Lyric Pieces

 

 

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I have to echo the review by "DS" of this wondeful recording, made in June 1974 (but it sounds like it could be yesterday, or 100 years ago, that's the beauty of this music and recording).
I'm no expert on classical music: i'm a Jazz and New Age and Electronic music fan. Though i do have over 100 Classical CD's I buy them somewhat haphazardly. I was a member of one of those record clubs and they run clearance specials, which I use to test recordings I know nothing about, but think I might like. When I do this i'm always hoping to discover some unknown gem that might open up a whole new world to me, or be one of those recordings that just speaks to me, that I know i'll listen to for the rest of my life. Well, they usually don't pan out, but that's ok. However, I hit paydirt with this recording, exactly what I hope happens when i do this "blind buying".
This is one of those CD's I just put on and feel that I could be in any time, 100 years ago, 20 years ago in my own life, ect. It's just wonderful. It has a timeless quality to it, and unlike most classical music, and most solo piano music, it's not too "busy" and over-involved in technique so that it alienates the listener and doesn't allow oneself to project yourself into the music. If you let it, this recording will remind you of your own past-it's the perfect music for slipping away into ones own mind with. I have experienced this in allot of "New Age" electronic music, but all too rarely in classical music.
This isn't to say exactly that this is minimal music, but it just does the trick for me that I only previously experienced in the classical world in some of Debussy's music and some solo classical guitar works.
I haven't yet tried to purchase other pianists versions of this music, perhaps because i don't know if this can be improved upon.
Even with the 1974 recording date the engineers were quite good and I don't think that a slightly better sounding, more modern recording would make up for the differences in the playing technique that another pianist would bring to these pieces. Thankfully the original recording is just fine, so thanks to the German sound engineers for that.
I have, since discovering this several years ago, purchased additional copies and have given them as presents to friends ranging in ages from 60+ to late 20's and actually have 2 copies for myself (the newer version has a different cover and may be remastered, but I haven't done a side by side comparrison). I must admit to being a little partial to the original cover which featured a drawing that was probably from the original vinyl issue of the album and perhaps better enveloped the mood of the music inside the package.
However, I can recommend these to just about anyone who can listen to music outside of popular song. It's not at all "difficult" and you may just discover (like me) one of those rare life-enhancing recordings that not only speaks to you, but one that you want to keep with you for the remainder of your time here on this planet. Certainly worth the asking price!

Gilels selection of some of the best of Grieg's Lyric pieces are very thoughtful and profound readings. Each piece transports you to some delightful scene, and you really feel yourself there with these renditions.
Too bad Gilels never went on to record a more complete collection.
There is no *definitive* complete collection of all of the Grieg Lyric Pieces on CD. The only complete sets I am aware of are the Daniel Adni set from EMI and the Eva Knardahl recordings that are part the complete Grieg piano works on BIS. Neither of those sets give anywhere near the pleasure that one gets from Gilels' magical readings.
If only BMG would get around to issuing the Liv Glaser set on CD. Then, at least we would have something decent for a complete collection, even if she is still quite distant from the superlative quality of Gilels.

whenever I need to buy a small present, I bought this CD and gave it as a present. thanks to my binge, I own two of this CDs. when I was dating my wife, I gave it as a present and now I own the two CDs. I think this album goes beyond taste and genre. Any music lover will love this CD.

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5.0 out of 5 stars BONBONS FILLED WITH SNOW
Grieg's music does not remind me of Norway as I have never been there. His comparatively high profile is mainly due, it seems to me, from his status as a national icon - he may... Lisez davantage

Published on Nov 20 2003 by DAVID BRYSON

5.0 out of 5 stars A top 10 piano recording of all time.
Edvard Grieg's lyric pieces easily ranks in my top 5 or 10 collections of piano works. Moreover, I've listened to this particular recording by Gilels at least 50-100 times and... Lisez davantage

Published on Mar 16 2003 by Todd Ebert

5.0 out of 5 stars miniatures of substance
This could easily be a collection of throwaways, but the late lamented Russian pianist Emil Gilels gives the lie to Debussy's backhanded compliment that Grieg's music was "bonbons... Lisez davantage

Published on Jan 18 2003 by Paul Bubny

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!
This collection of Lyric Pieces is well played. All the songs are reflective and they show how Emil Giles perfectionism pays off. Lisez davantage

Published on Feb 17 2002 by Nancy B. Mckim

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyric music
When Gilels went to record this selection from the Lyric pieces the work was thought more or less music for children. Lisez davantage

Published on Aug 18 2001 by Konstantinos

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime
I just can't say enough about this cd. It is absolutely beautiful music making. Gilels ability to play very softly and at the same time maintain the natural lyricism of the... Lisez davantage

Published on May 16 2000 by J. Buxton

5.0 out of 5 stars Love at first listening
I heard this recording on LP about a decade ago and I had a crash on this recording. Before I heard this recording, I did not have a very good impression on Gilels. Lisez davantage

Published on Aug 13 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars elegant and touching lyrical pieces
I enjoy this CD every time I hear it. I discovered a new aspect of Grieg as piano composer. Emil Gilels plays with such a taste and deepness that I recommend this one to any music... Lisez davantage

Published on July 2 1999 by Rafael Tesoro Carretero

5.0 out of 5 stars My desert-island piano CD
This recording awakened me to the tonal possibilities of the piano. Is there any other recording of anything which is more beautiful? Lisez davantage

Published on April 28 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Yet Very Moving. A Master At Play.
Playing Grieg's lyrical pieces must have been a pleasure for Emil Gilels. The pieces are chosen by Gilels himself and rendered with perfection for our ears. Lisez davantage

Published on Feb 23 1999

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