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GEORGY CATOIRE: Piano Music   Marc André Hamelin: Piano Hyperion CDA67090 78m DDD

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The superb virtuosity of Marc Andre Hamelin knows no bounds. After his dauntingly perfectionist interpretation of Busoni's titanic Piano Concerto he turns to this disc of exquisite piano rarities by an almost unheard of Russian composer. Not that Georgy Catoire is non-inventive, rather, his music has suffered a neglect that is baffling. You must only listen to the delightful morceaux pieces to note that a master is indeed at work here. There are versions in three, four and five movements and all contain much music of rare quality and superb harmonic invention. I also enjoyed the short Intermezzo Op. 6 and the swift, fleeting Prelude Op. 6 No. 2 for its disarming and charming melody. Other rare and choice delights include the ubiquitous Intermezzo also from the Op. 6 collection and the wonderfully alive Vision Op. 8 which finds Hamelin in unbuttoned form. It almost goes without saying that this pianist finds all nuances of invention and performs all pieces with a virtuosity that although spectacular is at the same time restrained and effective. It is good to see Mike Dutton collaborating on Hyperion projects, maybe a historical label before too soon? Robert Matthew Walker's extensive notes are essential reading for all enthusiasts of the piano literature whilst Masek's suggestive painting on the front cover is but another jewel to the star studded diamonds of Hyperion's remarkable cover gallery!

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


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