Reviews

I rank this Chopin among the best available. With both the technique and intellect to do just about any­thing he wants, Schliessmann’s strength is in the lyrical, legato melodies that make Chopin’s music such a cornerstone of the piano reper­toire. I would go out of my way to hear Schliessmann play any group of these in concert. His approach to all of the music is worthy of study and repays careful lis­tening. The piano sound is spectacular and the booklet notes informative and comprehensive.

Burkard Schliessmann’s fascinating approach sees the homage and proximity to Bach as constructive in, for example, the Preludes. Schliessmann prefers a clear structure and line, representing controlled emotions. The result is not only convincing, but overwhelming in many aspects. This is Chopin to re-discover and re-listen to. One cannot describe how Schliessmann plays all this, one needs to listen to it. The 5-channel recording will be appreciated by the audiophile.

Schliessman’s performance of the Scherzo blazes with a fire so bright one can’t help but wonder that if this is what he opens with, what does he do for an encore? Burkard Schliessmann has much artistry and poetry to communicate … and he makes listening to Chopin in large doses an unusually enjoyable experience for me. The rest of pieces on these three discs are all performed by Burkard with equally impressive technical address, attention to expressive detail, and gorgeous tone drawn from his magnificent Steinway grand. Complementing this are the stunning SACD recordings, which capture the subtlest gradations in dynamics with amazing clarity and that take the thunderous climaxes in easeful stride. If Burkard Schliessmann can instill in me, admittedly not a great admirer of Chopin, a higher appreciation of his music than I have heretofore experienced, imagine the effect Burkard will have on those whose love of Chopin is already vouchsafed.

A pianist with a big, luxuriant tone, exceptional technique, and considerable sensitivity and intelligence. All of these virtues are deployed on Chronological Chopin. This is an album with the highest aspirations for expressing the composer’s muse, and in general those aspirations are met. The sound engineering on the CD layer is warm and full. Schliessmann’s liner notes are extensive and enlightening. Schliessmann will persuade you of the greatness of Chopin to a degree matched by few other pianists.

These are highly distinctive readings, and the pianist is an exciting performer; his distinctive ideas are carried through at the keyboard with almost Golden Age boldness … recorded in rich, lifelike sound that has no flaws. He is also gifted with an instinctive sense of Romantic phrasing, which allows him to be spontaneously expressive without veering into idiosyncrasy… this set will bring considerable satisfaction, both musical and emotional.

From the interpreter, Chopin requires the balance and clarity that Burkard Schliessmann brings to these recordings. As we Americans say, You either have it, or you don’t. Burkard certainly has it.

Schliessmann is keen to favour a Classical line, aided by his majestic Steinway, with its full, round tone, making much use of marcato and with a tempo selection that enables him to highlight the issue of rubato. Schliessmann set out to put together a chronological survey of some of the Polish composer’s greatest in order … to demonstrate not only the revolutionary nature of Chopin’s music, but also the way in which his compositional technique evolved over time. Generally speaking, he has achieved both this and the other, undoubtedly more ambitious, goal that he set himself – that of considering the Chopin sound in isolation from the cliché long associated with it, namely that his pianism, his status as a composer and his artistry must be inextricably linked to his permanent ill health and instinctive reclusiveness.

It’s pleasing to see the oft omitted, but fascinating Op. 45 included. The conscious choice Schliessman takes, to tone down the romanticism of the performance and highlight the Classical genre Chopin was so influenced by, makes for an interesting listen. For many Chopin is a Romantic composer, yet suddenly the influence of Schubert and Beethoven shine clearly through. Most of all you can hear the legacy of Bach both in the forms and in the constant fugue-style movement of much of the music. No one can deny both the beauty and the well-placed interpretation of the performance, and as a clever biography in music of a great composer there’s little to fault.

Schliessman’s performance is so good that we’ve been easily able to listen to one or two of the CDs without tiring, thanks to Schliessmann’s delicate changes in mood and tempo. Excellent, played and recorded to the highest standards.

This programme shows intelligent planning. Burkard Schliessmann’s exhaustive booklet note explains his approach … the absence of featherweight or overwhelming extremes. Much thought must have gone into this set, recorded over six years, and the sound-quality is magnificent.

John Gielgud stars as an enthusiastic, mischievous Holmes and Ralph Richardson is his fruitily avuncular Watson. Others involved include Val Gielgud (Sir John’s brother) as Mycroft Holmes and Orson Welles as a memorable Professor Moriarty. Heritage Media have released the whole of this excellent vintage radio drama, sympathetically remastered … this collection is a treat for all Holmes aficionados.

True classic Sherlock Holmes…. essential listening… all superbly dramatised. There are times when the sound is slightly cramped as these are mid 1950’s mono recordings but otherwise I have nothing but praise for these issues and a top recommendation is surely in order.

There has always been a chemistry between Gielgud and Richardson on stage, and it is good to hear how wonderfully they play off each other… this Holmes is a little less neurotic and cynical than the Holmes on the printed page. I used to hear some of these on an old LP set and am grateful to Heritage Media for making these broadcasts available on CD.

The listener can hear the delight in Olivier’s voice when he announces that he will be playing one of the most fascinating dual roles ever created. Golden listening from the golden age of BBC Radio.

With a charming and gentlemanly presence, [Ralph Richardson] easily finds the warmth, clarity, and humor in a number of short selections from English literature’s thickest eighteenth-century offerings. These pop-and-hiss recordings offer a great way to experience how these broadcasts were originally heard more than 60 years ago.

There is something edifying about the beautiful delivery of Via Crucis. The music seems to cross many barriers. The choruses, solos and organ interludes are simple and diatonic, yet somehow fresh and original. The four soloists are first class. English and Italian translations are included.

Soprano Gintare Skeryté is particularly impressive. The music is not especially dramatic, but it is often impassioned… order the physical disc when you are as impressed as I’m sure you will be. DISCOVERY OF THE MONTH APRIL 2011

Kakabadse’s straightforward modal style blends influences from early music, Orthodox liturgical music, and other non-Western world music. These composer-supervised per­formances present the music compellingly.

The influence [of the Orthodox faith], together with medieval music, pervades this disc. [Kakabadse’s] work is finely constructed and can be very beautiful. The Cantica Sacra are given a stunning performance. Spectre of the Maiden Scorned is a concert Requiem and is an interesting concept. Again the performance is exceptional.

I enjoyed hearing [Spectre of the Maiden Scorned]… the mezzo is Grace Durham who is suitably expressive. [The composer] inherited a love of languages as well as a love of different genres of Western and non-Western music, all of which can be heard here. There are certainly echoes of the sources John Tavener borrowed from, and I am confident that listeners who enjoy Tavener’s work will enjoy this release, as will those who appreciate all fine a-cappella singing. (Awarded 9/10)