The Piano Music of Alexis Weissenberg

Editorial Reviews
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Composing pianists are nothing unusual, of course, though they are rarer than they used to be. What's interesting about Alexis Weissenberg's music is that, like the late Friedrich Gulda, he is a classical pianist drawn to the jazz tradition. At least, that's what the labels suggest, and the Sonate en état de jazz reinforces the message with the titles of its individual movements: 'Evocation d'un tango', 'Réminiscence d'un charleston', 'Reflets d'un blues' and 'Provocation de samba'. But the prevailing spirit in the sonata and Le regret (one of an unfinished cycle of seven Etudes) is not Coltrane or Ellington, it's Scriabin. The style is highly chromatic, the music growing restless at the slightest hint of tonal stability, which points to another parallel – Sorabji – though I doubt that Weissenberg can have known any of his music when he composed the work, in 1982; perhaps he still doesn't. So the Sonata is not some half-hearted attempt at reproducing the jazz idiom inside a classical framework; rather, Weissenberg very skilfully draws the essence of his four dances into an advanced, though still accessible, idiom.Matters change in the Four Improvisations on songs from 'La fugue', but here, of course, the 'composer' is not Weissenberg but Simon Mulligan. La fugue is a musical comedy, by Francis Lacombrade and Bernard Broca, for which Weissenberg supplied music in the 1960s (Mulligan's note isn't precise about the date). Here the jazz influence is much more prominent – and Mulligan also pays homage to Weissenberg's long domicile in Paris. He treats 'Spirale', the first song, as a 'relentless, jittery tarantella', as he puts it, in a style which reminds me of Michel Camilo; it's enormous fun, the buoyant good humour extended for almost seven minutes. With the bluesy 'Mon destin', where Mulligan is joined by Frank Walden on alto sax, you can almost hear the smoke drifting across some lazy Paris café; and 'C'est si facile' responds to its title with the gentlest of treatments for its delicate, perfumed tune – Mulligan teases out the material for close on quarter of an hour, activity picking up only towards the end, briefly. And 'Nostalgie' is a quietly passionate epilogue.Mulligan plays the stuff superbly, and Nimbus has given him a wonderfully natural sound (gone, it seems, are the days when Nimbus piano recordings seem to have been made with piano and mike at either ends of a barn). A most intriguing disc, well worth exploration. Martin Anderson

Tracks:

I. Vivace Ma Non Troppo
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Molto Moderato
I. Allegro Amabile
II. Andante Tranquillo - Vivace
III. Allegretto Grazioso
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Un Poco Presto E Con Sentimento
IV. Presto Agitato

Customer Reviews:

JOHANNES, ANNE-SOPHIE AND ALEXIS --WHAT A TEAM!.......2007-06-19

In this recording we have three of Brahms' greatest chamber works (the violin sonatas) played by, in my humble opinion, two of classical music's greatest performers--Anne-Sophie Mutter, on violin and Alexis Weissenberg, on piano. The "wow factor" is very much in evidence in this recording--great music (some of the finest chamber music that ever has been penned) fabulous violin playing and marvelous piano playing coming together in such a way that I just sat back listening in total awe feeling that life really ain't too bad when one can hear music and performances like those contained on this recording at such a reasonable (cheap!) price! (Anne-Sophie and Alexis have a wonderful "go at it" in the fourth movement of the 3rd Sonata--wow!)
Although this disc is at the "bargain basement" price of four dollars and ninety-seven cents ($4.97), the sound is superb. EMI is really to be commended for offering these superb performances at such a "rock bottom" price. I truly loved this recording as you will too if you purchase it!

Trio of great violin sonatas.......2005-09-08

While Brahms wrote only three sonatas, they are a great trio of works. The first is the most intense, the second the most lyrical and the last one the most inspired with a slow movement that is arguably Brahms most beautiful melody. The two famous musicians here give us radiant performances. At almost 10 bucks less than a full-priced version of this music, this CD represents great value.

Average customer rating:

The Best
Buy This Now!!!!

