Welcome to ‘Dodd’s Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly. And the best part… the albums featured in the most current review will be available at a reduced price! Click the button below to see all of Dodd’s Discoveries and to find the current album(s) on sale.
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This is an important “discovery” for me.
First, the recording itself. I don’t like recordings that make the piano sound as if it’s in the next room. I suspect this goes back to my childhood years of piano lessons — I was right there, playing the thing. There was no thinness of tone, no distance. Generally speaking, I very much like the way Pentatone presents piano recordings, and this one is no exception. I’m a big believer that where the microphones are hung is the most important aspect of recording.
Next, Saskia Giorgini’s playing and interpretations. She plays as if she’s improvising, discovering beauty wherever she goes. She never overacts. Her playing has intimacy, refinement, and technical mastery. These are the qualities that make this album of Liszt pieces so special. Liszt supplies the razzledazzle; she brings it out with personal touch and technical clarity.
I have never been a big fan of Liszt’s solo piano works, but Saskia Giorgini has made me a believer. She’s expressive without being selfindulgent, lyrical without being sentimental, and intellectually alert without being analytical. Whether you’re a Liszt devotee or not, listen to the samples — I think you’ll agree these are outstanding performances.
As you can tell, I like it.
You might also be interested in this one. It’s excellent!
