
Brahms: Paganini Variations (Books 1 & 2), 4 Ballades, Liszt: Paganini Etude No.2
Disk Number:
Vanguard Classics CD OVC 4034, ADD
Contents:
Johannes Brahms:
Variations on a theme by Paganini, Op.35
Book I
Book II
Ballades Op.10
Ballade – Op.10 No.1 in D minor “Edward”
Ballade – Op.10 No.2 in D major
Ballade – Op.10 No.3 in B minor
Ballade – Op.10 No.4 in B major
Franz Liszt:
Paganini Etude No.2 in E flat major
Artists:
Earl Wild piano
Recorded Date:
Originally recorded June 5,1967 and released 1967, piano: Baldwin
Producer:
Seymour Solomon
Engineer:
Ed Fredner
Piano Technician:
The Paganini/Liszt Etude No. 2 is a dervish in Wild’s hands – it needs to be heard to be comprehended. His Brahms Third Ballade is one of the best I have heard. Wild’s sparing use of pedal and lightning articulation illuminate the Paganini Variations. It’s a fiery, galvanizing performance.
Robert J. Sullivan, High Performance Review, Fall 1993