Sokolov's live 25/11 easily equals pollini's studio account technically. There is also the legendary Gavrilov, who is MUCH faster.
Every concert, as an encore Sokolov used to play whether Petrushka--Russian Dance, or 25/11. I heard each of them probably at least 5 times live. Sometimes he would play 25/11 incredible, sometimes it would be absolutely stunning, and once, I remember it was beyond of anything possible on the piano. On that scale I'd consider this recording from the set... very good. Actually, considering that it's live, and it is right after 25/10 (actually, after 8, 9, and 10, which I'd consider even worse than 10/2 after 10/1 live) when you play it like this..... hmmm.... no, it is absolutely incredible! And who else can play such a 25/12 right after that?
Once Gavrilov played very well. Unfortunately, he stopped practicing long ago, and his pianism has completely detereorated. I was told, after his recital in London, a few years ago, he had to go on hide--the recital was THAT embarassing. It is quite sad.
I haven't heard Sokolov's 25/11. Andrei Gavrilov's time for this piece is 3'13", quite fast indeed. He is quite impressive before 1'30" with his left hand melody line and tempo very clear and precise, but after, I don't like his interpretation. There are some unnecessary left hand staccato that sounded rather odd, he also ended some phrases abruptly with staccato. There is also some obvious struggling after that time. It's mainly his interpretation that I don't like. It's such a coincidence that both Pollini and Yundi(played during Chopin competeition) took 3'32" to play this piece. There should be some others who can play this piece better. I still need to explore more.
I also marvel at the technical achievement of his 25/4. That's some Hamelin level geographical skillz
I would not compare those two, as they are completely different artists, with completely different aesthetics. Actually, I admire Sokolov not even for his technical achivements, but for his unique articulation, energy, and braveness in taking risks--both, musical and pianistical--the sign (and definition) of a real virtuoso.
Sokolov is a risk taker pianistically? I can only go by the op25 and that aspect of his pianism dont come across at all on this. It's quite obvious he's using speeds significantly below what his technical capacity could handle at max. For a full blooded risk taker i'd think of someone like Berezovsky. The recent chopin/godowsky recitals especially, he sounds like he's REALLY pushing it.
Yeah, Berezovsky always did it. Sokolov is very different, though. With him it is not a speed, but it is much more on emotional-energetic level. You can see it more distinctly live, when sometimes it seems that he becomes like a beast--I always had feeling of sinking into the seat, absolutely crushed. For some reason it doesn't get captured in his recordings... may be in 25/10... Definitely, in his recordings the very special atmosphere of his concerts doesn't get captured, either.
I've seen parts of his live TE dvd. To quote a friend of mine: He drenches the hall with his man juice.
What about Gavrilov, who used to spray a few first rows with spittle and sweat? Young Richter was the same.
Yeah, to play piano is a hard work BTW, where did you guys found Sokolov and Paley with TE?
Check out the video of Alexander Paley doing the original version of the TE's. Man, I've NEVER seen ANYONE sweat so much.koji (STSD)
Here is a couple of etudes for a week or so. Grab it now if you like it:https://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/Track07.mp3https://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/Track06.mp3
I'll let Marik handle that assessment.koji (STSD)
Not sure if I can....Who are they anyway, and what's so special in their Chopin etudes?
I would agree with Anievas's recording is a must-get.But Pollini? I never listen to his recording again after i got it for the first time.
Some of his modern stuff recordings are much better, though.
Agree!!!Anieva's etudes is a must-have, but still I wouldn't say: "He is the king".I stopped listening to Pollini after I left twice from second halves of his recitals. I have somewhere his etudes, but haven't listened to them in ages and have no desire to.Some of his modern stuff recordings are much better, though.
Raises my hand sheepishly.I'm content with murray periah, even though some people on this forum won't agree, but that's okay.
Spatula, I like Murray Perahia's recording too; you're not the only one!
Topic: favorite recording of chopin etudes 