Evgeny Kissin - Carnegie Hall Debut Concert

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Kissin's U.S. debut recital confirmed his status as a major pianist. The Prokofiev Sonata No. 6, one of Kissin's specialties since he was in his early teens, is very fluent and impressive, but it doesn't have the power the music needs for maximum impact. In fact, a lack of really powerful bass from the pianist's left hand (not a fault of the recording) lightens the weight of his playing throughout. But both sets of Schumann Variations are convincingly played (and contrasted), and Kissin's Liszt playing is as dazzling as any you'll hear. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Variations On The Name Abegg: Variations On The Name Abegg, Op. 1
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Theme
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation I
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Posthumous Variation I
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation II
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation III
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation IV
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation V
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation VI
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Posthumous Variation IV
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Posthumous Variation V
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation VII
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Posthumous Variation III
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation VIII
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation IX
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Posthumous Variation II
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation X
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Variation XI
Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13-Sinfonische Etuden: Finale

Tracks:

Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: Allegro moderato
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: Allegretto
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: Tempo di valzer lentissimo
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: Vivace
Liebestraum No. 3
Rhapsodie Espagnole: Folies d'Espangne et jota aragonesa
Waltz, Op.64, No. 2 In C Sharp Minor
Transcendental Etude, No. 10
Widmung
Etude, Op. 2, No. 3 In C Minor

Amazon.com

Kissin's U.S. debut recital confirmed his status as a major pianist. The Prokofiev Sonata No. 6, one of Kissin's specialties since he was in his early teens, is very fluent and impressive, but it doesn't have the power the music needs for maximum impact. In fact, a lack of really powerful bass from the pianist's left hand (not a fault of the recording) lightens the weight of his playing throughout. But both sets of Schumann Variations are convincingly played (and contrasted), and Kissin's Liszt playing is as dazzling as any you'll hear. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Astounding Live Recording!.......2007-04-02

I agree with other reviewers that this is one of the truly exceptional live recordings - reminiscent of Horowitz at Carnegie Hall so many years ago (except that Kissin does not miss a note!). His technical skill and command of the piano are amazing - just listed to Liszt's Spanish Rhapsody or the Transdendental Etude. I saw Kissin in Berlin when he made his West European debut in '87 and still vividly remember that performance. This recording, only a few years later, has the same remarkable quality. And to think the guy was so young when he performed this recording!

Aahhh!!.......1999-08-27

What can one say about a recital like this one? You loose words when you front such a stunnig performance in every way. I just wonder how many pianists smashed their instuments in anger and restlessness after having heard that teenager whoop of some of the most demanding works of the piano repertory in such a flawless way. The teqnical bravura is unbelivable and the deep insight and understanding of the works performed shines throughout. I once saw Kissin live myself and my advice to you is to do it also (if that situation pops up). You'll be far richer.

Astounding.......1999-07-23

This recording signaled Kissin's 'arrival'. There is so much to priase here, but one must remember that this is the playing of a teenager at his debut in the world's premier concert hall; imperfections are to be expected. Almost shocking, then, is the near-perfection of Kissin's playing, and not merely in getting round the notes, but in his complete command of every piece here.

While the Prokoviev is hair-raising, the real 'genius' piece here is the Liszt Spanish Rhapsody, by far the best I've encountered. Such power, control, singing line, humor, everything one might ask for in big Liszt playing. Anyone doubting Kissin's greatness need only listen to this. No matter how you slice it, one of the great debut recordings, in the same league as Argerich's (an exalted league to be sure).

I love Symphonic Etudes, Op.13 Schumann........1998-01-18

Posthumous Variation V is my Astral world. Nothing brings me more tender healing than listening to it. I love his possession of that fair. END

Evgeny Kissin - Carnegie Hall Debut Concert Highlights

Average customer rating:

Superb Evgeny performances from his teen years
Good recordings of young Kissin.
Kissin's first triumphant recital at Carnegie Hall!

Evgeny Kissin - Carnegie Hall Debut Concert Highlights
Robert Schumann , and Evgeny Kissin
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003F9U
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Tracks:

Variations on the name Abegg, Op.1: Robert Schumann: Variations on the name Abegg, Op.1
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Theme
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation I
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Posthumous variation I
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation II
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation III
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation IV
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation V
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation VI
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Posthumous variation IV
Robert Schumann: Symphonic Etudes, Op.13 10/18
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Posthumous variation V
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Posthumous variation III
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation VIII
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation IX
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Posthumous variation II
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation X
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Variation XI
Symphonic Etudes, Op.13: Robert Schumann: Finale
Liebestraum No. 3: Franz Liszt: Liebestraum No. 3
Rhapsodie Espagnole: Franz Liszt: Rhapsodie espagnole
In F Minor: Franz Liszt: Transcendental Etude
Schumann--Liszt: Widmung

Customer Reviews:

Superb Evgeny performances from his teen years.......2006-09-28

I haven't heard the full concert which contains Prokofiev selections - though his earlier Sony recording, LIVE from Tokoyo, does contain the 6th sonata, which he plays amazingly well - being apparently unedited at that! If anything, all will agree that Kissin is masterful technician. But his teen recordings were his best by far. (As he approaches his mid-30's I find little "musical" enthusiam for his art. Technically perfect thoujgh largely undynamic. Pretty loud, in fact.
Happily, on this disc here, the Schumann, is amongst the best modern performances available. Some have criticized the Liebestraum, as he does not oversentimentalize the melodies as others do. But the Rhapsody and Schumann song transcription are matchless.

Good recordings of young Kissin........2000-12-06

In fact, there is a little absurdity to give him 5 stars all. But this recording`s were recorded when Kissin was in a student age. Who could think this recording as a student`s recording? So I gave him 5 stars. (unless 4 stars.) His technics are excellent, but he can not control his power. It means he has an outstanding talent but he doesnt experienced the depth of music. Transcendental etudes are full of passion and power. Libestraume is not very good. Spanish Rhasodie is good, but much lower than Arrau`s playing. ( Great Pianist - Claudio Arrau 1.) Symphonic etudes are very good.

Kissin's first triumphant recital at Carnegie Hall!.......2000-05-20

I was amazed again at how incredible the young Kissin performs under "live" conditions. This is a wonderful CD in which the listener is privileged to listen to amazing pianistic virtuosity at its best. Kissin's performance of Liszt's "Rhapsody Espagnole" is filled with such passion and beauty that makes one want to visit Spain immediately. The fiendishly difficult Liszt Transcendental Etude no.10 in F#-minor is wonderfully played with such raw power and emotion that forces the listener to hear it again and again. The playful Schumann "Abegg Variations" reminds us just how young Kissin was then. This was an amazing CD with one flaw...Kissin's haphazard interpretation of Liszt's beautifully melodic "Liebestraume." I must admit I was highly disappointed with this particular performance of Liebestraume;however, the CD as a whole is worth purchasing. Get it now!

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