Rubinstein: Piano Music / Joseph Banowetz

$19.99
Label
Naxos
Release Date
May 25, 2010
Format
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    Featuring ⌄
    • COMPOSER
      RUBINSTEIN, ANTON
    • PERFORMER
      Joseph Banowetz
    Product Details ⌄
    Works ⌄

    1. Theme: Lento

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    2. Variation 1: Allegro

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    3. Variation 2: Andante con moto

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    4. Variation 3: Tempo di marcia

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    5. Variation 4: Andante con moto

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    6. Variation 5: Moderato assai - Allegro

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    7. Variation 6: Vivace

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    8. Variation 7: Moderato assai

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    9. Variation 8: Moderato con moto

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    10. Variation 9: Moderato

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    11. Variation 10: Con moto

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    12. Variation 11: Allegro

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    13. Variation 12: Allegro moderato

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    14. No. 1. Andante con moto

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    15. No. 2. Allegretto

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    16. No. 3. Tempo di mazurka

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    17. No. 4. Adagio

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz

    18. No. 5. Allegro non troppo

      Composer: Anton Rubinstein

      Performer: Joseph Banowetz




A. RUBINSTEIN Theme and Variations, op. 88. Akrostichon No. 2, op. 114 • Joseph Banowetz (pn) • NAXOS 8.570941 (73:44)


Joseph Banowetz might easily be thought of as an Anton Rubinstein specialist. He has, after all, recorded all of Rubinstein’s works for piano and orchestra for Naxos’s sister label, Marco Polo, plus four other discs of Rubinstein’s solo piano music. This is a worthy task, for while there is a grand total of some 50 recordings of Rubinstein’s famous Melody in F, very few other works recorded make even two different versions. The sheer dedication of Banowetz is remarkable, and his fine reading of these two works (both world premiere recordings) implies strongly that it is time for a reappraisal of Anton Rubinstein (1829–94). Banowetz is a pianist of some strength—clearly, he is no shrinking violet, anyway, and this robust approach coupled with exemplary finger clarity lends itself superbly to this repertoire.


The Theme and Variations, op. 88, dates from 1871 and lasts some 47 minutes in this performance. It is therefore a major work, and Banowetz certainly treats it as such. His respect for Rubinstein’s talent is evident in every measure he plays. The music itself might well come as something of a revelation, for the invention flows confidently and appealingly from Rubinstein’s pen. Moments of mystery are honored (try the recitative-like ruminations of the fifth variation). Most importantly, Banowetz provides just the right amount of fantasy. The range of the variations is wide, moving from Schumannesque innigkeit (variation 7) to Handelian grandeur viewed through a decidedly romantic telescope (the very next variation). The climax is formed by the 12th and final variation, lasting some 10 minutes. Banowetz whips the music up to a fulfilling, summatory statement. The recording is a trifle shallow and dry, perhaps, but the ear adjusts quickly.


The Akrostichon , op. 2, of 1890, stands in stark contrast. A set of five salon pieces (which together add up in duration to around 27 minutes), the op. 2 counterbalances the Theme and Variations perfectly. There is a spring-like freshness to the second (Allegretto) that is most appealing. All five pieces make for compelling listening, not least the individual, evocative solo lines of the fourth piece (Adagio).


This constitutes Volume 1 of what is presumably intended to be a complete edition of Rubinstein’s piano works, and I note that ArkivMusic is already listing (and highlighting, at the time of writing) Volume 2 (which contains Akrostichon No. 1; Two Pieces, op. 26; Souvenir de Dresde , op. 118; Two Melodies, op. 3; and the Sérénade russe in B Minor). I hope to hear the next installment in due course; in the meantime, Volume 1 provides ample cause for celebration.


FANFARE: Colin Clarke