Russell Sherman's Transcendental Etudes (Liszt)

[cherub_rocker1979]

Which recording is better, the one he made in 1973 for Vanguard or the one he made in 1989 for Albany??

I just thought I would mention that Marc-Andre Hamelin studied with Russell Sherman for those who don't already know this.

[brewtality]

I have Sherman's TEs on Vanguard; absolute crap. I'd avoid them if I were you.

[cherub_rocker1979]

Here's what AMG had to say about his Vanguard recording:

Review by Blair Sanderson 

"For anyone interested in exploring the piano's most virtuosic repertoire, this budget double-disc of Franz Liszt's solo works is a good starter set. Liszt is well-served by two celebrated authorities, Russell Sherman and Earl Wild, who connect to the music's intense emotions and brilliantly execute the most daunting passagework. On the first disc, Sherman brings eloquence to the Transcendental Etudes, and his characteristic wit and bravado are most apparent in "Feux Follets" and the "Eroica" etude. On the whole, these miniature tone poems are dreamy and atmospheric, and quite at odds with the furious pieces on the second disc. Here is Liszt in all his unrepentant garishness, and Wild spares nothing in his flamboyant playing. Wild attacks the "Réminiscences de Robert le diable with vigor," delivers puckish interpretations of Gnomenreigen and the Mephisto-Polka, and offers dramatic renditions of the Réminiscences de Don Juan and the Waltzes from Gounod's Faust. Especially worth hearing is Wild's dazzling performance of the Mephisto Waltz, clearly a favorite encore piece and the high point of this set. Sherman's recording was previously available only on vinyl, and Wild's has been issued by Vanguard in both LP and CD formats. While the recorded sound is less than ideal, the ADD remastering is adequate for most stereo systems."
 

[brewtality]

Let's put it this way, his Mazeppa sounds like something from a Rusnak disc. The only funny about it is how bad it is. The Feux Follet sounds like it was played by a pensive 90 yr old, not a trace of bravado. It just goes to show that you should never trust reviews. However, the set is worth getting for the Wild "Demonic Liszt" which is fantastic.

[chromatickler]

Let's put it this way, his Mazeppa sounds like something from a Rusnak disc. The only funny about it is how bad it is. The Feux Follet sounds like it was played by a pensive 90 yr old, not a trace of bravado.

i get the same impression from the samples

[pita bread]

I think Cherub needs the complete Berezovsky TE vids.

[cherub_rocker1979]

I think Cherub needs the complete Berezovsky TE vids.

I have that DVD, it's awesome.

I heard Transcendental Etudes nos. 5 and 10 11 years ago from Sherman's Albany recording on the classical music station and I was blown away by his playing.

If you Google Russell Sherman you will read that his recordings of the Transcendental Etudes are "revered" and "hallmark" recordings.  He is also a legend at the New England Conservatory.

[brewtality]

I have that DVD, it's awesome.

I heard Transcendental Etudes nos. 5 and 10 11 years ago from Sherman's Albany recording on the classical music station and I was blown away by his playing.

11 yrs is a long time. Does this blow you away?

https://s21.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2E53QKUKWIZKQ0H8840HISWVNP

how about this?

https://s21.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2A8H2CVZNLEGS1G3CLRLQ8H0G0

If you Google Russell Sherman you will read that his recordings of the Transcendental Etudes are "revered" and "hallmark" recordings.  He is also a legend at the New England Conservatory.

Well, sounds like you've made up your mind, so do whatever floats your boat. I will say that I find no basis for these claims of "hallmark", "bravado", "wit", "insert hyperbole".

[I Love Xenakis]

Listen to Berman

[pita bread]

I don't think Berman's Mazeppa is anywhere near as fast as Berezovsky's or Pavel's.

[I Love Xenakis]

I'm talking about overall quality for the complete set.

[etudes]

I don't think Berman's Mazeppa is anywhere near as fast as Berezovsky's or Pavel's.

not as fast as but at leatst as good as them
i also prefer Berman (even for the whole or mazeppa)

[cherub_rocker1979]

Listen to Berman

I bought his recording on the Melodiya Russian Piano School series 9 years ago and it's very good.

[cherub_rocker1979]

So, who else likes or dislikes Sherman's Transcendental Etudes??

[arensky]

I heard him play them them live in the late 80's, obviously before he rerecorded them on Albany, which I have not heard. The concert was very good, he has an unbelievable finish and perfection in his playing, and a beautiful tone. He is an extraordinary pianist without a doubt, as well as being the teacher of Hamelin. But I like my Liszt with more fire, I prefer the volcanic approach to music like this, that's just my taste though...

[cherub_rocker1979]

I heard him play them them live in the late 80's, obviously before he rerecorded them on Albany, which I have not heard. The concert was very good, he has an unbelievable finish and perfection in his playing, and a beautiful tone. He is an extraordinary pianist without a doubt, as well as being the teacher of Hamelin. But I like my Liszt with more fire, I prefer the volcanic approach to music like this, that's just my taste though...

He recorded them for Albany in 1989.

[brahmsian]

Cziffra. 'nuff said.

[ramseytheii]

Cziffra. 'nuff said.

I was wondering when someone was going to mention this one!  Not only the best for the Transcendental Etudes, but one of my all time favorite piano discs...

Walter Ramsey

P.S. Waiting anxiously for the Rusnak set!