Rachmaninoff for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Debussy for Relaxation
Chopin For Relaxation
Vivaldi for Relaxation
Mozart for Relaxation
Beethoven for Relaxation

ASIN: B00005KCGZ
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

Rhap On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43: Var 18 - Dmitri Alexeev
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: III. Adagio - The Philadelphia Orch/Eugene Ormandy
Prld in G, Op.32 No.5 - Alexis Weissenberg
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Anna Moffo
Prld in F - Mikhail Kazakevich
Prld in D, Op.23 No.4 - Barry Douglas
Prld in E-flat, Op.23 No.6 - Barry Douglas
Vc Con in g, Op.19: III. Andante - Janos Starker/Shigeo Neriki
It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7 - Vladimir Spivakov/Sergei Bezrodny
Pno On No.1 in f#, Op.1: II. Andante - Byron Janis
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - Barry Douglas

Customer Reviews:

The Best.......2002-08-31

I thought this was so good, especially tracks 8 thru 11 that I bought copies for my six siblings.

Buy This Now!!!!.......2001-09-07

This is a beautiful work by the master composer Rachmaninoff. I have been a fan of his work, but when I heard this recording it nearly blew me away. Listen to Vocalise - the beauty of this track is what sold me on the rest of the album.

Average customer rating:

Just say no to AMSI (AMbient Sound Imaging)
Sorry I don't agree...
Lovely
The title should have been "The Best Ofý"
For a great time

Für Elise: Romantic Piano Pieces

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Für Elise: Romantic Piano Music
Poulenc: Concerto for pianos in Dm; Concerto for organ & strings in Gm
Piano Favorites
Century Rolls
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 8, 14, 21 & 23 / Wilhem Kempff

ASIN: B00004Z33J
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Albumblat, WoO 59: Fur Elise - Anatol Ugorski
Etude in E, Op.10 No.3: Tristesse - Tamas Vasary
Prld in D flat, Op.28 No.15: 'Raindrop' Prld - Martha Agerich
Ste Bergamasque: Clair De Lune - Alexis Weissenberg
Lyric Piece, Op.65 No.6: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Andrei Gavrilov
Venezia E Napoli: Gondoliera - Lazar Berman
Traumerei - Wilhelm Kempff
Kinderszenen, Op.15: By The Hearth - Wilhelm Kempff
Pno Son No.15 in c#, Op.27 No.2 'Moonlight': Adagio Sostenuto - Emil Gilels
Fant-Impromptu in c#, Op.66 - Anatol Ugorski
Lyric Piece, Op.57 No.6: Homesickness - Emil Gilels
Fant in d, K.397: Andante - Wilhelm Kempff
Liebestraum No.3 - Anatol Ugorski
Etude in A flat, Op.25 No.1: Hp Study - Tamas Vasary
Impromptu No.4 in A flat, D.899 - Andrei Gavrilov

Customer Reviews:

Just say no to AMSI (AMbient Sound Imaging).......2007-03-23

Not sure what led Deutsche Grammophon/Universal to use AMSI (AMbient Sound Imaging), a kind of simulated "surround". To use an analogy, it's like colorizing a good B/W film. The use of AMSI was one of the WORST mistakes DG/Universal has ever made in terms of sound engineering. The stereo image completely loses focus via this "technology". This is especially bad news for EARLY DIGITAL RECORDINGS, which lack "focus" and imaging to begin with. AMSI does not make the recording sound better. Too bad -- the track selection chosen for Fur Elise is quite good.

Sorry I don't agree..........2004-10-17

This is a good collection of pieces - would've been great had better Chopin been selected, like "Heroic". The perfomances are all well executed. However, the BIG problem, as with many piano recordings, is the recording level. On three different stereos, to hear the softest parts, the volume has to be turned up to such a level that A) hissing is an issue and B) the crescendoes BLAST and crack the speakers. The price is right, though...

Lovely.......2002-06-23

I am enjoying this album tremendously. My mother used to practice the piano while I was drifting off to sleep on occasional summer nights. I am looking for something to recreate that peace for my own children (failing to have mastered the instrument myself). Listening to this album just fills me with those same warm fuzzies; I love this music. The choice of pieces is wonderful and the playing lovely. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I!

The title should have been "The Best Ofý".......2001-08-25

You have heard them all before. Well, not maybe all on the piano. I am not usually fond of other people's selections as they always leave out something (Ex. Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto.) However I will have to make this the exception. This is a superior collection of similar "Romantic Piano Pieces." I also cringe at "et al"; once again the "et al" was a good selection. Even if you have the originals this will make an addition.

For a great time.......2001-06-18

Put you right in to the great mood of relaxation. I recommend this piece of art to anyone who knows what classical music is because this is what they have been looking for. A must have CD.

