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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Op 101 & & Op 106, ‘Hammerklavier’ evaluation – the power of Pollini Andrew Clements’s classic cd of the week

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Op 101 & Op 106, ‘Hammerklavier’ review – the power of Pollini Andrew Clements’s classical album of the week

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It took Maurizio Pollini more than 30 years to complete his recordings of the Beethoven piano sonatas for Deutsche Grammophon. The first instalment of that series, which appeared in 1977, was devoted to the last five sonatas, including magisterial performances of the two paired on this new release, which was recorded in Munich’s Herkulessaal in June 2021 and April this year. In the 1970s Pollini was at the height of his powers, a level that he maintained well into this century, and which has assured him a place among the greatest pianists of our time. But in the past 10 years or so his live appearances have become more erratic, with nondescript, uninvolved performances outweighing those evenings when he recaptured his old mastery.

The relatively few studio recordings Pollini has made over the past decade have proved much more consistent. His approach, whether to Beethoven or Chopin, Debussy or Schoenberg, always tended towards the analytical, and he has never been a great keyboard colourist. In his later years his playing has become even more severe, but his intellectual grip on the music has remained as secure as ever. His discs of Chopin, with the pieces grouped chronologically, for instance, were often revelatory.

All of which makes his return, in the year he turned 80, to two of the most intellectually and technically challenging works in the piano repertoire compelling listening. There’s no doubt his muscular authority in late Beethoven is as commanding as ever, even if technically the performances may not be quite as pristine and brilliant as they would have been half a century ago: there are moments in the fugal finale of Op 106 that seem congested, though that may also be because of the sheer speed at which Pollini launches into this fearsome movement. For what’s extraordinary is that, when compared with the 1977 recordings, every single movement in both sonatas is faster this time, yet there are few moments when those speeds seem excessive.

There is something slightly chilly about this pianist’s approach, and many may prefer a warmer, more human touch to these sonatas, especially in the wonderfully intimate Op 101. Yet one is always aware of the wealth of experience and understanding that is informing every bar of his playing. Throughout his long career Pollini has divided opinion, and this fine disc is a reminder that he continues to do so.

 

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Christian Contemporary

Mosaic MSC “Your Love Will Never Modification (Live)” Now Launched …

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Tampa Bay Music News Contemporary Christian Artists

Today (Sept 22), Mosaic MSC releases a live version of ” Your Love Will Never Change.” The accompanying video can be found below.

 

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Christian Contemporary

Kirk Franklin “Needs” Live Video

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Today (Sept 22), Kirk Franklin shares the live performance video for “Needs” recorded live from Vevo Studio. This is the third single from Franklin’s upcoming project Father’s Day, set to be released next month (Oct 6).

 

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Christian Contemporary

Anthony Evans Drops “Even If” Single

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Anthony Evans, No.1 Billboard charting Gospel artist, producer, performer, author, and vocal contractor/arranger for some of music’s most popular icons, announces the release of his brand new single, “Even If.” Available today, the song is the lead track from Evans’ highly anticipated full length studio album “REVIVE” that will drop globally in early 2024. Listen to “Even If” here.

“Even If” follows on the heels of Evans’ 2020 album “Altared” – a project that marked his second consecutive #1 on the Billboard Gospel Album chart. After a brief intermission from making new music, Evans’ heartfelt 2024 album, true to its title “REVIVE,” powerfully reflects his painstaking return to a strong, enduring faith after a long season of personal loss, heartache, and doubt.

The project’s lead track, “Even If,” is a slow building tune that explodes in exultation, with a declaration to praise, even if everything doesn’t go as he planned.

Says Evans, “It’s a song about what it means to have hope when your circumstance seems hopeless. It was written for those of us who have ever been in a scenario where your feelings have been telling you that God has forgotten about you. It was also written for those of us who need a reminder that your emotions don’t have intellect and don’t always tell you truth. Even if what we are facing seems insurmountable, despite what you’re feeling, God is still good.”

While setting his personal music aside for a season to focus on his mental, spiritual, and personal health, Evans has spent the past couple of years producing artist vocals for live events. He has worked on projects for Grammy winning, multi-platinum artist DJ Khaled – the latest in a long line of legendary figures who have sought out his array of behind-the-scenes talents, including Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, 2Chainz, Tyler The Creator, Kirk Franklin and Tori Kelly.

Look for Evans this fall as the official spokesperson for the international relief, development, and advocacy organization, Food for the Hungry on “The Reunion Tour” alongside Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, The Clark Sisters, David and Tamela Mann, and Israel Houghton. The nationwide arena tour kicks off on Sept. 28 in Bridgeport, Conn. vising major cities around the country before concluding on Nov. 24 in Fort Worth, Texas.

In the coming year, Evans will be promoting “REVIVE” in part on the 2024 version of “Fervent,” the touring event that he and his sister, NY Times bestselling author and actress Priscilla Shirer, host in multiple cities. He and his company, Sherman James Productions, have produced 40 sold-out events over the past few years. Also, in 2024, Evans will be bringing back “Kingdom Legacy Live,” an event inspired by the words of his mother, “All of you…together,” which features his father, Dr. Tony Evans, and siblings, Chrystal Evans Hurst, Priscilla Evans, and Jonathan Evans. The first “Kingdom Legacy Live” program in 2023 had over 6,000 attendees.

The post Anthony Evans Drops “Even If” Single appeared first on TCB.

 

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