Good news for Bortkiewicz fans!

[cherub_rocker1979]

Hyperion Records is re-issuing Stephen Coombs' 2 CDs of Bortkiewicz Piano Works. They will be re-released as a 2 CD set for the price of 1. See for yourself:

http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/hypersearch/al.asp?al=CDD22054

[rachfan]

That's terrific news!  The Coombs, Huybregts, and Katsaris CDs have all been unavailable for quite awhile now.  It's great to see this Coombs re-release coming soon. 

P.S.  I just pre-ordered it through Amazon.

[retrouvailles]

Even though I have these, great to see them back for those that don't. Coombs is definitely your man for Bortkiewicz.

[rachfan]

Hi retrouvailles,

I think you're probably right.  Although I've not yet heard Coombs, I did sample the Katsaris CD.  Of course, he had to interpret the music from scratch (like those of us who also play this music), but I heard some idiosyncracies that seemed to have no basis in the scores.  Also, his renditions seem to remain Earthbound--they don't soar.  Just my opinion.

[retrouvailles]

Completely agreed. Katsaris's playing of Bortkiewicz is almost a travesty at times because of his (wild) idiosyncracies. Huybregts I would say is a bit dull, as is Klass Trapman, another who has a big Bortkiewicz set. We need more pianists like Coombs to play his music.

[cherub_rocker1979]

Yes, I also have these CDs, as well as the rest of the "Russian Piano Portraits" discs--four CDs of Glazunov, one of Liadov, one of Arensky, and one of Scriabin.

These re-issues should benefit people who want to have the Bortkiewicz discs, as well as Hyperion, who needs the money since they were sued.

[kitty on the keys]

Thank you for that information!!!!!! I was going to post a question on any recordings. So are there Other CD's available besides the Coombs. I have only heard 1 piece by this composer and I am curious to here more. Thanks for all your help!!

Kitty on the Keys

[dnephi]

I think that the Katsaris disk is some exceptional playing.  I am almost convinced to learn a piece. 

Unless he has a piece that's an amazing finger workout in both hands.  I'd give that serious consideration.

[cherub_rocker1979]

Thank you for that information!!!!!! I was going to post a question on any recordings. So are there Other CD's available besides the Coombs. I have only heard 1 piece by this composer and I am curious to here more. Thanks for all your help!!

Kitty on the Keys

I've posted a couple Bortkiewicz recordings in the Audition Room and some other users have posted some recordings as well.  Actually, I would say we've got quite a bit of his music in our forum considering, how obscure this music is.