I have just received an email from Edward Taylor - Copyright and Licensing Manager at Hyperion telling me that they have no plans to record the Bronsart Piano Concerto. A great pity because the orchestral playing on the old Vox recording with Ponti is inadequate to say the least.
This is a great pity. I know Mike Spring was, at one time, hoping to interest Marc-Andre Hamelin in recording it. Let us hope that this reply means "no immediate plans".
I should have been a bit more accurate in reporting Hyperion's statement regarding the Bronsart - in fact they have no CURRENT plans to record it, so there is still hope.
Yes, the old Vox recording is overdue for replacement, but how fortunate that we have it - much better than nothing! ;)
Yes. The orchestral playing is rough and ready but, as in so many of the old Ponti recordings, the spirit of the music is entirely caught. I play this disc a lot!
Yes, along with all the other Ponti unsungs. Still good stuff in spite of the orchestra.
J
Quote from: Gareth Vaughan on Friday 06 December 2013, 18:38
I know Mike Spring was, at one time, hoping to interest Marc-Andre Hamelin in recording it.
Hopefully, after the Scharwenka/Rubinstein catastrophe, he has changed his mind.
Thal
The Scharwenka/Rubinstein was a catastrophe?
I think it was meant ironically.
Marc-Andre Hamelin's versions of Romantic Piano Concertos are, more often than not, ironic.
I wish I were as ironic as Hamelin, then...
Seriously?.... U want 2 be all glitter and no substance? :D
I don't think his interpretation of the Scharwenka is that bad, but the Rubinstein...
Bronsart von Schellendorff's magnificent concerto deserves a new recording, that's for sure. But it is my opinion that Ponti played it fantastic.
Maybe a new project for cpo, with one of those fine German orchestras and Oliver Triendl as the soloist?
He's not all glitter and no substance. That's a wild and unwarranted over-simplification in respect of one of the world's great pianists.
Surely Hamelin played the Rubinstein as Rubinstein might have played it. I am not a fan of Rubinstein but cannot recall a better all round performance of his PC4
Quote from: giles.enders on Sunday 08 December 2013, 14:17
Surely Hamelin played the Rubinstein as Rubinstein might have played it.
I highly doubt that. Hamelin is clinical, exact & note perfect, but somehow dry, uninteresting and banal in the extreme.
He should be kept away from works like the Bronsart that require individuality & the ability to read in between the lines and play that what is not written.
Thal
With all due respect Alan I mentioned Hamelin with respect to Romantic repertoire. This purely a personal opinion but nevertheless I don't consider Hamelin to be one of the greats. His Runbinstein left me cold. Listen to the Banowetz's version.... even with the substandard Piano he plays on, he makes a very convincing statement... or Oleg Marshev's version. I feel :) these are better than the Hamelin... (apologies Hamelin fan!). Again this is specific to romantic concertos. His solo piano music (romantic or modern), I am sure, is amazing! although I am not a Godowsky fan, Hemalin's Godowsky - Complete Studies on Chopin's Études was fantastic.....
Quote from: FBerwald on Sunday 08 December 2013, 10:19
Seriously?.... U want 2 be all glitter and no substance? :D
A reputation he's never deserved but I'm especially glad I ignored that, BIXie or not, when I went to hear him live.
His Alkan is pretty marvellous too. Plenty of substance there.
Anyway, we all digress: back to Bronsart...
Mike Spring confirms that Bronsart's PC will be recorded by Hyperion - but not just yet.
Phew. Thanks, Gareth, for clearing up the confusion. Very helpful.
That's very good news, Gareth. Ponti has served us well, but it really is time for a modern alternative.