Mikhail Pletnev plays "Gnomenreigen" by F. Liszt

[mikex01234]

I'm glad I found this recording. Thanks.

[thepianistq8]

one of the best pianists

[MrChinatalia]

oh,i like such a stupid comments like TheGreat Perahia))))))))))nobody interesting in your opinion))))))Pletnev is GREAT!

[tydhq]

Pletnev rules!

[mathpianist93]

The sound of modern recordings does help enhance this piece; the less mushy sound of these modern recordings helps better create the leggiero atmosphere required.

[NOSEhow2LIV]

A subtly stinging performance,choosing to go exactly which way it wants,building up to a fine release of controlled tension. A bit dry, but that's so often Pletnev's Romantic style!A wizard!

[Grigor99]

Doesn't hold a candle to Cziffra, but not bad.

[TheGreatPerahia]

Too many unecessary pauses and his use of rubato is all over the place in my opinion, for me the most eloquent, polished and smoother version is Murray Perahia, even though he not renowned for his Liszt playing his is a fantastic version of this piece.

[Appassionata90]

very good playing!

[Appassionata90]

Oh I miss the Ending!!

by the way: there are a LOT of interpretations in youtube, and I prefer yours and Gyorgy's.

Excellent work.

[chrish12345]

not a patch on Bolet - too frantic, no real sense of the style partly due to lack of control, partly lack of imagination.

[truecrypt]

One can agree or disagree with you, but for sure, the lack of control is not a case here...

Pletnev is all about CONTROL, and the level of this control is simply amazing.

[chrish12345]

I don't feel he's able to relax with the piece, which is essential to the best performances to bring out the Liszt style. I'm not saying its easy to play like he does (even given the undoubted computer enhancing), but, comparing him to the best (for me, Bolet), its not in that same league at all. I am being ultra-harsh, I know.

[truecrypt]

Why the "relaxation" is an essential part of Liszt's style especially in Gnomenreigen? There is no "computer enhancing" - just normal audio editing - please listen Pletnev's live recordings (f.e. in NY) to get an idea about his level of precision. Pletnev is not above the criticism whatsoever, but "lack of control and/or imagination" are not his weak points.

[chrish12345]

if you actually played an instrument you'd know its important to know a piece well enough to be able to relax with it, so you can play it your own way. How on earth have you got any idea about how the recording has been edited?

[truecrypt]

1. I've "played an instrument"...

2. Why do you think Pletnev doesn't know it well enough or can't "relax" with it?

3. I know Pletnev's live playing and recordings well enough to be quite confident that this particular one wasn't "fixed" or "enhanced" - again, listen his live recordings and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

[chrish12345]

Its easy to tell he isn't able to realax with it yet.

[truecrypt]

Well... when speaking about Pletnev's piano skills there is no place for words - "he isn't able".

I knew Pletnev for many years and his musical and technical abilities are on the level of Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Richter, Michelangeli... Pletnev can play any piece at any speed in any key at any time... So, what do you mean by "relaxation" and why it's "easy to tell" is still a big puzzle for me.

[chrish12345]

Sorry, I can't provide photographic evidence or a set of figures, its just a judgement I'm making, which happens, as ususal, to be correct.

[truecrypt]

Your judgment (at least in this case) is incorrect.

[chrish12345]

No that's impossible - maybe come back in a few years time, when you have some more experience.

[truecrypt]

I think you are not qualified to teach me... at least for next couple hundred years ;)

[chrish12345]

yes, maybe then you'd be ready for the truth

[truecrypt]

I hope you don't assume that your "opinion" is the ultimate truth.

[langlois1]

Yes, but Bolet's problem is that he was too relaxed. Have a listen to his La Campanella - he takes no chances, and it is completely devoid of any quasi-Paganini fire! I think that you crown relaxation as the reigning musical affekt, when it is nothing but the foundation upon which many other characters are built. Gnomenreigen, in any case, is not about relaxation - it about a hopping demon dance!

[chrish12345]

I just meant that Pletnev obviously doesn't know it well enough to play it comfortably.

[langlois1]

Dear Chris: how do you know this? I am sure you "just know," but for those laypeople here, could you describe what characteristics his performance exhibits that alert you to his lack of preparation?

Thanks.

[chrish12345]

I've already explained all that, dear langlois.

[langlois1]

Indeed, you most certainly have not, leaving us no real explanation outside of your purported clairvoyance.

[langlois1]

His interpretations are often rather generic, aren't they?

[pianogurly]

pletnev's playing is amazing! he's so versatile and his technique is amazing but he never puts technique above emotion

[chad410]

This is a piece I played at coservatory not as good as this. oh love the jacket. love him come ti the UK please ;))