ARTEK Recordings
Reviews of CD 5
Click to Order Recording
ARTEK Recordings |
|
1. American Record Guide
Brahms: Piano Sonata 3; Fantasies, op 116; Pieces, op 119
Jorge Federico Osorio—Artek 5 (Allegro) 70 minutes
I was very impressed with Osorio’s earlier Brahms recording, which included the Handel Variations and the Ballades. I described it (J/A 1996) as first-rate in every way and declared the Mexican-born pianist one I would enjoy hearing again.
Well, here’s my chance, and I’m not a bit disappointed. Right from the beginning of the sonata, where he snaps off the dotted rhythms, it is clear he has total command of the situation; for confirmation listen to the panache of III. The slower II and IV show a wonderful sensitivity to tone color and dynamics. It takes a lot of sheer strength to perform this sonata well, and Osorio does.
Even more impressive are the 11 late piano works. In weaker hands these pieces can seem nearly incomprehensible; the beauties have to be sought in the fragmented lines and harmonies. Some are quite difficult technically, and Osorio handles them with aplomb. The more romantic pieces, like the E-major Intermezzo from Opus 116 or the B-minor Intermezzo from Opus 119, are no less enjoyable; they are delicate and simply gorgeous. Also, I’ve never heard the alto melody in the C-major Intermezzo brought out more clearly or naturally. The only drawback to the late works is that the piano sound is more distant than in the sonata and the treble is muted.
Nonetheless, a very fine record, one that makes us glad there was once a Brahms. ALTHOUSE
2. Chicago Tribune, Arts & Entertainment
3. BBC Music Magazine
BRAHMS
Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor; Fantasies, Op. 116; Klavierstucke, Op. 119
Jorge Federico Osorio (piano)
The playing in the seven pieces of Op. 116 and four of Op. 119 is quite marvelous. There has been much nonsense written about Brahms’s late piano music, yet is surprising how few pianists find its wavelength; they often squeeze it too much and lose a sense of poise in these precariously balanced miniatures. All the late pieces have been recorded on one disc by the remarkable Helene Grimaud (Erato), who does, indeed, probe a good deal and arguably finds more in the music than Brahms would have imagined. Osorio is much simpler and equally satisfying in his way, for he understands the need for intimacy. In the most elusive of all Brahms’s Intermezzi, the third piece of Op. 119, he would be perfect if only he were just a shade faster and more carefree – the nearest to my ideal is Clifford Curzon, still available on Decca.