I really can’t comment a lot on the debate over SQ because IDAGIO is not as revealing as my CD setup. I can say the piano appears to be slightly left of center, and at least on IDAGIO the sound is full and warm if not extending past the speakers too much.
As for the performances, I have more to say.
The 1999 performance is as I remember it live, if even more eccentric. Wide (if not wild) variances in tempo make it hard to appreciate the music. I remember when the recording first came out it was hailed by some as revolutionary or revelatory, but not by me. I heard it live around that time.
The 19 year old Chopin did a remarkable job orchestrating this piece for one so young, but he never became a great orchestrator as he composed almost exclusively for piano solo. (Exceptions include a cello sonata, a trio and some songs.)
I much prefer the Giulini recording. It’s more poetic and simpatico to me.
The orchestra is conducted with more authority. The 30 year old Zimerman is brilliant.
As for the performances, I have more to say.
The 1999 performance is as I remember it live, if even more eccentric. Wide (if not wild) variances in tempo make it hard to appreciate the music. I remember when the recording first came out it was hailed by some as revolutionary or revelatory, but not by me. I heard it live around that time.
The 19 year old Chopin did a remarkable job orchestrating this piece for one so young, but he never became a great orchestrator as he composed almost exclusively for piano solo. (Exceptions include a cello sonata, a trio and some songs.)
I much prefer the Giulini recording. It’s more poetic and simpatico to me.
The orchestra is conducted with more authority. The 30 year old Zimerman is brilliant.