This kit includes particular:
- The piano concertos recorded in the prime of life in absolute serenity with his friend Eugene Ormandy at the square almost caricatural direction (Ormandy Serkin and have both been deeply influenced by Toscanini) but the clarity and sharpness of the lines contrasts puts great value brilliance and poetry Serkin. This is still the 5th concerto and choral fantasy with Bernstein that form the highlight of the concertos cycle can be equaled but not really surpassed my opinion, not even by the legendary duo version of Kempff / van Kempen.
- All of the Beethoven sonatas studio recordings by Serkin at CBS: those published during his lifetime and those who were after his death: the cream of the crop on virtually all the same line if the first sonatas (there are few anyway) are perhaps a bit "serious" despite their Viennese sound. Otherwise, we will of miracle in miracle and I find that these records still offer something new to the replay.
- Variations diabelli anthology: creative, rhythmic, uncompromising, visionary. In a way, the equivalent of the Goldberg variations Gould for these very special variations of Beethoven. Caution, do not expect the piano sound produced by Arrau or Brendel is very different and closer to Pollini which is my other reference into these "diabolic variations."
- Some taken together is unprecedented to my knowledge is not found until serkin which radiates happiness with his friends at the Marlboro Festival including a triple solar incisive and exceptional concerto conducted by Alexander Schneider (Budapest quartet).
This economic package is the only opportunity for some to discover the Serkin Beethoven and others to gather most of Beethoven's records (and the best in any case, even if the three last sonatas recorded and edited concert at DG worth visiting as they offer the image of a love of sound and an unusual outpouring of emotion at the Serkin Studio), including major recordings exhausted as piano concertos and Diabelli variations.