Average customer rating:

Simply Awesome
One of the best CDs I own

Best Of Saint-Saëns

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002SDI
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Introduction et marche royale du lion
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Poules et coqs-Hemiones
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Tortues - L'Elephant-Kangourus
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Auqarium
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Personnages a longues oreilles - Le Coucou au fond des bois
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Voliere
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Pianistes-Fossiles
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Le Cygne
Le Carnaval des Animaux, grande fantaisie zoologique: Final
Introduction et rondo capriccioso, For Violin And Orchestra In B Minor, Op. 28
Danse Macabre, Symphonic Poem, Op.40
Phaeton, Symphonic Poem, Op.39
Le Rouet d'Omphale, Symphonic Poem, Op.31
Havanaise, For Violin And Orchestra, Op.83
Bacchanale de Samson et Dalila

Customer Reviews:

Simply Awesome.......2004-11-19

Whether you're really into classical music or just a casual listener, you can't go wrong with this CD. The first work, Carnival of the Animals, is sheer fun. The melodies and choice of instruments really convey the essence of each animal, while Saint-Saens' humor and wit shine through in the subtle jabs he takes at critics and woefully inept piano students. Carnival is also wonderful for children, as they can learn to identify the selections with their favorite animals.

If that weren't enough, the rest of the selections are just as fantastic. Like the above reviewer, I love Danse Macabre and its ingenious use of strings, but Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso is not to be missed either. I can honestly say that not a single track on this CD disappointed me, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

One of the best CDs I own.......2000-06-17

SAint-Saens ability to convey certian feelings and emotions through music amazes me. This Cd is one of my personal favorites. I own two of them... one for my car and the other for my house. My particular favorite is Danse Macabre. The use of the violin to convey a "ghost fiddler" boggles my mind. I can almost picture it all happening. Disney should definitly think about putting this in the next Fantasia. Anyone who loves classical music should definitly own this CD!

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Franck: Symphonic Variations; Weissenberg; Muti; Philadelphia Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Glistening tone,agaile fingerwork.Unfussy and modern approach.
Superb performances

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Franck: Symphonic Variations; Weissenberg; Muti; Philadelphia Orchestra
Alexis Weissenberg , Johannes Brahms , Cesar Franck , Riccardo Muti , and Philadelphia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Rachmaninoff: Preludes (complete)
Les Introuvables de Alexis Weissenberg

ASIN: B000239B8C
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

I: Maestoso
II: Adagio
III: Rondo: Allegro Non Troppo
Variations Symphoniques

Customer Reviews:

Glistening tone,agaile fingerwork.Unfussy and modern approach........2006-05-04

Weissenberg brings a baroque like clarity to the concerto,particularly enjoyable in the last movement with the left hand accompaniment more prominent than usuall.I admire Weissenberg's glistening tone and agile fingerwork though overall i think he's shown to better advantage in this kind of repertoire in Brahms's 2nd Concerto (with Peter Maag/art archives label from amazon.co.uk)where the results are less static.

Superb performances.......2005-01-26

Alexis Weissenberg -- although not as famous as some "star" pianists -- was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, and probably was THE greatest 20th century pianist in music of the Romantic era. His technical virtuosity was unsurpassed but he chose to use it solely for artistic purposes and not for virtuosic display, unlike many more famous (but less artistic) pianists. Every performance by Weissenberg is a work of art and, quite simply, definitive. This is true of the performances on this budget CD. If you love these works, please buy this CD to hear them in all of their glory. If you are not familiar with Weissenberg's work here is your chance to discover this great artist playing great music at a bargain price.

Average customer rating:

Astonishing performance
Arriving at the Summit
Intellectual control and power
Superb performances, best available.
EXALTATION

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Preludes

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003F29
Release Date: 1990-12-10

Tracks:

Prld, Op.3, No.2 in c#
Prld, Op.23: No.1: f#
Prld, Op.23: No.2: B-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.3: d
Prld, Op.23: No.4: D
Prld, Op.23: No.5: g
Prld, Op.23: No.6: E-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.7: c
Prld, Op.23: No.8: A-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.9: e-Flat
Prld, Op.23: No.10: G-Flat
Prld, Op.32: No.1: C
Prld, Op.32: No.2: b-Flat
Prld, Op.32: No.3: E
Prld, Op.32: No.4: e
Prld, Op.32: No.5: G
Prld, Op.32: No.6: f
Prld, Op.32: No.7: F
Prld, Op.32: No.8: a
Prld, Op.32: No.9: A
Prld, Op.32: No.10: b
Prld, Op.32: No.11: B
Prld, Op.32: No.12: g#
Prld, Op.32: No.13: D-Flat

