Most Memorable Piano Transcriptions
In his career Kempff recorded a vast amount of piano repertoire, but often overlooked is his work as an interpreter of transcriptions. This collection brings together some of his most memorable ones, in performances that range from quiet dignity to storminess.
Among these are a pair of Schumann’s fleeting ‘Arabeske’, and two of the composer’s most passionate, autobiographical musings (‘Kreisleriana’ and ‘Fantasie’) in performances that are at once deeply moving and highly atmospheric. A similar quality shines through on the ‘Wachstück’ from Beethoven’s ‘Well-Tempered Clavier’, where Kempff’s phrasing and sense of proportion is nothing short of masterful.
Two of Bach’s most famous keyboard suites are also present in this recording, but it is the way that Kempff performs them which really makes the difference. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who tended to play the works as if they were original compositions with the harpsichord parts as backing instruments, Kempff plays them in a manner which emphasises their inherent pianistic qualities. The result is a set which will leave the listener with an experience that is as much of a journey as the music itself.
Kempff’s Most Memorable Piano Transcriptions
Kempff’s youth spent playing organ informs every measure of his Bach transcriptions, which are distinguished by their linear clarity and registral sensitivity. This is readily apparent in comparisons with Egon Petri’s 1930s recordings of the same pieces, but it also shines through when he takes on Busoni’s transcriptions. In ‘Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland’ and ‘In dulci jubilo’, where the gothic dimensions of the music are underlined, Kempff’s innate sense of organ sonorities allows him to reveal a whole range of harmonic colours.
This recording, from the Yellow Label’s premium catalogue of Beethovenia, is an excellent choice for those who want to hear the pianist in his most mature and assured incarnation. He gives each movement a sense of purpose and direction which is unmatched in other recordings, with superb dynamic shadings, long lines and fluid legato. The way in which he combines a pianissimo with a thundering fortissimo is simply amazing, as is the awe-inspiring majesty of his final statement on the fifth ‘Moment Musical’. All in all, a fine reminder of an artist who was, even in his later years, an inspiration to musicians the world over. Angel Hewitt’s recent Bach transcription album paid homage to this fact, but in reality Kempff was perhaps even more of a genius than his contemporaries could have hoped for.
Once you’ve found a suitable freelancer, it’s time to place your order. Review the seller’s gig description carefully to ensure you understand what’s included in the service. Provide all necessary information, such as the title of the song, artist name, and any specific instructions or preferences you have regarding the transcription. Double-check the order details before proceeding to payment to avoid any misunderstandings.