Charles Alkan, Ronald Smith - Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith

Alkan's Piano Works--The one to get!!!

Charles-Valentin Alkan is a sadly underappreciated pianist who, in his day, was one of the most gifted pianists. His virtuousity is often compared to Chopin's, and although some of his works are harder to grow accustomed to when compared to the Polish master, the effort is easily worth it. Once you've listened a few times, you'll be enchanted. "En Songe" (In Dream) is one of the most relaxing and consoling pieces of music I own. The "Toccatina" is fast paced, energetic, and leaves one feeling like they've just accomplished a great feat. These two-discs are easily some of the best interpretations out there (with Ronald Smith as the performer, you know they have to be) and they're really the best bargain for the amount of masterpieces you get--HIGHLY Recommended! August 30, 2007

Definitive?

This version of the underappreciated work of Alkan should, in deference to Marc Andre Hamelin's amazing versions, should probably be the standard by which others are judged... in addition the album includes a great collection in one purchase.
July 17, 2006

WELL worth getting.

This CD has what is still my favorite interpretation of Alkan's Concerto out of the three I've heard (although regrettably I haven't heard Jack Gibbons' version). Ogdon and Hamelin seem to kind of rush parts in order to impart a greater sense of technical bravura whereas Smith lets the power and majesty of the piece come through.
Also a great recording of the Alkan Symphonie. Hamelin's playing of the piece seems to have gotten all the attention but I find this one just right.
The prior two pieces would be reason enough to get any Alkan CD but this one is also loaded with a number of smaller gems, some of which it's probably going to be, what, twenty years before someone else makes a recording of any of them. The Petit Conte and Nocturne show Alkan's similarities to Chopin. The Toccatina is a delightful little piece with an awesome ending. Five great preludes, eight esquisses, etc. etc. - probably the best Alkan CD out there. May 18, 2006

A Great Remastering!

I own the original LP recordings of some of these works and the CD version. In a previous review I remarked how the CD sound quality was not the best, but adequate.

This remastering brings back much of the original vitality and great sound quality that was in the LP version but lacking in the CD version. And all at a bargain price too!

All Alkan (and Ronald Smith fans),don't hesitate to get this 2CD set. To have the symphony for piano and concerto in such fine quality sound again is a real treat for the ears.

Most highly recommended! July 14, 2005

Exceptional Pianist/Inspirational Composer

Ronald Smith died on the 27 May 2004 a week before I was due to hear him perform in concert at the age of 82. Obviously I was incredibly upset by his death and not having ever heard him play - especially ALKAN.

Ronald Smith was the man who re-established Charles-Valentin Alkan as one of the greatest composers of piano music. Busoni claimed "Alkan, alongside Chopin, Liszt, Schumann and Brahms, was one of the five greatest composers for the piano since Beethoven".

Of particular interest here is Ronald Smiths recordings of the Solo Piano Concerto and Symphony for Solo Piano. These are some of the most extraordinary compositions in musical literature.

Ronald Smith's recordings are exceptional and in my mind can only be equalled technically by Marc-André Hamelin performances of Alkan. Yet with this said Ronald Smith was the only virtuoso pianist who truly understood Alkans philosophy of music - hence smith's book on Alkan - The Man The Music.

This album is highly recommended to all music and piano playing enthusiasts.
The music is innovative, passionate; but not sentimental and incredibly interesting in structure, colouring and philosophy. September 3, 2004

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