Schiff Plays Bartok

This is a fine recording of Bartok piano music. Schiff's performance is precise and clear. The Dance Suite is the most ambitious of these pieces but is relatively demanding because of its 'modernist' sound. I think it repays careful listening to appreciate the underlying structure of the music. The remaining pieces were inspired by Bartok's extensive ethnomusicologic work. All are enjoyable, some are lovely.

I think you will enjoy this fine recording made in 1984 of four Bela Bartok solo piano pieces done by famed pianist Andras Schiff. Schiff takes a sensitive approach to Bartok, as he does in his other recordings of the composer. While some musicians emphasize the aggression and tension in Bartok, Schiff is more nuanced and delicate.

The program is short but attractive. It opens with the "Dance Suite" (1925, piano version) which I think is among Bartok's most worthwhile efforts, with Schiff delivering an attractive interpretation. The "Hungarian Peasant Songs" (1918) are particularly good. Schiff's soft yet direct approach to the slower songs is unexpected but successful and he plays the the faster ones with tremendous musicality. The second song is perhaps the most memorable minute on the disc, Schiff playing the chordal theme in a hushed way that is magical. I also enjoyed the "Three Rondos" (1927),with which I was not familiar. I am more critical of Schiff's version of the Romanian Folk Dances (1915), deservedly one of Bartok's most famous works, which is too percussive instead of flowing and represents the low point on the disc.

The recorded sonics are just outstanding. This is a very fine disc made by one of the world's most prominent pianists. Recommended.

Old Recording of him but his Talent is already unmistankenly obvious. Great rhythmical Sense, Great technique, clearness, etc. Are there.