Clara Haskil: Philips Recordings, 1951-1960

A treasure impossible to value!

The last decade of this prodigious of the keyboard was really electryfying. Encouraged by Pablo Casals and regarded a perennial honor guest in most of Prades Festivals, her whole spirit ignited again after several years of reclusive state, due a painful sickness. However, she knew to imposse herself due her fervent will against all these obstacles, giving the best her weak and fragile body was capable to convey.

And the outcome has been possibly one of the most emotive come back ever experienced by any other pianist in that decade. She was constantly requested for many directors, because of the fact that pristine sound, that evocative pianism belonged to a tradition in ways of extinction.

Your musical collection will never be complete if you don't have this selected compilation. It's a must-have all the way through. December 13, 2007

A truly great Mozartian...and more

Clara Haskil's interpretations of Mozart deserves the highest degree of respect from music lovers. Hers is the true and authentic reading of a composer whose compositions tend to be either over-simplified, or over-indulged. W.A. Mozart, as a composer, though apparently simple, is one of the most difficult to present. Haskil's Mozart really blows other seasonsed Mozartians to the dust - I would not name the few contemproaries; such interpretors being rare breeds already.
From the one end of the slightly insipid readings of Uchida (though hers is also a great pedigree) to the overtly rocking F. Gulda (another rare specie), Haskil's Mozart is 'just right' in terms of musicality and emotions. She was able to bring forth the full drama, the nuances, the colours, yet never blurring Mozart's clarity and unmistakable idioms, nor did she ever substitute her own ego for Mozart's characteristics.
Especially convincing are her piano concertos of Mozart. The same Mozart as in his operas, symphonies, choral pieces, are here found in the medium of the black and white keys in a rare form of expressiveness.
Some pieces were recorded twice in live performances over different periods of time. They are invaluable for those interested in gaining more insight into the playing of Clara Haskil.
Haskil's strength lies not only in Mozart, though. The rest of this set is dedicated to other works by romantic composers, and really give listeners a good chance to be acquainted with the rare artistry of this wonderful pianist. November 4, 2007

Excellent, I love it

For anyone who likes to relive the golden era of pianists, a time when music itself was the core of a performance, this collection is a must have. The serene loneliness in Clara Haskil's interpretation of Mozart and Schubert was simply heartbreaking. Honest, elegant, and never self-centered, these memorable recordings deserve 5 solid stars. March 1, 2007

Clara Haskil Returns!

Like many of the recent "Original Masters" reissues, this 7CD set of music performed by pianist Clara Haskil has been available since last July as an import, and now has finally been released in the U.S. In fact, all of the music contained on "Clara Haskil: Philips Recordings 1951-1960" has been reissued previously on CD, in two different box sets in the now out-of-print "Clara Haskil Legacy" series. Despite this, it is wonderful to have these classic performances back, particularly because those "Legacy" volumes were fetching outrageous prices as rare collector's items. Haskil was one of the legendary interpreters of Mozart and her Concerto recordings presented here of Nos. 9, 20 (two versions, mono & stereo), 23 & 24 (along with those she made for Westminster and DG -- see my reviews of Mozart: Piano Concertos No 19 & 27 / Haskil, Fricsay and Mozart: Piano Concerto K.459; Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3) are not to be missed. But also her Beethoven, Schumann and Chopin renditions are so delicately light and breathtaking, they cannot be overlooked, and they provide such a nice contrast to all the romantic ivory pounders out there. The first three CDs capture her sensitivity in various Sonatas, and they are most excellent. If you love great piano music and didn't have a chance to get these marvelous performances the first time around, don't miss out now! February 4, 2007

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