Vladimir Sofronitsky plays "Gnomenreigen" by F. Liszt

[marcohorowitz8]

fabulous! hard to find S.'recordings. I once heard Schubert/Liszt erlking played by him, with all the groaning typical of him! it still remains the best interpretation of that piece I've heard.

[Neuwo]

Mischievous gnomes dancing about in the forest... Sofronitsky absolutely nails the character of this piece.

[Minoru73]

where do you got Sofronitsky's recording? i've searching it and can't find it.. : i

[truecrypt]

search Google or Amazon for "Vladimir Sofronitsky "Gnomenreigen" Liszt" - it's there!

[nearenough3]

Thanks for the download. Now it turns out he DID perform the second movement! I wonder about that company, "Chant du Monde." At any rate, let this fracas come to an end. I am glad you posted what should have been on the LP in the first place. I will listen to it carefully again, but on first hearing there were a couple of slips and perhaps, although the overall impression is good, he just didn't want it released. Peace.

[truecrypt]

What I posted is semi-private recording made in Scriabin Museum - it's by no means is a professional recording. Still it may somewhat ease your doubts regarding Sofronitsy's ability to play the second movement of Op. 19... ;)

[nearenough3]

The onus is on the purveyor (company, artists, agents, assigns, etc.) to provide proper and complete goods for the cash they receive. They got the money; I didn't get what I paid money for. I stated the facts as per the above. No whining lame hypothetical excuses is going to dislodge those facts.

[truecrypt]

Again you can listen 2nd movement for FREE - I posted it.

I'm sorry you didn't get what you paid for. I assure you - NONE of your MONEY went to Sofronitsky's (or his relatives) pocket. You may feel cheated but Sofronitsky had nothing to do with it.

[nearenough3]

You can say there was no recording of the Op. 19 all you want; the FACT remains that the labeling on the record was FALSE. The responsibility is Chant du Monde's, & it was also the responsibility of the artist to know what he was putting out to the public. Are you saying Sofronitsky was an altruistic moron and recorded partial works for free? I didn't say I WAS convinced; I said I would be "easily" convinced, since he DID omit it. I can't imagine any responsible artist issuing half sonatas.

[truecrypt]

The labeling was definitely wrong but it had nothing to do with Sofronitsky - by the time of release Sofronitsky was dead.

I would also tell you that Sofronitsky was very altruistic (I understand your mentality refuse to accept free performance...) but by no means he was a "moron". Sofronitsky didn't "omit" anything - it's quite possible the recording itself was lost or simply wasn't recorded due to lack of magnetic tape.

[nearenough3]

There is no doubt I was cheated. I bought the album under the impression that Sofronitski was supposedly one of the best interpreters of Scriabin, and I was intensely fond of the second sonata especially the second presto movement. Imagine my reaction to playing the non-existent part!! It's quite difficult, so I am easily convinced Sofronitski just couldn't play it. The company and perhaps the "artist" went along with the misinformation. At best it was negligence. No more Sof for me.

[truecrypt]

As I said - there is no recording of the Op. 19, 2nd movement. This is well known fact. You can blame recording company for mislabeling but it's definitely not very smart to blame Sofronitsky. He wasn't involved in release of his recordings most of the time. If you are "convinced" that Sofronitsky couldn't play 2nd movement, I would rather have doubts in your own intellectual abilities.

[LeonFleisherFan]

nearenough3: This discussion is just plain silly! You want to complain about record companies, pirate releases etc.? Makes sense to me. But the artist? Sofronitsky and his family getting cheated out of royalties apparently to this day, that should be a reason to boycott his recordings?

truecrypt: Thanks for posting this as always, great stuff!

[nearenough3]

Sofronitski struggles a bit here and there.

I can't help bearing a grudge against S. Years ago I bought a double (or ?triple) LP album of Scriabin sonatas, and was very interested in this supposedly renowned master of the Russian composer, especially of the last moverment of the Sonata #2. It was not to be found in the album. I was cheated. Very bad, indeed.

[truecrypt]

Unfortunately there is no recording of the 2nd movement. You were not cheated - it doesn't exist....

Meanwhile I posted recording of this sonata WITH 2nd movement made in Scriabin museum. You can search for it in my playlist "Sofronitsky plays..."

[nearenough3]

The Sofronitski Scam: I pulled the Le Chant du Monde LDX78764/65 LP set just now. It is entitled "Scriabine Sept Sonates" and on the cover verso "Face A Sonate-Fantasie No 2 en sol diese mineur, Op. 19 (11/12/1960) 8'15 1) Andante 2) Presto" The LP itself claims the same "Andante & Presto" followed by Sonata #4 in 2 movements (2 bands). The sonata #2 has only one band, the first movement only. There is no second movement (just played the LP again).

False labeling, a scam and a cheat.

[LeonFleisherFan]

Awesome! This is also one of the funniest versions I've ever heard, making me smile all along. Thanks so much!

[KingSolomanWise]

wow!

[billyguns2]

It is wonderful that so much of this great pianist's work is now available on YouTube, thanks to truecrypt. That being said, I find this rendition a little "earthbound;" listen to Richter's fantastic, unearthly rendiiton to see what I mean. Perhaps Sofronitsky's gnomes are just earthier and more jolly.

[kclowkc]

bravo!!!

[chad410]

i can hear him grunting in this

[cs7815]

omy gosh !!!!!!!! you really have the talent for this piece....and im sure there are a lot more.....keep up the good work :)

i think you should give chopins etude op 10 no 12 revolutionary a try if you havent done so ......you can you very well !!!!!!!

[voolare]

You communicate to the dead?;-)

[alexongcs]

LA BESTE!!!!! I love it sooooo much.

[antoinezygfryd]

Merci à truecrypt de partager ses trésors!

encore un chef-d'oeuvre.

[bineblies]

As usual truecrypt the best classical pianist on youtube with the best classical taste in pianoforte..

[chad410]

yes it takes time to upload and your recen t helicpter accident had meant you can t leave the hous thanks.

[GetMeThere1]

Yes truecrypt. You are quite a find on youtube. The very BEST piano geniuses, many available nowhere else!

[mal8739]

Dear TrueCrypt. There should be a statue erected in your honor in recognition of the superb musical offerings you place before us. What a joy it is to listen to them. You give us the titans of the piano, but to you, sir, I say as Schumann of Chopin, "Hats off, gentlemen, a genius!"

[truecrypt]

Thank you very much for nice words!

I'm happy to share my collection with all of you. Enjoy!

[nelsonyum]

Dear Truecrypt

Thanks for your sharings :)