New Alkan CD, Yui Morishita (Symphonie, Sonatine, Scherzo Focoso)

[orangesodaking]

This is one of the very best Alkan recordings I've ever heard. It's available on iTunes, or through the Japanese Amazon website. It might be available from other vendors sooner or later.

I've been a fan of Morishita since he uploaded his infamous Scherzo Focoso video (which is also on this CD). Although it's not one of Alkan's greatest works, the energy and fire throughout is stunning and captivating. The Sonatine is completely masterful and playful, and the Symphonie is full of fire, drama, and a driving rhythmic precision (especially in the middle movements). The Finale thrills every bit as much as Lewenthal, Gibbons, and Hamelin. The two Op. 50 pieces, the military marches, are also executed very well, though I don't fully understand those two works. The Nocturne in B Major Op. 22 is very beautiful, and a nice contrast from all the supervirtuoso playing.

What impresses me the most about Morishita is that in spite of his immense technique, he always has very clear musical direction, phrasing, contrast, and sense of structure and style. His combination of all that is almost unparalleled in recordings of Alkan's music, in my opinion. If you're a fan of Alkan, or elite pianism, I highly recommend this CD.

This is a video preview that Morishita himself uploaded onto YouTube.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

I wasn't absolutely convinced by the opening of the Symphonie (I think it can be played more expressively) but the fourth movement, wow! That's some virtuosity on display. I honestly think the fourth movement is one of the very hardest things there is in the Romantic repertoire.