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Mendelssohn: Piano Works - von Alpenheim

Mendelssohn: Piano Works - von Alpenheim

PentaTone RQR  PTC 5186 152

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Instrumental


Mendelssohn: Rondo capriccioso Op. 14, Sonata in B flat Op. 106, Variations sérieuses Op. 54, Trois Fantasies ou Caprices Op. 16

Ilse von Alpenheim (piano)

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Review by John Broggio - January 7, 2009

A lovely if short disc of excerpts from Mendelssohn's piano music spoilt by the rather hard sound.

Ilse von Alpenheim was, back in the so-called "golden age" of recording, highly regarded for her interpretations of Haydn, Schubert, Mendelssohn amongst others. This disc gives a 46 minute introduction into her art and largely it is a very beautiful collection.

Her approach is typical from what one might expect of a good 1975 recording of Mendelssohn - no HIP tendencies here but nor is there an overwhelming attempt to beautify everything beyond need or give a very wide dynamic range. Much of the music is quite Puckish in temperament and von Alpenheim brings out this character quite wonderfully; the Rondo of Op.14 and the first two movements of Op.16 are very sprightly in her fingers and the more radiant textures are lent a glowing touch. A similarly high quality of reading is lent to the third sonata Op.106 and a more dark, serious world of Romanticism is vividly bought to life in the variations Op.54 - in these works, the only comparison that comes to mind (favourably it should be added) is that of Perahia. There is one very, very small blemish from a pianistic standpoint in the coda of the Rondo Capriccioso but nothing of real consequence, although it might be a little off-putting on repetition.

The acoustic of the Concertgebouw is lovingly captured although the piano tone frequently becomes hard to the point of being harsh in the treble register at louder volumes.

Even if there were competition, this recording would surely come towards the top of the list for this repertoire.

Copyright © 2009 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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