Bach-Busoni: Piano Transcriptions, Vol. 2

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Busoni's transcriptions of Bach organ works are among the glories of modern piano music, and all but doctrinaire followers of authentic period practice will enjoy them. Bach's music works well on the modern piano and Busoni's transcriptions add elements of color and fantasy that, however anachronistic, are fascinating to hear. Demidenko is a Russian-trained virtuoso with a monster technique who makes child's play of these often difficult pieces. He tears into the opening Fantasie (BWV 906) with abandon, produces an affecting Adagio (BWV 968) and a firmly articulated Fugue (BWV 906), which was seamlessly completed by Busoni. The big Prelude and Fugue (BWV 532) is thrilling, and the six Choral Preludes are lovingly done. The great violin Chaconne gets a big performance, too, fitting for a piece that Busoni metamorphosed into a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature. --Dan Davis

Amazon.com

Busoni's transcriptions of Bach organ works are among the glories of modern piano music, and all but doctrinaire followers of authentic period practice will enjoy them. Bach's music works well on the modern piano and Busoni's transcriptions add elements of color and fantasy that, however anachronistic, are fascinating to hear. Demidenko is a Russian-trained virtuoso with a monster technique who makes child's play of these often difficult pieces. He tears into the opening Fantasie (BWV 906) with abandon, produces an affecting Adagio (BWV 968) and a firmly articulated Fugue (BWV 906), which was seamlessly completed by Busoni. The big Prelude and Fugue (BWV 532) is thrilling, and the six Choral Preludes are lovingly done. The great violin Chaconne gets a big performance, too, fitting for a piece that Busoni metamorphosed into a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Busoni.......2007-01-15

I agree with the previous reviewer about the chaconne, some might find it too slow. Especially if you are used to Kissin's performance. I personally think Demidenko's more unified treatment of the variatons is refreshing. He creates contrast through deep colorful poetry, and sheer power as opposed to using many parametric changes. In my opinion this interpretation is the perfect balance of romantic power and depth with Baroque form and character. On top of the performance alone, the Fazioli piano chosen has absolutely stunning soud quality and is perfect for Busoni.

Wonderful Playing.......2002-05-22

The real gems of this disk are the Chorale Prelude transcriptions. Demidenko plays these pieces beautifully, especially Durch Adams fall ist ganz verdebt and Jesus Christus Unser Heiland. One can really appreciate the beautiful sound of the Fazioli piano in these pieces in particular. My one reservation about the chorale preludes is 'Watchet Auf'. The only recording I know of that does this justice is Angela Hewitt's recording of Bach Arrangements(Kempff also doesn't do a bad job of this). The playing doesn't quite convey the spirit of this piece.

Demidenko also does a particularly good job of the Fantasia and the Chacconne, although some might find the Chaconne a little too slow for their liking. However don't get the wrong impression, Demidenko can break into great moments of power and speed. This is Demidenko's late romantic playing at its best.

He also gives a good account of the Prelude and Fugue BWV 532, although its not up to Gilels account of the same piece. Gilels manages to create a beutiful organ like sonority from the piano, and gets the tempo just right in each part. However Demidenko's faster fugue makes for a barnstorming interpretation.