Maurizio Pollini, who passed away a few days ago, was one of those musicians who truly deserved the title "legendary". Blessed with a formidable technique that would make light of music before which other pianists trembled merely in the contemplation of playing it, Pollini was a true aristocrat of the instrument, dedicated to the representation and illumination of the score without frills or affectation.
His recorded legacy is full of one benchmark performance after another., and spans a huge range of styles and eras. In this video I talk about what made Pollini so special, and pull out some of my favorite Pollini recordings to discuss in more detail.
One factual error: the portrait of Schoenberg on the cover of Pollini's Schoenberg record is NOT a self-portrait, it is by Richard Gerstl. (Schoenberg's paintings are still worth checking out - they are very fine). Thanks to the viewer who pointed this out. Mea culpa.
You can read my articles and reviews at trackingangle.com
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Recommended channels for classical music fans and collectors:
The Ultimate Classical Music Guide by David Hurwitz
www.youtube.co....
Poetry On Plastic
www.youtube.co....
Flowering Spikes
/ @floweringspikes
An invaluable guide to all the different pressings of the main classical labels:
www.youtube.co....
Another excellent resource for new classical recordings is BBC Radio 3's long-standing weekly broadcast "Record Review". Shows remain available to listen to for 30 days after first broadcast:
www.bbc.co.uk/....
My system, which has evolved over 20-plus years, is tube based and many pieces were acquired used. It was mostly put together with the invaluable help and ears of Eliot Midwood at Acoustic Image (acousticimage.com) who is also responsible for many of the fine recordings on the Yarlung label.
Well-Tempered Classic Turntable (round motor)
Micro-Benz Ruby 2 MC Cartridge
Phonostage: L.A. Audio (currently out of commission - so I am using the stellar Schiit Mani 2 phonostage)
Cary Audio CD/SACD 306
Preamp: Kora Equinoxe
Amps: Genesis Monoblocks 60 Amp Valve
Speakers: Silverline Sonatas with upgraded crossover and tweeters (Dynaudio)
Cabling: Aural Symphonics
Custom-made stands, with a Townshend Seismic Sink for the Well-Tempered turntable
29 сен 2024