Nimbus has just released a 4-cd set of Bach's WTC performed by Bernard
Roberts who also gave us the complete Beethoven piano sonatas.  My opinion
of Roberts/Beethoven was mixed, although I did think highly of the recorded
sound.  The new WTC is priced under $30, so that's a fine feature.  I
listened to 20 sound samples on the net and did my best to disregard the
horrible sound on the samples (like gurgling with mouthwash).  I did
notice that Roberts engages in quite a few little hesitations which did
not please, and his playing was sometimes relatively wooden.  Of course,
sound samples don't tell much of a picture, but Schepkin's sound samples
were much better concerning performance.  At this point, I doubt I'll be
acquiring the Roberts set, but one great posting about it by a list member
would change my position.

Richard Goode is continuing his traversal of Mozart's piano concertos
with his latest release on Nonesuch of nos.  23 & 24.  Reviews of previous
installments have been highly complimentary, although I have not thought as
highly of them.

RCA has released the Tilson-Thomas recording of Mahler's 7th symphony.
Has anyone listened to it yet?

Although not new, Ondine is releasing the Prokofiev piano sonata cycle
recorded by Matti Raekallio.  I remember some good reviews of the separate
discs issued in the past.  What's your opinion of these performances? How
do they compare to Chiu on Harmonia Mundi?

Don Satz
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