Ruth Laredo's Scriabin Sonata Cycle

[i heart xenakis]

Has anyone here heard it?  If so what are your thoughts?  Because I, personally, think this is by far the best complete cycle, but I rarely see anyone listing any of her performances when people talk about the Scriabin Sonatas, so I was wondering if either most people hadn't heard it or if I just have a soft-spot for these for some reason XP


Either way, if you haven't heard it, I strongly suggest you check it out.  Sonatas Nos. 3, 4, 7 and 8 are true gems, and her Vers la Flamme will leave your pants ruined.



PS- just out of curiosity, can anyone identify what type of piano she's playing on?  That's never been something I'm very good at; I've had the same one Yamaha forever XP

[hodi]

IMO it's an overrated cycle
i heard it - it's not bad, but it's not THAT good.
hamelin got the best set imo.

[i heart xenakis]

IMO it's an overrated cycle
i heard it - it's not bad, but it's not THAT good.
hamelin got the best set imo.

Ewwwwwwww Hamelin's cycle is just ridiculous in every meaning of the word to my ears.  You KNOW I don't mind some bravura, but he just takes it way too far for a composer that requires delicate voicing and atmosphere.  Also I'm a big Hamelin fan so I'm not putting him down; just his Scriabin (most of them anyway).  But I will admit her Sonatas 5/6 leave me a bit... wanting, but other than those I think she has 3 that are the best I've ever heard.


I do think Hamelin did a great job with Nos. 1 and 3 though; but he should stick to Medtner, and 1 and 3 are closer to Medtner than what most people think of Scriabin so maybe that's why I didn't mind his interpretation of those two.

[hodi]

well
sonatas 1-4 hamelin owns.

sonata no.5th,6th - richter
7th - volodos!
8th - well.. didn't hear it too much
9th,10th - hamelin.

[retrouvailles]

Hamelin has THE best 8th sonata in my opinion. No one else even comes close. That one happens to be my favorite. I haven't heard Laredo, but the magic of p2p can fix that.

[quantum]

I am rather fond of Laredo's recording.   I sense she is trying to convey the essence of being inside music, rather than the feeling of being impressed by virtuosity. 

My favourites of the set are #1, 4, 6, 7, & 10

True about Vers la Flamme.  Horowitz may have blown you way with the pianism, but Laredo's leaves you in a state of euphoria. 

My liner notes says the piano is a Baldwin SD-10.  The bass is meaty isn't  it?

[rachfan]

The answer to iheartxenakis' question:

Regarding the piano Ruth Laredo used for the Scriabin Sonatas, it was a Baldwin SD10 (9').  It sounds great, doesn't it!?!  Laredo was a Baldwin Artist right up until her death in 2005. 

She once used my first teacher's studio Steinway B to practice for a recital back in the 60s.  I wish I could have been a fly on the wall there to hear that.  This Nonesuch 2-disc set you mention, in addition to the Scriabin sonatas, includes the etudes, as you know.  Anyone who wants their jaw to drop open four inches should listen to her play the Etude Op. 42, No. 6 in D flat.  There are few pianists that can even approach it, never mind play it well.  (Every year I take the piece out and make a bit of progress on it, but it's extremely tough to execute.)  I've also listened to much of Laredo's Rachmaninoff (she recorded that whole cycle too), and always find it to be inspired playing.  I believe that during her lifetime Laredo was underrated.