Editorial Reviews

This EMI reissue contains nearly all of Igor Stravinsky's original solo piano works plus the three works for piano and orchestra, in relatively chronological order, performed by Michel Béroff. Béroff has a youthful energy here, which is understandable, as these recordings were made in the 1970s when he was in his twenties, but he also has a great feel for the tenors of the works. He understands that the substance and humor of the "Scherzo" and the "Sonata in F sharp minor" are not the same as those of the "Movements for piano and orchestra," written 55 years later. The "Sonata in F sharp minor" is full of grand Russian, Romantic flavor and affectation, and Béroff plays it as such, fully absorbed in the sentiment, but grounding himself with a tenacious technical ability. He performs "Les doigts (5)" with an innocent humor, but a sophisticated manner. The "Movements (3) from Petrushka" are more percussive, more streamlined in expression, and played with great livliness by Béroff. The Orchestre de Paris and Seiji Ozawa match Béroff's energy in the "Capriccio" and the "Concerto for piano and winds." The "Movements for piano and orchestra" represents another phase of Stravinsky's compositional style, incorporating serialism. Béroff and Ozawa carefully give the piece shading and make the piano more a part of the ensemble, rather than a soloist. Béroff makes this two-disc set an easy and solid choice for Stravinsky's most significant piano works. Patsy Morita, All Music Guide

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