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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By John S
Format:DVD
I find this DVD remarkable. I have around twenty recordings of the Diabelli Variations, and have heard countless others, but this is the one that I feel showcases the brilliance of Beethoven's vision. While I find other pianists wonderful in the later variations, I tend to hear a sequence of miniatures. With Anderszewski however, there is a profound sense of connection from the very beginning, as all of the variations are unified into one grand whole.
Beethoven uses a huge variety of compositional techinques in these variations, and at times the high degree of abstraction can make the connection to the original theme tenuous; at least at the surface level. However the theme provides the unifying factor, even when it only maintains a ghostly presence. As Anderszewski points out on the DVD, these variations are really transformations, and by articulating the variety of connections to the original theme, it is then clear how the theme is transformed. This process is what drives the piece, and here it is allowed to take precedence over other considerations.
There are many wonderful performances of this great masterpiece, but for me this is the one that shows why the Diabelli Variations may just be Beethoven's ultimate achievement. There is simply nothing like it.
Beethoven uses a huge variety of compositional techinques in these variations, and at times the high degree of abstraction can make the connection to the original theme tenuous; at least at the surface level. However the theme provides the unifying factor, even when it only maintains a ghostly presence. As Anderszewski points out on the DVD, these variations are really transformations, and by articulating the variety of connections to the original theme, it is then clear how the theme is transformed. This process is what drives the piece, and here it is allowed to take precedence over other considerations.
There are many wonderful performances of this great masterpiece, but for me this is the one that shows why the Diabelli Variations may just be Beethoven's ultimate achievement. There is simply nothing like it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By I. Giles
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
This issue comes with an interesting and relevant history which may help purchasers to decide if it is for them.
In 1990 the young and unknown Anderszewski chose to play this work at the prestigious Leeds Piano competition. It was a most unusual choice as the work is seen as dangerously difficult to perform on both a technical and intellectual level. His performance was greatly admired and he was chosen to go through to the finals whereupon he withdrew. Subsequently several recording companies made the unusual step of approaching him to make a recording which he refused on the grounds that he was not ready. Young, unknown pianists do not usually behave like this. This recording was made for his CD issue 9 years later and was also recorded at the same time for DVD release as here.
Anderszewski is clearly a man without compromise and that comes over strongly in this set of variations. They are characterised by scrupulous attention to detail, clarity of articulation and above all, high contrast. The theme and the first variation may seem immediately to be almost aggressive but conversely the following two variations are marked by sensitivity and gentleness. All is played with complete clarity and a strong rhythmical control. Thus the character of the performance is established from the start.
Each variation is briefly labelled on screen with Beethoven's instructions as regards tempo and mood. These are followed precisely but also in such a way as to heighten contrast. So we get an extreme range from loud to soft, fast to slow, aggression to sensitivity and all with clarity of delivery and rhythm throughout.
This is not easy listening but Beethoven was not writing salon music here. Responses are likely to be mixed and strongly held.... Read more ›
In 1990 the young and unknown Anderszewski chose to play this work at the prestigious Leeds Piano competition. It was a most unusual choice as the work is seen as dangerously difficult to perform on both a technical and intellectual level. His performance was greatly admired and he was chosen to go through to the finals whereupon he withdrew. Subsequently several recording companies made the unusual step of approaching him to make a recording which he refused on the grounds that he was not ready. Young, unknown pianists do not usually behave like this. This recording was made for his CD issue 9 years later and was also recorded at the same time for DVD release as here.
Anderszewski is clearly a man without compromise and that comes over strongly in this set of variations. They are characterised by scrupulous attention to detail, clarity of articulation and above all, high contrast. The theme and the first variation may seem immediately to be almost aggressive but conversely the following two variations are marked by sensitivity and gentleness. All is played with complete clarity and a strong rhythmical control. Thus the character of the performance is established from the start.
Each variation is briefly labelled on screen with Beethoven's instructions as regards tempo and mood. These are followed precisely but also in such a way as to heighten contrast. So we get an extreme range from loud to soft, fast to slow, aggression to sensitivity and all with clarity of delivery and rhythm throughout.
This is not easy listening but Beethoven was not writing salon music here. Responses are likely to be mixed and strongly held.... Read more ›
By I. Giles
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This issue comes with an interesting and relevant history which may help purchasers to decide if it is for them.
In 1990 the young and unknown Anderszewski chose to play this work at the prestigious Leeds Piano competition. It was a most unusual choice as the work is seen as dangerously difficult to perform on both a technical and intellectual level. His performance was greatly admired and he was chosen to go through to the finals whereupon he withdrew. Subsequently several recording companies made the unusual step of approaching him to make a recording which he refused on the grounds that he was not ready. Young, unknown pianists do not usually behave like this. This recording was made for his CD issue 9 years later and was also recorded at the same time for DVD release as here.
Anderszewski is clearly a man without compromise and that comes over strongly in this set of variations. They are characterised by scrupulous attention to detail, clarity of articulation and above all, high contrast. The theme and the first variation may seem immediately to be almost aggressive but conversely the following two variations are marked by sensitivity and gentleness. All is played with complete clarity and a strong rhythmical control. Thus the character of the performance is established from the start.
Each variation is briefly labelled on screen with Beethoven's instructions as regards tempo and mood. These are followed precisely but also in such a way as to heighten contrast. So we get an extreme range from loud to soft, fast to slow, aggression to sensitivity and all with clarity of delivery and rhythm throughout.
This is not easy listening but Beethoven was not writing salon music here. Responses are likely to be mixed and strongly held.... Read more ›
In 1990 the young and unknown Anderszewski chose to play this work at the prestigious Leeds Piano competition. It was a most unusual choice as the work is seen as dangerously difficult to perform on both a technical and intellectual level. His performance was greatly admired and he was chosen to go through to the finals whereupon he withdrew. Subsequently several recording companies made the unusual step of approaching him to make a recording which he refused on the grounds that he was not ready. Young, unknown pianists do not usually behave like this. This recording was made for his CD issue 9 years later and was also recorded at the same time for DVD release as here.
Anderszewski is clearly a man without compromise and that comes over strongly in this set of variations. They are characterised by scrupulous attention to detail, clarity of articulation and above all, high contrast. The theme and the first variation may seem immediately to be almost aggressive but conversely the following two variations are marked by sensitivity and gentleness. All is played with complete clarity and a strong rhythmical control. Thus the character of the performance is established from the start.
Each variation is briefly labelled on screen with Beethoven's instructions as regards tempo and mood. These are followed precisely but also in such a way as to heighten contrast. So we get an extreme range from loud to soft, fast to slow, aggression to sensitivity and all with clarity of delivery and rhythm throughout.
This is not easy listening but Beethoven was not writing salon music here. Responses are likely to be mixed and strongly held.... Read more ›
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