Sonata No.2 in B flat minor Op.35 [27:42]
Impromptu No.1 Op.29 [4:15]
Impromptu No.2 Op.36 [6:13]
Impromptu No.3 Op.51 [6:01]
Fantaisie-impromptu Op.posth.66 [6:04]
Barcarolle in F sharp major Op.60
Adolfo Barabino (piano - Steinway D-565)
rec. St Bartholomew's, Brighton, UK, 2008 and 2013
24bit/192kHz High Definition Stereo (playable on all Blu-ray and DVD players with 24/192 capable DACs) Reviewed in this format.
also available on standard CD CR5585-2 Stereo
CLAUDIO DVD-A CR5585-6 [59:13]
There is no questioning the musicianship or technique of Adolfo Barabino.
He performs these six works with accuracy and commitment. There is no
hint of routine anywhere. Yet some of his interpretations left me wanting
more. For example, the contrast between the sections of the funeral march
in the Second Sonata was not as pointed as, in say, Murray Perahia's
1974 recording. Where Perahia presents the central section as a gentle
reminiscence of better times, Barabino just gives us different material
but the same feeling. Nor does the drama of the scherzo have such impact.
Similarly the lilting melodies of the Fantaisie-Impromptu are much less
colourful than when played by Artur Rubinstein. The work that suffers
most from Barabino's rather plain approach is the wonderful Barcarolle.
Where Dinu Lipatti, back in 1948, takes us on a journey through many detailed
scenes like a pianistic symphonic poem (it is on YouTube,
listen and see what I mean) here the journey is just a gently swaying
boat trip through nowhere in particular. The most affecting playing is
found in the three varied and beautiful Impromptus which are much more
convincing interpretations. All this is very personal. The problem for
any pianist making a disc nowadays is the recorded competition going back
through well over a century. The alternatives must run into thousands
by now, providing you are tolerant of ancient sound.
One has to ask, why listen to Barabino when you can have Rubinstein, Moiseiwitsch,
Lipatti, Pollini, Solomon or Horowitz, all at the click of a button? One
answer is that nowhere else does the Steinway D sound so much like a real
piano in your room. The physical impact of this DVD-A is very impressive.
It is not a matter of 'hifi'; it is matter of transporting
one remarkably close to the actual performance. Even the very gentle tap
of Barabino's feet on the pedals is (just) detectable, as it would
be if you listened attentively from just a few metres back. One tends
to forget how powerful a concert grand can be: not without reason have
composers felt free to place the instrument up against a full symphony
orchestra. It can hold its own with its huge dynamic range. Providing
your speakers can take it, this disc is worth turning up to higher than
usual levels so the faintest pianissimos are clearly audible, and let
the fortissimos fill your room. It never sounds overwhelming, simply correct.
The notes do this issue no favours. There is nothing about the pieces
on the disc, just a few poetic thoughts from Barabino himself about performing
Chopin's music in general. Look elsewhere for composition dates,
dedicatees, the composer's life at the time he wrote these works
and the cultural background. Incidentally, the packaging implies this
might be a Blu-ray disc as well as a DVD-Audio. It is only the latter
but can be played not only on so-called 'universal' players
but also on suitably equipped Blu-ray equipment. See the header for details.
I had no issues with playback on my Oppo 105.
Dave Billinge
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