Denis Matsuev – Tribute to Horowitz (APE)

Audio CD
SPARS Code: DDD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: APE (image+cue)
Label: BMG
Size: 128 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

# Aprés une lecture du Dante II, fantasia quasi sonata, for piano (Années II/7) S. 161/7 (LW 159/7)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Denis Matsuev

# Mephisto Waltz (I & II), for piano No. 1 (Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke), S. 514 (LW A189)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Denis Matsuev

# Hungarian Rhapsody, for piano No. 2 (the “original” No. 2) in C sharp minor (I & II), S. 244/2 (LW A132/2)
Composed by Franz Liszt
with Denis Matsuev

# Variations on a Theme from Bizet’s “Carmen, ” for piano
Composed by Vladimir Horowitz
with Denis Matsuev

# Fantasy on a Theme from Il barbiere di Siviglia, for piano (after Rossini)
Composed by Grigori Ginzburg
with Denis Matsuev

Wondrous accounts!

This is the debut CD of Denis Matsuev with RCA Red Seal, whose exclusive artist he has meanwhile become. Recorded in 2003, it was followed by a series of worldwide acclaimed CDs by this Russian sensation – winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (1998) – a full-fledged artist whose keyboard stunning accounts resemble in a soothing way the old days of Horowitz, Richter, Rubinstein or Gilels, when virtuosity had identified itself with these strong individual personalities and the accomplished artistry meant broad coverage of music and otherworldly insights, but claimed flawless technical wizardry too. Matsuev brilliantly confirms through his wondrous renditions (both on stage and disc) that the virtuosity age has not gone forever and “virtuoso” is not a pejorative epithet stick to a performer, but a noble label making him shine and attract intelligent and sensitive audiences.

A short (44’25”) but impressive program is offered here in terms of a sparkling pianistic performance. Matsuev has chosen those virtuosic pieces that best suit his breathtaking keyboard command and do justice to his deeply soulful craftsmanship: three mighty Liszt works (Dante Sonata, Mephisto Waltz No.1 and Hungarian Rhapsody No.2) , a transcription of Horowitz after Bizet (Carmen Variations) and the seductive Fantasy of Ginzburg on a theme from “Il Barbiere di Seviglia” by Rossini. Each of them met in Matsuev a devoted translator, knowing to convey a strong and compelling emotion beyond the finger-bending notes. Smart phrasings, comprehensive renditions, empathically felt experiences, meaningful approach – all packed up in a first class musicianship to touch the listener’s soul. Listening once to this bunch of piano gems one gets enraptured and plays the CD time and again in a ceaseless fascination… and eager to attend a live performance of this great pianist of our time – Denis Matsuev…

Five stars!