Although he clearly has enough technique to play the notes there is something essential missing here. A lot of very mechanical halting playing destroys any chance of fluid phrasing. It also seems that he is frequently left hand heavy. While he may deal with certain details in a competent manner, the task becomes impossible in complex works demanding variety, decernment and taste such as Pictures At An Exhibition. Maybe if he stuck to short pieces like Grieg's lyrical pieces he might stand a better chance.
I think that a pianist ought to be able to hear these things in their playing. And be able to work hard at perfecting their touch, their craft. If not, then they certainly should not be surprised to be as critically panned as this one has.
September 30, 2005David Helfgott's story is very touching. Unfortunately for Helfgott, a pianist's, or any artist's talent is determined by merit, the quality of his playing (NOT HIS STORY). Overall, Helfgott's playing is monotonous, uninteresting. His playing definitely lacks the maturity and depth a concert pianist should have. His rendition of Funerailles is sloppy and overpedaled... a gigantic mess of sound. Apres une lecture du Dante II has the same problems as Funerailles, in addition to having a ridiculously slow tempo. Un Sospiro is nice tonally, but the melodic ideas are underpronounced, which renders the recording pointless. Ballade No. 2 in B minor is a wash of sound, with little discernable melody. Lastly, the Sonata in B minor... a masterpiece in dozens of pianists' hands, from Bolet to Argerich, but not Helfgott's. His performance is choppy, and too slow. The word robotic also comes to mind here. A correct interpretation of this sonata combines poetry, sonority, and a lot of terror; here, Helfgott merely hints at them. This is one of the worst CD's I have ever heard! Helfgott is no virtuoso, and will probably remain that way. The following pianists are excellent interpreters of Liszt and many other composers, though far from complete: Horowitz, Kissin, Argerich, Arrau, Cziffra, and Bolet.
September 2, 2005The true talent of any pianist is not measured in the keyboard, it is found in their mastery of the footpedals. It is here that David glows. His walk with these pieces inspires awe. Treading lightly, firmly, briskly, patiently; every nuance is correct. One hovers forward in the seat for the next delicate scrape of leather against brass. Do not miss this one.
April 10, 2002Perhaps he does "bring classical music to life", if by that we mean flawed and uninspiring. I do not think that anyone really disputes that this is a touching story, but as a musician and pianist, Mr.Helfgott falls well short. I recently saw him in concert, and was dismayed by his sloppy playing and poor technique. There are many other cds one should buy to hear the true beauty of this piece, and I would not recommend this one.
October 22, 2000 |  | David Helfgott Shines Forever |  |
Mr. Helfgott brings classical music to life!
October 9, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(6 reviews)
