Marta Deyanova - Chopin: Scherzo & Impromptus (2012)

Tracklist

01. Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20
02. Impromptu No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 29
03. Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
04. Impromptu No. 2 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 36
05. Scherzo No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39
06. Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 54
07. Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54
08. Fantasie Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66

“These scherzos are quite diverse and have such varied characters that they are almost never performed as complete sets in live concerts (except by Pletnev in his 2-CD concert at Carnegie Hall, but his interpretation of the four Scherzos—which sounds more like Pletnev than Chopin—is unlikely to satisfy many listeners in the long run!), but generally speaking, the two most nationalistic ones—No. 1 and No. 3—appear in all Chopin concerts and demonstrate both emotional depth and virtuosity.​ They are great works.​ It is therefore a pleasure to have all four recorded here, interspersed with the generally more fleeting and dreamy Impromptus.​ It works well, and Deyanova is a Bulgarian pianist who can turn it on when needed, yet possesses a sensitivity and a complete understanding of Chopin in fantasy mode.​ All of these works are well-crafted and well-played.​ The final word might perhaps go to Pollini (the complete Scherzos) or Michelangeli (unfortunately only No. 2) in terms of finesse and virtuosity, but overall, Deyanova holds her own against any other pianist in these works—and I emphasize “overall,” since those seeking the precise technical skill of, say, a Pollini might feel shortchanged, but I’m referring to tension and verve.​ The acclaimed Diapson Prize-winning recording by Polish pianist Lidia Grychtolowna on the Muza label, part of her complete works series (with which they rightly reclaimed the composer as part of their national heritage in the 1960s through these outstanding recordings of first-class sound and first-class performance) was remastered on CD in 1995 but is hard to find—try looking on eBay.​ This CD also includes the Impromptus, but they are grouped separately from the Scherzos.​ Despite its age, it is preferable to recordings by Pollini or Pogorelich.​ But the breathtaking pianism (Grychtolowna was a student of Michelangeli), which interprets each scherzo with meticulous care, lacks that final degree of thrill and tension that comes so naturally to Deyanova and bursts forth here.​ Therefore, for me, the Polish pianist offers clarity, technique, and authenticity, but falls short of Deyanova in terms of musicality.​ I really recommend that you seek this out, because your judgment might be exactly the opposite of mine—and that’s wonderful.​ The recorded sound definitely has a life of its own! The lower octaves of the instrument are captured with vitality, while the overall sound is warm and natural.​ There’s none of the exaggerated acoustics that sometimes distract on one Nimbus recording or another—perhaps most noticeably on Alan Marks’s Liszt recitals, which are equally desirable (because of the playing).​ I found the sound much more immediate and interesting than that of Pogorelich or Pollini on DG.​ There’s none of the retouched perfection of their recordings, but this Nimbus release will give you more of the music, and I suspect it reflects Chopin’s intentions and spirit much more faithfully.​ If you want to hear Chopin’s music played with heart and flair in a very well-balanced program, this CD will bring you much joy and pleasure.​ Highly recommended.​”—David