Leopold [composer] Godowsky, Frederic [composer] Chopin, Marc-Andre Hamelin - Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes

While some great pianists play the core works we've heard countless times, Marc Andre-Hamelin has an affinity for those lesser-heard gems. On his recording of Busoni's epic Piano Concerto, Op. 38, the pianist revealed abilities that couldn't be overshadowed by the complex composition at hand. But his take on Godowsky's thoroughly challenging studies on Chopin's Études is, quite simply, mind-boggling. Godowsky's 53 studies are some of the most difficult piano pieces ever written, requiring performers to dissect, reverse hand positions, and dramatically change the tempo of Chopin's well-loved compositions (not to mention his 22 transcriptions of the Études to be played by left hand alone!). Originally written as a playful diversion by Godowsky (1870-1938), a self-taught composer barely in his 20s, these pieces never sacrifice listening experience for ivory pyrotechnics. They're a joy to hear--a fresh (and sometimes dizzying) take on Chopin, with added voices, multiple arabesques, and inventive fingering positions. Hamelin handles it all, making these challenges sound like a walk in the park. A great recording. --Jason Verlinde Amazon.com

The real deal

I wrote elsewhere that Hamelin is probably one of the greatest pianists ever. Aside from the obvious technical prowess, which is always employed thoughtfully and without any hint of histrionics, what strikes me the most about his playing is the seriousness with which he approaches every single piece he decides to study and perform. While he was still a little child, his father, himself a very talented non-professional pianist, got him interested in Godowsky and piano music in general; they'd both sit together on the couch and gape in awe at the seemingly unfathomable pages of the Godowsky's Études, which had long been out of print. This little kid would eventually grow up to become one of the very finest musicians in the whole world and the greatest champion and interpreter of Godowsky's music. His amazing cd with the complete Godowsky's Études features some of the most compelling piano recordings you're ever likely to hear in your life. This music will haunt you forever and you'll soon realise that there's no way you can possibly get rid of it - most of the piano repertoire will look rather tame, poor and thin when compared to such a thunderous re-criation of the Chopin's Études. March 3, 2007

Amazin'

This set is testament to Mr. Hamelin's technique. For those who want greater understanding, read not only the liner notes, but all the copious notes and annotations in The Godowsky Collection, Vol. 3 (Paperback)
by Millan Sachania (Compiler.) I arranged the music on my Ipod so Iwould listen to the original etude, and then the studies after it. Kind of like a "piece and variations". I won't add what others have already said about how great Hamelin is, but I do want to clarify something said in one of the poorest reviews. The reviewer criticizes Godowsky for saying that there are deficiencies in the Chopin etudes, and the reviewer took offense. The "deficiencies" that Godowsky are referring to are in terms of technique, not the writing. Godowsky adored the etudes. He wanted to clear up "left-hand technique" deficiencies (if I read the book correctly). THat's why the tricky right hand parts are switched to the left hand, become the accompaniment, and a newer (and sometimes harder) part is added for the right hand. Please check out the score above which contains warmup exercises by Godowsky to prepare you to learn the studies for yourself. October 14, 2006

Dull compositions generally, with one brilliant exception

The very first piece in the set (in C) is the standout. Unlike most of them, which seem muddled compositionally or pointlessly embellished, this track is musically impressive, not just technically so. Hamelin's playing shows tremendous dexterity and accuracy, but if there's a way to make poetry out of most of this collection, it's not here. This set is for performance gurus, but not for listeners who are more interested in beautiful melodies. May 6, 2006

Incredible! BUY THESE DISCS!

I bought these discs expecting pure pianism - which is there in plenty, for sure! What I did not expect was to be bowled over by the pure musicality. I expected embellishment of the wonderful etudes but here we get added insights!

I copied the disc to my computer and interspersed it with the original etudes. The result was a constant joy of discovering new aspects to these well loved pieces.

As for the pianism - it is flawless! I only wish it were a three disc set with the originals included played by Hamelin.

If you have any interest in romantic piano music - or any pianism for that matter - BUY THESE DISCS! You won't regret it. I am sure Chopin would have approved! September 19, 2005

If I could, I'd give this SIX stars! It's that good!

Ten years ago, following a severe accident where I broke my right upper forearm and my shoulder, I undertook paraphrasing eight of the Chopin etudes to be played with the left hand alone. I was really proud of that accomplishment: I stayed faithful (mostly) to the original compositions, and I thought my paraphrases were wickedly difficult to play!

After listening to Hamelin's performance of the Godowsky Paraphrases on the Chopin Etudes, I have concluded:

1) Godowsky's paraphrases leave mine in the dust, both technically and musically.
2) Hamelin's performance of Godowski's paraphrases is nothing short of amazing.

These paraphrases are FIENDISHLY difficult to play -- but Hamelin makes them sound almost *easy*. It would be one thing merely to be able to PLAY these paraphrases -- and some of us have the technique to pull it off; but Hamelin's technique is so completely secure that one hears the tonal coloring, the inner voices, the occasional canons and the utter musicality of the compositions which Godowsky obviously wants us to hear.

In particular, listen to the performances of the Etudes arranged for the left hand alone. A good left hand transcription (or composition) should give the effect of two hands playing the instrument -- Godowsky (and Hamelin) often give the impression of *three* hands playing.

Note: if you are a Chopin "purist", you're probably not going to like these paraphrases. Godowsky is strongly influenced by the post-Romantic musical idiom in the time he wrote, and you'll hear very strong elements of the pianistic and harmonic language used by Scriabin and (particularly) Rachmaninov infused throughout each paraphrase. (Actually, I think Godowsky's musical language is very effective for what he does with these pieces!)

On the other hand, if you approach these paraphrases with an open mind just to see what can be done with the material Godowsky used -- and you want to hear it exquisitely performed -- you're in for a REAL treat! March 12, 2005

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