Magnificent
programming here from Serkin. This 1973 recital reflected his
enthusiasm for Bach - apparently he introduced Schoenberg to
this work - while also including the music of another of his
enthusiasms, Max Reger.
The
Bach is in fact an oasis of calm. To be able to project this
level of intimate calm to an acoustic space as large as London’s
RFH is impressive indeed. There is a hypnotic purity of thought
to the performance that is quite remarkable.
Bach
to Reger’s Variations and Fugue on a theme of Bach is
a logical progression. BBC Legends has usefully tracked each
variation. The piece is a huge canvas in Serkin’s hands. All
aspects of Reger’s straitlaced seriousness of intent and of
his harmonies seem entirely right. What’s more, the scale of
Reger’s conception is entirely in accord with Serkin’s ability
to project the larger canvas; not to mention his sometimes absolutely
huge sound! In fact, this would be the ideal introduction to
Reger or anyone wishing to get to know his music. A next step
might be Mark Latimer’s disc on Warner
Classics.
Serkin’s
Beethoven is legendary and these BBC performances help to flesh
out his discography. In 2005 I reviewed a two-disc Music
& Arts set that included a phenomenal 1952 Columbia
Waldstein. There was no Op. 78, though. Serkin’s approach
is interesting in that he sets out to create true contrasts
between the work’s two movements. One could easily guess the
‘ma non troppo’ qualifier to the first movement’s allegro. This
sets the ultra quick-fire second movement (‘Allegro vivace’)
into high relief. Magnificent.
This
live Waldstein is extremely assured. The concentration
involved in the first movement is almost palpable, the structural
grasp almost without parallel. It is also remarkably technically
accurate. The lead-in to the finale is exquisitely managed,
while there are some truly beautiful shadings of tone in the
finale. The gorgeous sonorities are expertly controlled.
This
must have been a very special night on the South Bank. Great
pianism meets great programming – what more could one have asked?.
Perhaps to have the evening preserved. So it is that we should
count ourselves lucky to hear this. The BBC Legends series continues
to fascinate and stimulate.
Colin
Clarke
Rudolf Serkin (piano)
