with an informative discussion of the music on the "record jacket".

An Introduction to Leon Fleisher.......2006-09-15

Leon Fleisher needs no introduction. Don't you just hate that? Everybody needs an introduction, no matter how famous they are. You, out there, may have never heard of Leon Fleisher. You may not even feel bad about it, considering that you are way behind in your other self-improvement projects. You may be stuck in the middle of the Plato's Dialogues, and may not have even started that Balzac.
No matter what your circumstances are, you need to be urgently introduced to Mr. Fleisher, and this CD is a perfect way of doing it!
You will be immediately impressed by the most delicate playing ever, in which Mr. Fleisher literally caresses each note. As you listen to his performance of Bach you will finally understand what Plato meant by the world of perfect forms. The rest of the pieces reveal emotional variety and richness in which you will easily participate.
Maybe Mr. Fleisher is so famous because he makes his listeners feel so special. We achieve musical greatness vicariously, through him.
After you finish listening to this CD, please "Google" Mr. Fleisher to learn about his extraordinary courage and spirit in times of disability of his right hand. There is a happy ending in which his love and great gift for music conquered all adversity! You will also learn about his incredible, most impressive musical pedigree. By this time, fortunately, it will be too late to be intimidated by it! Leon Fleisher has already become your friend. He played his gentle music just for you, in your living room.

Amazing left-hand recital!.......2000-12-15

Clear and detailed Toccata and Fugue. Crisp Saint Saens Op 135. Masterful interpretation of Brahm's transcription of the Chaccone from Bach's Second Solo Violin Partita. The Scriabin and Blumenthal are expressive and warm but seem aren't terribly moving. Thee hand-taxing Symphonic Metamorphoses is sparkly and flamboyant. Sound is a bit bright, but disc is highly enjoyable.

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