In a program that for a young artist
might be dangerously familiar, the good
folk at Quartz records have unveiled
a major and, at the risk of hyperbole,
astounding new talent in the person
of Jack Liebeck. With cool self-assurance,
technique to burn and a musical sense
that belies the artist’s youth, we are
presented with a recital of technically
and emotionally demanding masterworks
that easily measure up to world-class
standards.
Mr. Liebeck begins
his recital with the most challenging
work, the haunting second sonata of
Prokofiev. Having begun life as work
for flute, Prokofiev composed this sonata
during a time in which prominent artists
were evacuated from Moscow for safety
during the Second World War. At the
suggestion of David Oistrakh, the composer
reworked a few passages making it suitable
for the violin, and it is in this guise
that it is best known today. Opening
with a lyrical wintry theme, the second
movement is a folksy rollicking scherzo,
a second lyrical movement follows and
the work closes with a finger-busting
finale. Mr. Liebeck shifts from mood
to mood and scene to scene with breathtaking
ease, spinning the long melodic lines
with the grace of a fine singer, and
ripping into the strings with youthful
abandon where called for.
Next up is the fiendish
"Ballade" for unaccompanied
violin of Ysaÿe. Liebeck pours
heart and soul into this rendition,
cruising through the treacherous double
stops and virtuoso scale passages with
the confidence that only fearless youth
can produce. Spotless intonation and
a massive dose of good taste make this
showpiece into an unforgettable musical
experience. Never over the top or damaged
by histrionics, Mr. Liebeck avoids getting
carried away with displays of technical
prowess; rather he uses his massive
command of his instrument to the service
of the music. How refreshing.
The Chausson Poème,
when in the wrong hands can easily slip
into syrupy sentimentality. Thankfully,
Mr. Liebeck again shows his good taste
by presenting this lovely gem in an
ideal setting.
Saint-Saëns, although
certainly an able craftsman, has never
had much of a reputation for great profundity.
This sonata is quite well written and
idiomatic, but lacks the depth of the
Prokofiev work heard earlier in the
program. Mr. Liebeck, however, demonstrates
that he is able to find something pertinent
to say regardless of the repertoire,
and gives a most convincing and indeed
enjoyable performance here to round
out what is by any judgment a superb
recital.
Ably partnered by the
pianist Katya Apekisheva, this is obviously
a pair of musicians who understand each
other well, and have formed a fine team.
Production values in this the first
recording from Quartz to have graced
my stereo, are excellent, although I
found the minuscule typeface a bit of
a challenge to read at times. Program
notes are brief but acceptable, sound
quality is of the first order. The handsome
Mr. Liebeck is well represented in the
booklet photographs, giving both the
image of confidence and of a disarming
friendliness. Look out Josh Bell; you
have competition on a number of fronts!
Brilliant performances.
Recommended without a moment’s hesitation.
Kevin Sutton
Jack Liebeck, violin 