Amazon.com

To put it plainly, this is the finest recording of Rachmaninoff's complete Preludes I have ever heard. Alexis Weissenberg has the amazing technique and the expansive temperament to make each of these pieces a memorable experience. In these very colorful performances, he gives us very authentic- sounding Rachmaninoff with all the qualities I want to hear in the music. I may prefer some individual performances by Rachmaninoff himself or by Sviatoslav Richter, but neither recorded anything like the complete series. With the former contents of two entire LPs on this mid-priced set, this is an outstanding bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Astonishing performance.......2004-10-28

There are a few recordings, rare gems, that stand head and shoulders above the rest and this is one of them. It deserves to be heard more widely.

Rachmaninoff wrote the preludes in three sets. The first (Op. 3, No. 2) when he was only 19 years old and the other two sets more than 10 years later. Each prelude is written in a different key, just as Chopin did with his preludes.

Weissenberg states in the liner notes that a great performance should sound spontaneous, as if the performer sat down and the music just poured out. In this recording, at least, he accomplishes that goal. His rendition of the famous Opus 3, No. 2 Prelude is astonishing and by far the best I've heard. It is rich, complex, fiery, and seems to leap from Weissenberg's hands as if he is channeling Rachmaninoff himself.

Several of the preludes, such as Opus 23, Nos. 1 and 2 sound very much like Chopin, whom Rachmaninoff admired. Overall, the Opus 23 preludes are more engaging while the Opus 32 preludes are darker and more complex. My favorites are Opus 3, No.2 and Opus 23 Nos. 3 and 5.

Arriving at the Summit.......2003-10-14

It is really difficult to begin praise for his exalted work of art. The clarity, tone, phrasing, interpretation...flawless. Technical problems seemed to have vanished in the hands of this genius. I listened to some selections several times WITH the musical score, not believeing that human hands had created such sonority.

While the Preludes are not as technically difficult or as artistically challenging as the Etude-Tableaux, they are still only for advanced students of the instrument. One problem faced by all interpreters of Rachmaninoff's piano music is that of technical prowess. What seemed easy or "doable" to him was absolutely impossible for others. For this reason he rewrote the second Sonata so as to make an "easier" version accessible to a wider audience.

These pieces cover a range of emotions but have several common characterists - an overall moodiness (Rachmaninoff excelled in the minor keys which he deemed richer), internal rhythms and melodies, an awesome technique and melodic poetry. Many could be cited as "great" but No. 8 (C Minor), No 10 (E Flat Minor), No. 21 (B Minor) and the last, 24. (D Flat Major) stand out, particularly the last which reminds one of a mighty hymn.

Intellectual control and power.......2003-01-22

This is an astounding set of preludes. Right from the start Weissenberg's intelligence in crafting the central climaxes of the preludes is clear, and his ability to shape each one so it seems like a lucid whole is marvelous and extremely satisfying. The other reviewers are spot-on: this is a concert-hall performance of electrifying pianism. Op 32/4, 10 and 13 are given overwhelming readings, as well as op23/2 which presents a good illustration of Weissenberg's superior pianism, whether it be in the stormy outer sections or the lyrical central one, all of it is played with consummate mastery of the piano.
The slower preludes may receive more expansive readings elsewhere, but as a whole this cycle is hors concours for its magnetism and tasteful speed.

Superb performances, best available........2002-07-22

Alexis Weissenberg is a superb pianist -- quite possibly the greatest pianist of the recorded era. It is difficult for me to understand why he has never received the accolades accorded to, say, Horowitz. Although Weissenberg's technique is astounding, it is always used not for show but in support of his incredible artistry. His performances of the Rachmaninov Preludes are quite simply awesome -- covering the full range from gently lyrical to stormingly exhuberent, depending upon what is appropriate for the music. You will probably never hear a finer performance of this music -- or finer piano playing in any reperoire.

EXALTATION.......2001-09-24

A magnificent experience. The controlled violence of these performances is viscerally - and spiritually - exultant. The music speaks directly, with harrowing emotional impact.

