Wow!, but I prefer his other posted performance of this f minor Ballade: the 1970 performance that says live from NYC. It’s a bit different from this. A touch more legato where I prefer it to be, less harsh accent (which may be mic placement), and thus more lyrical. Two performances apparently close in time, but different. The codas are both spectacular and very similar. The sound captures are very different-the 1970 seeming from a long distance and a bit muffled; this one is like the mic is almost in the strings. 6 hours ago
If the gorgeous coda of this ballade were a race he would win... but it is not a race nor a competition for who can bang the loudest. He may be a great pianist but his interpretation of this masterpiece of Chopin leaves much to be desired poetically and musically.
Understand, and agree-that the sound here is not representative: almost as though mic is IN the piano, and thus balances are off and there is an uncharacteristic accented stridency (but, I think you do give the coda’s extraordianry virtuosity, inciseness, clarity, power, short shrift by your race metaphor.) In regard to more characteristic tonal approach and phrasings , from SF’s Tully Hull Ballade performance, also posted, though also very poorly miked ( from a primitive lap recorder somewhere in the audience ), you can get a fairer idea of Foster’s tone, lyricism, phrasing etc., : more his usual approach. In sum, i agree with the Geltrin comment, below.
Thank you Marston Records for producing and sharing these historic performances by Mr. Foster with the world. The seven CD set is spectacular!
PULVERIZING!!!! BRILLIANT - and so *beautiful!*
Glorious! Anxiously awaiting my copy in the mail...
Disappointing.
Wow!, but I prefer his other posted performance of this f minor Ballade: the 1970 performance that says live from NYC. It’s a bit different from this. A touch more legato where I prefer it to be, less harsh accent (which may be mic placement), and thus more lyrical. Two performances apparently close in time, but different. The codas are both spectacular and very similar. The sound captures are very different-the 1970 seeming from a long distance and a bit muffled; this one is like the mic is almost in the strings.
6 hours ago
Fabulous performance! As usual.
To know him was to fall in love with him and the higher side of humanity.
Original. Unbelievable coda. Articulated, but with velocity.
If the gorgeous coda of this ballade were a race he would win... but it is not a race nor a competition for who can bang the loudest. He may be a great pianist but his interpretation of this masterpiece of Chopin leaves much to be desired poetically and musically.
Understand, and agree-that the sound here is not representative: almost as though mic is IN the piano, and thus balances are off and there is an uncharacteristic accented stridency (but, I think you do give the coda’s extraordianry virtuosity, inciseness, clarity, power, short shrift by your race metaphor.) In regard to more characteristic tonal approach and phrasings , from SF’s Tully Hull Ballade performance, also posted, though also very poorly miked ( from a primitive lap recorder somewhere in the audience ), you can get a fairer idea of Foster’s tone, lyricism, phrasing etc., : more his usual approach. In sum, i agree with the Geltrin comment, below.