Arnold Schoenberg - The Piano Music

Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951)

The Solo Piano Music

Three Piano Pieces, Op. 11 (1909)

Six Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19 (1911)

Five Piano Pieces, Op. 23 (1921-1923)

Suite For Piano, Op. 25  (1921-1923)

Piano Piece, Op. 33a (1928-1931)

Piano Piece, Op. 33b (1928-1931)

Maurizio Pollini (piano)

Recording: May 1974, Munich, Plenarsaal der Bayerischen Akademie de Wissenschaften.

Review:

Pollini has called these probably the most important piano pieces of the twentieth century. The proposition is debatable; not debatable is the quality of Pollini's interpretations. Here and there one could demur over details, and the first piece of Op. 11, which begins the record has always seemed to me too static; but overall there is a combination of intellectual and pianistic mastery which is quite extraordinary. The opportunity to acquire it in digitally remastered sound and at mid price should not be missed.

If you are coming new to this music don't expect to be wooed or seduced—Schoenberg was not an ar complished pianist, and he seems to have used the instrument more for bold ventures into the unknown than for consolidation or relaxation. Take the Shock of the New full in the face and go straight for Op. 11 No. 3 or the Gigue from Op. 25; for lyrical respite try Op. 33a. Wherever you turn you can be sure that Pollini's musical insight and virtuosity, not to mention DG's ideally focused recording, present the music in just about the best possible light.'

Gramophone