Born in the early twentieth century in the Austro-Hungarian Bohemia, Rudolf Serkin has always remained in the line of his musical legacy. Absolutely not trying to brew a very wide repertoire, will never allow the game overflowing pathos or the easy seduction, but working his great classics with the care and expertise of a goldsmith, handing hundred times craft these works he yet knew so well, tireless and respectful surveyor of musical form in search of greatness.
The ascetic and manic pianism Serkin thus that of a master craftsman, makes counting stylistic and musical immanence, served by a compelling articulation and a kind of digital Luminism. Austerity and simplicity of style of course, but also power, refinement, clarity of sound, feline (but sometimes harshness) of touch and precision of forms; a musician destined to shine in the Germanic repertoire, especially (but not only) in Beethoven, whom he inexplicably gives authentic and immediate understanding.
The CBS recordings and breathe clearly and are at least exciting, harboring many wonders. For example the 4th Concerto and irresistible poetry, the legendary 5th and his flamboyant grandeur, Appassionata more electric than ever, the incomparable Waldstein, the Hammerklavier fugue which will rarely appeared as clear, etc.
However, we regret that we will issue Sony has not delivered all of Beethoven recordings from its catalog. So why not offer the first complete single concertos with Ormandy (long since found)? Not to mention the work for piano and cello with Pablo Casals, Marlboro or the album bringing together the Wind Quintet, Trio op.11 and Kakadu Variations.
Anyway, we do not bouderons our pleasure to find these splendid achievements in one economic package. Among the partial Beethoven corpus, it is equally essential that the Richter-Haaser EMI. Unless you already have these separate drives, it seems difficult to do without ...
