Audiophile Sound

{EDITORS CHOICE: DISC OF THE MONTH}
The piano transcription represented a boon for those, especially for the middle classes
who in the second half of the nineteenth century did not have the opportunity to attend the
musical theater or symphonic concerts. Several composers, among them Franz Liszt, who made his fortune this way, gave much importance to the transcription of overtures and
operatic arias.

Thus, Scottish pianist Andrew Wright presents the second volume of transcriptions
for piano in the operatic field, including, in addition to performing those composed
by Liszt, works from his bitter ‘opponent’ Sigismund Thalberg, from Alfred Jaëll, Theodore Leschetizky, Theodor Kullak and Camille Saint-Saëns and pieces by Wright himself. It is obvious that such a repertoire can be approached only by those who are able to be a great virtuoso, a refined psychologist of notes and musical nuances and a skilful storyteller.

All qualities that Andrew Wright proves to possess adequately. Therefore, not only opera lovers, but also those of great piano literature can only be impressed by these readings which includes the first recording of Saint-Saëns’ Concert Paraphrase on Massenet’s La mort de Thaïs.

The recording enhances the piano sound – dynamic, granitic, velvety at the same time, in all regsiters, the soundstage quite close with fine tonal balance even in the most convulsive passages and capable of expressing in detail the finest tonal nuances.
Artistic judgement: EXCEPTIONAL
Technical judgement: EXCEPTIONAL

—Andrea Bedetti