Frederic Chopin(1810-1849)
Barcarolle, Opus 60
Abbey Simon
Vox Box 5178(2cds)
Recorded 1960's
Program:
Sonata No.2, Op.35
Sonata No.3, Op.58
Four Impromptus
Barcarolle, Op.60
Four Scherzos
Four Ballades
TT 157:00
Comparison: Richter/Doremi
Summary: Missing a few cups of intensity and rapture
There is a foundation, however shaky, for the hazardous duty title. On
my drive to obtain the Simon set I came across a large mound of a white
substance on the road. With vehicles having to go over it, there was a
wide and tall hazy white smoke gliding through the air. It could have
been the dreaded anthrax, or it could have been Gold Medal Flour. If
you don't hear from me anymore, assume it was the former.
Many classical piano enthusiasts would likely agree that it's worth some
degree of risk to get an Abbey Simon recording. Vox has two Chopin sets
by Simon, and this one has a wealth of treasured compositions. Little
by little I'll be reviewing each of them and I start with his 8'30"
performance of the Barcarolle which should progress at a fairly brisk
pace.
Overall, I am disappointed in Simon's performance, because he doesn't
apply any significant tension until the last three minutes of the work
where every pianist on the Planet applies tension. Until that point is
reached, Simon is on a picnic. Also, for a version of relatively quick
tempo, he often seems plodding to my ears.
You might reply that a good version of the Barcarolle doesn't have to
be loud and highly dramatic. I would agree with that assessment and
point to the Richter version on Doremi as an exceptional interpretation
offering little 'white heat'. However, tension doesn't require high
volume, and Richter always applies a strong underlying tension throughout
the work; Simon does not. With this in mind, when it comes time to turn
on the heat, Simon's steam is hollow and cut-off from the continuity of
the music.
Don's Conclusions: Some weak inflections and a generally relaxed approach
without a high degree of poignancy doesn't add up to much when Simon is
compared to the inspiring versions on record. Simon's performances of
the other Chopin works on the menu might well show that this Vox Box set
is a worthy acquisition, but his Barcarolle is not a good start.
Don Satz
[log in to unmask]
|