Anton Gerzenberg - Anton Gerzenberg: Reflections - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Taken from the LPO's final concerts with the late Aldo Ciccolini (1925-2015), when he was in his mid-eighties, these performances were much praised at the time. Most notably for Ciccolini's soulful and sensitive interpretation that was 'illuminated from within and sounded fresh, spontaneous and heartfelt' (Classical Source, May 2009). Aldo Ciccolini was a musical legend. Through his teachers he inherited the musical influences of Busoni and Liszt, and he was himself a teacher of many world-famous pianists including Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Artur Pizarro and Nicholas Angelich. These live recordings were conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin while he was Principal Guest Conductor (2008-14) and his close relationship with the Orchestra is apparent. Mozart's Piano Concerto marked a shift in tone towards a new, more mature style for the composer. He helped to redefine the piano concerto as a sophisticated and expressive artform, rather than a form of polite public entertainment. Rachmaninoff poured his heart and soul into his Second Piano Concerto, and with it created one of the most beloved works of all time.

Adrian Tully presents himself to his audience on his own, and what the Australian saxophonist does with this venture is impressive he adapted solo works from across the centuries for his instrument. The result is a colorful and surprisingly varied album that could not have been more personal and surprises with it's depth of expression. The saxophone was not invented until the middle of the 19th century. For the older music, Tully therefore quite inevitably had to fall back on repertoire for other instruments. Whether Boismoitier, Stamitz or Quantz the versatility that Tully displays with his instrument here quickly makes one forget the original sound of oboe, flute or violin. In addition, there is an unparalleled art of phrasing that reveals a deep understanding of older music. The change from soprano to alto saxophone does the rest to let the works of Vieuxtemps and Reger shine in the most beautiful light. Tully's reputation as an instrumentalist and chamber musician did not make the three still living composers of this unusual recital hesitate for a moment to agree to an arrangement of their works. And so the pieces by Kazuo Fukushima, Kalevi Aho and Thierry Escaich round off a program that is hard to beat for esprit. The recording technique, finely tuned to the historic concert hall, does the rest to create an all-round fascinating sound experience in the literal sense of the word.

The young pianist Yukeong Ji has already had an impressive career. However, despite all the prizes and hymns of praise from the critics, she does not lose her footing. Her debut album, featuring extremely rare repertoire by Uzong Choe, Toru Takemitsu, Bertold Hummel, Maurice Ravel and Olivier Messiaen, proves this. We experience fascinating reflections in this music, which sheds new light on other works of music or traces non-musical contents. Yukeong Ji plays crystal clear and with broad phrases. She breathes life into sophisticated literature and captivates the listener. Exceptional! InchJi becomes a poet, letting the melody sing and shaping the sound into the very finest of pianissimos.Inch (Virginie Borgeaud from the InchJeane CritiqueInch) InchThe audience could experience the essence of the music in the wake of her emotional style.Inch (Martin Winrich Becker, Wolfenbutteler Zeitung)