About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Born in Lyons, France, pianist Walter Gieseking was largely respected for his execution and interpretation of Ravel and Debussy. His repertoire, however, was far from limited to these Impressionist masters from his homeland. Gieseking's concerts, recitals, and extensive discography show him to have an exceptionally wide taste in music, new and old, from Bach to Schoenberg. This Medici Arts album provides a slightly less broad cross-section of Gieseking's recordings, taken from late in the pianist's life. The disc opens with a brash, sometimes bordering on reckless, reading of Beethoven's "Fourth Piano Concerto" with the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester. The outer movements are brisker and more impetuous than listeners may be accustomed to, and Gieseking's own first movement cadenza is an improvisatory tour de force unlike anything else. Despite all the pyrotechnics, Gieseking holds things together. The sound quality heavily favors the treble end of the spectrum, losing the lower end of the orchestra to a wash of muddy sound. Continuing with Schumann's "A minor Piano Concerto," Gieseking again pushes the envelope, but his vigorous tempos seem less out of place in Schumann than in Beethoven. Sound quality is again very treble-heavy. Perhaps the most satisfying tracks on the disc are saved for last where listeners are treated to three short works of Debussy and Ravel. Hearing the nimble touch and elegantly implemented pedal is instant confirmation of Gieseking's praise as an interpreter of Ravel and Debussy. Mike Brownell, All Music Guide

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