Alkan - Concerto for Solo Piano [Original recording reissued]

I bought this breathtaking disc about a month ago and only now have I finally found the words to write a review about it. Many Hamelin afficiandos are used to his limitless technique, but all of them (and new-comers) will absolutely freak out when they hear this disc!

Alkan's Concerto for Solo Piano is, in my opinion, the most difficult piano solo piece there is, and it is not hard to hear why! The first mvt. a staggering 28 minutes long, is out of this world. Every single page has a huge hurdle to overcome, in fact, I would like to on which page Mr Hamelin started to learn it! But, even though it is insanely difficult, Hamelin plays through the flying runs, broken 3rds and octaves, repeated notes, presto scales of all types, irregular note values between the hands and the breath-taking Coda as if it was a stroll in the park. This is what I like about Hamelin: he lets us focus on the musicality of the work at 80% and we then hear the difficulties at 20%. If you are new to Alkan and are a bit apprehensive about bying this disc, I can assure you that the gorgeous melodies are memorable and the actual structure of the piece is completely understandable (the structure is like that of any "normal" piano concerto).

The second mvt. is stunningly played with a sorrowful tone which makes the work very moving indeed. But, as it goes on, a picture is painted in music: almost like the countrside in the south of France. Completely relaxed and tranquil - a real joy to listen to. Again though, the mvt. is without any simple technical and interpretational difficulties. I can just say, Mr Hamelin - bravo!

A massive chord opens up the Polonaise-like finale and sets the tone for an extremely exciting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat performance. Hamelin somewhow makes msuical sense of the demisemiquavers (ie. lightning fast notes) littered throughout the mvt. I find, especially in this mvt., there are magical themes surrounded by cleverly written embellishments all played with energy and fire. Never a dull moment here! And as the final black note run is played from the top to the bottom of the keyboard, you feel as if you have been on an adventure ( a whole 122 pages of it), and you have ended up in heaven with a piece of music which you (and many others) will remember for the rest of time.

What adds to the greatness of the performance is the fantastic sound quality (although, sometimes not perfect). The team here have done an amazing job, and it is not surpising that this disc was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Bon Apetit!
Gareth Ross

But, fantastic though Marc André Hamelin's playing is, I prefer Ronald Smith's recording on APR. Smith is not as precise (especially in the passage about 9 mins into the 1st movement), and not quite as fast in the outer movements, but musically he is more satisfying. He gives a better sense of structure to the first movement, and has a much more varied style than Hamelin - sometimes playing with a savagery which is missing in this more "refined" recording.

Hamelin plays the Adagio a bit faster than Smith, and again I find Smith more satisfying.

I find that Hamelin best in the final movement - as good as Smith this time.

My recommendation is to buy both versions. Hamelin's for the detail, Smith's for the "big picture". Both are extraordinary pianists, and one interpretation isn't enough if you want to get to know this music.

(Don't be tempted by John Ogdon's recording, which is poor compared to Hamelin and Smith).