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Site review by Polly Nomial May 1, 2006
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Performance: Sonics: |
This is the second disc from Mirrored Nature Records that I have heard (the first is Beethoven, Franck: Violin Sonatas - Stark, Shteinbouk) and sadly, they are still using the frankly awful Lydian Sound studio in Richmond Hill, Canada. Again, the performers and producers have been brave by choosing repertoire which has some exceptionally good recordings like Beethoven: Complete Sonatas & Variations - Wispelwey/Lazic for the sonata and Beethoven: Piano Trios Nos. 4, 5 & 7 - Beaux Arts Trio. Like the first disc from MNR, the performers are severely hindered by the studio chosen, although even in an ideal acoustic these readings still wouldn't be recommendable without some reservations.
In the sonata, which opens the disc, most of the playing is reasonable though without the imagination and joy shared by Lazic & Wispelwey. There are also moments where Belkin does not match her tuning to the piano (which again sounds very "bare boned") and the last movement especially sounds plodding without any humour which Lazic & Wispelwey reveal; it is quite an acheivement (of sorts) to make Beethoven sound boring. The (rightly) famous "Archduke" trio is treated to (what I originally thought) was quite a brusque opening. Upon reflection, it is a reasonable pace but there is none of the loving care that comes across from the Beaux Arts Trio. Whilst this performance as a whole is of a more convincing nature than the cello sonata, there are still lapses of concentration (particularly from the pianist) when, for a whole week in the studio, a more firmer grasp of the music could have been achieved.
Again, like MNR's disc of Franck & Beethoven, the sound is like what might expect to hear in a practice room not a concert hall of any reputable nature; the sound has no bloom nor does the recording reveal any resonance at all. This is completely unacceptable for a label which states as a part of the recording philosophy that they seek to "... capture the ... the magic and soul of the live musical experience." Unfortunately for MNR, most classical listeners will have experienced far more magic and sould in live experiences, not least a passable (if not good or great) concert hall. There are too many other companies that better convey MNR's laudible aims to SACD buyers for this to be recommendable. The one good thing that I can find to say about the recording is that the instruments are well balanced against one another. The lack of MCH doesn't help the lack of bloom or acoustic signature at all; something which is essential if stereo listening is to be at all tolerable.
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Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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