review on a musical programme
Answers
Recorded at the concert hall of BBC Broadcasting House in 1963, with a 1959 account of the Andante spianato and grande polonaise as a ‘bonus’ track, this recital reveals the multifaceted artistry of Arthur Rubinstein at its most heart-warming. The early Beethoven Sonata is irresistibly exuberant in its opening Allegro, as well as its Scherzo and light-footed finale; in the Adagio Rubinstein brings poetry to the fragmentary cross-handed phrases.
A sense of delight permeates his performance of the Ravel waltzes; he digs into the scrunchy textures and lets the composer’s lime-and-soda harmonies fizz and gleam throughout this rhythm-driven yet never hurried interpretation.
His Chopin Nocturne is cool and pure, the G minor Ballade refulgent with drama (though there’s a moment of sound distortion in the coda, unfortunately); and the Andante spianato and grande polonaise has a mischievous flair that culminates in an unscheduled treble whoosh in the final bars – understandably, it brings the house down. Shame about the sound quality, which makes the recital sound much older than it is. But it’s still a concert to treasure, full of Rubinstein's unquenchable spirit.
SO PLEASE MARK ME AS BRAINLIEST
