Brahms: Variations On A Theme By Paganini | Schumann: Études Symphoniques
Label: Centaur Records | Catalog: 3367
Johannes Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 35, Books I and II
Robert Schumann: Études Symphoniques, Op. 13
Robert Schumann – Franz Liszt: Liebeslied “Widmung” (“Dedication”)
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“Sophia Agranovich is a bold, daring pianist in the tradition of the Golden Age Romantics… The impression is of a pianist swept away in the moment of performing.”
“Agranovich’s presentation of Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes is a case study in technical mastery, musical depth, and meticulous attention to detail… Agranovich combines the spaciousness of Richter and the propulsion of Gieseking to convey both tragedy and drive.”
– Myron Silberstein, Fanfare Read full review
“The highly accomplished Ukrainian-born pianist Sophia Agranovich gives exciting readings of two virtuoso works by Brahms and Schumann, but what gives them special interest is that she has taken the step (or leap) into interpretative freedom… She has the patience and temperament to give each of the 28 variations its own mood, and she also establishes a satisfying arc from beginning to end…. The Steinway she plays is magnificent sounding and was recorded with depth and realism, a decided plus… The result is a bold interpretation where every phrase is emphatically personal.”
– Huntley Dent, Fanfare Read full review
” But there’s more to Agranovich’s performance than its technical spit and polish. At least as well as, and perhaps even better than the others, she is able to channel some of the intense concentration and control required just to play the notes into musical characterizations of the individual variations…”
– Jerry Dubins, Fanfare Read full review
Liner Notes by Sophia Agranovich