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Allegro Con Spirito
II. Andante Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo I
III. Allegro Con Fuoco
I. Moderato
II. Adagio Sostenuto
III. Allegro Scherzando

Customer Reviews:

Superb performances of both concertos.......2004-12-24

Alexis Weissenberg, athough not as well known as some celebrity pianists, was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century -- perhaps THE greatest in performing music from the Romantic era, such as these two deservedly popular concertos. It is notable that the renowned conductor, Herbert von Karajan -- who respected Weissenberg greatly -- agreed to conduct the accompaniment on both these works, and many other Weissenberg recordings as well. Weissenberg's performance of the Tchaikovsky concerto is staggering in both it's intensity and it's artistry. Only Van Cliburn's legendary interpretation, with which he won the first Tchaikovsky piano competition, is in a class with Weissenberg's.

But Weissenberg stands alone in the second work, Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto. This is my favorite piano concerto and I have heard numerous performances of it by both famous and obscure pianists, but no performance compares with Weissenberg's. Each of the three movements is superbly played but Weissenberg's performance of the gorgeous slow movement (the second movement) is simply sublime.

If you don't like music from the Romantic period played with genuine Romanticism, you probably would not like this CD. But if, whatever your taste, you can appreciate Romantic music played with genuine commitment, outstanding virtuosity, and superb artistry, you will love these performances. Here are two incredible perfomances on one CD at a bargain price.

Another Brilliant Budget Buy.......2004-06-08

Don't you just love it when classic recordings get reissued on CD at a budget price! Such is the case with this title in EMI's "Encore" series featuring Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. (Yes, that is what is actually on this CD -- I have e-mailed Amazon twice to correct the listing to no avail.) These outstanding performances feature legendary pianist Alexis Weissenberg with conductor Herbert von Karajan leading the Orchestre de Paris (1970) and Berlin Philharmonic (1972) respectively. Karajan didn't always prove the best accompanist, but he makes magic with Wessienberg. In fact, the two would link up later in the decade to record an excellent set of the Beethoven Piano Concertos, released years ago in the "Karajan Edition" series, and now drifting out-of-print. And speaking of that series, it's a wonder these performances were not reissued in it, or in another of EMI's mid-price lines considering Von Karajan's selling power. Needless to say, I'm thrilled with the fact that these recordings have resurfaced at such an inexpensive price instead. In all, this is another stunning "Encore" from the folks at EMI.

Average customer rating:

A Refreshing Breath of Fresh Air
Hurtling tempos,woodpecker staccato
A different take on Debussy
Like Rabbits mating
Performances of delicacy, finesse and beauty.

Debussy: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B000001GNZ
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

Estampes: I. Pagodes
Estampes: II. La Soirie dans Grenade
Estampes: III. Jadins sous la pluie
Etude No. XI pour les Arphges Composis
Suite Bergamasque: Prelude
Suite Bergamasque: Menuet
Suite Bergamasque: Clair de lune
Suite Bergamasque: Passepied
Children's Corner: I. Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
Children's Corner: II. Jimbo's Lullaby
Children's Corner: III. Serenade For The Doll
Children's Corner: IV. The Snow Is Dancing
Children's Corner: V. The Little Shepherd
Children's Corner: VI. Golliwogg's Cake - walk
La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin
L'Isle Joyeuse
La Plus que Lente

Customer Reviews:

A Refreshing Breath of Fresh Air.......2006-01-04

I have heard and admired Rubinstein, Van Cliburn, Vasary, and Entremont playing some of these pieces, among others. Weissenberg plays them with a fresh approach to tempo and rubato. The rhythm is more heavily accentuated than in the other pianists' versions. In addition to several of the more well-known works of Debussy, Weissenberg chose to include "Etude No. IXI pour les Arpeges Composes" in this recording and he makes it into a hypnotic miniature fireworks display of his virtuosity.

The slower pieces, such as "Clair de lune," are played with sensitivity and tenderness, with Weissenberg bringing out the beauty of every note while never losing the forward momentum of the piece, gradually building its level of sound and intensity and then taking it back down; it's a magical performance.

The first three selections, "Pagodes," "La Soiree dans Grenade" and "Jardins sous la pluie" are exotic perfumed slices of musical heaven, with "Pagodes," especially, being exquisitely performed. The "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" and "L'Isle Joyeuse" are a scintillating cascades of notes, while "Serenade for the Doll" is absolutely charming. Although my sentimental favorite of the different versions of "La Plus que Lente" remains Rubinstein's 1970 recording, this one by Weissenberg is also wonderful; it's different, fresh, with a more pronounced rhythm in the faster passages that evokes the image of dancers in a ballroom.

Perhaps my favorite selection on this CD is "The Snow is Dancing," which Weissenberg plays in such a way that one can practically see the swirling snowflakes dancing in the air. Actually, all of the selections are beautiful small musical gems, played with elegance, grace, charm, and passion. This CD receives my highest recommendation.

Hurtling tempos,woodpecker staccato.......2004-11-27

One of the most infamous discs of Debussy's piano works ever recorded,sealing Weissenberg's controversial reputation.The rather conservative Penguin Record Guide disliked it so much that they awarded no stars and said it was 'totally unacceptable artistically' and 'the most brutal account of Debussy ever committed to disc'.
That was back in the mid-eighties.Now,his approach seems like a breath of fresh air:woodpecker like staccato in the Passepied from the 'suite bergamasque'and swirling cascades of notes in a double expresso account of 'L'isle Joyeuse'.
Fast,hurtling tempos and disregard for the softer end of the spectrum are the norm in these performances but that is part of the pleasure in a peculiar sort of way as the charisma of the playing is inescapable.A quick comparison with a young glamorous french pianist in the same works,everything is more flat footed,less visceral.
While not quite in the same league as the Bach and Rachmaninov Weissenberg also recorded for DG at the end of his career,this is still worth getting to know!

A different take on Debussy.......2004-02-06

This CD, although long out of date, retains a crisp and refreshing air that must be heard to be appreciated. Yes, Weissenberg leaves behind the dreamy melodicism of others, but by contrast, he plays in a way that will keep you awake. This is no opium dream!

Like Rabbits mating.......2004-01-22

I find this performance by Alexis Weissenberg to have but one fault; The recording itself. He plays it far too fast. The impressionistic/contemplative style that Debussy's works are written for is totally thrown away. In its place is a work totally devoid of personality, and mechanical. My greatest pet peeve when listening to an artist's rendition of a classic is the seemingly ubiqitous, but subtle need to quicken the tempo, as if speed were the transcending value of a performance. These melodies are almost sacred! Speed freaks should not track mud over them to perhaps, make a name for themselves for acheiving a newer "interpretation" of it.

Performances of delicacy, finesse and beauty........2003-03-24

This CD contains a goodly portion of favorite Debussy compositions: the Suite Bergamasque (including, of course, Clair de Lune), Children's Corner, Estampes and La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin. Those listeners used to the "Impressionistic" approach of Walter Gieseking may not at first like the crisper, harder-edged performances of Alexis Weissenberg, but Weissenberg's delicacy, finesse and strong musical intelligence should win over even the most persnickety connoisseurs. It's a lovely CD, perfect lazy-day listening, and at a very reasonable price.

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Mad about Piano

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000001GL3
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

Turkish Rondo: Mozart: Sonata In A, K.331 - 'Turkish Rondo'
Pathetique: Beethoven: 'Pathetique Sonata' - Adagio Cantabile
Clair de Lune: Debussy: Clair De Lune
Prelude No. 12 In G-Sharp Minor: Rachmaninoff: Prelude No. 12 In G-Sharp Minor
Ballade No. 1 In G Minor: Chopin: Ballade No. 1 In G Minor
Fur Elise: Beethoven: Fur Elise
Impromptu No. 2 In E-Flat: Shubert: Impromptu No. 2 In E-Flat
Prelude No. 2: Gershwin: Prelude No. 2
Moonlight Sonata: Beethoven: 'Moonlight Sonata' - Adagio Sostenuto
Sonata In C, K.545: Mozart: Sonata In C, K.545 - Allegro
Scenes From Childhood - Traumerei: Shumann: Scenes From Childhood - Traumerei
Moments Musicaux No. 3 In F Minor: Shubert: Moments Musicaux No. 3 In F Minor
'Minute' Waltz: Chopin: 'Minute' Waltz
Arabesque: Shumann: Arabesque
Children's Corner - Golliwogg's Cake-Walk: Debussy: Children's Corner - Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12

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Sarabande: Baroque Favorites
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00006J3LE
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks: