Anton Rubinstein - Piano Music Vol. 5 (Joseph Banowetz)

Information

Composer: Anton Rubinstein

• (01) Theme and Variations, Op. 88
• (14) Akrostichon No. 2, Op. 114

Joseph Banowetz, piano
Date: 2010
Label: Naxos
https://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.570941

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Review

Joseph Banowetz might easily be thought of as an Anton Rubinstein specialist. He has, after all, recorded all of Rubinstein’s works for piano and orchestra for Naxos’s sister label, Marco Polo, plus four other discs of Rubinstein’s solo piano music. This is a worthy task, for while there is a grand total of some 50 recordings of Rubinstein’s famous Melody in F, very few other works recorded make even two different versions. The sheer dedication of Banowetz is remarkable, and his fine reading of these two works (both world premiere recordings) implies strongly that it is time for a reappraisal of Anton Rubinstein (1829–94). Banowetz is a pianist of some strength—clearly, he is no shrinking violet, anyway, and this robust approach coupled with exemplary finger clarity lends itself superbly to this repertoire.

The Theme and Variations, op. 88, dates from 1871 and lasts some 47 minutes in this performance. It is therefore a major work, and Banowetz certainly treats it as such. His respect for Rubinstein’s talent is evident in every measure he plays. The music itself might well come as something of a revelation, for the invention flows confidently and appealingly from Rubinstein’s pen. Moments of mystery are honored (try the recitative-like ruminations of the fifth variation). Most importantly, Banowetz provides just the right amount of fantasy. The range of the variations is wide, moving from Schumannesque innigkeit (variation 7) to Handelian grandeur viewed through a decidedly romantic telescope (the very next variation). The climax is formed by the 12th and final variation, lasting some 10 minutes. Banowetz whips the music up to a fulfilling, summatory statement. The recording is a trifle shallow and dry, perhaps, but the ear adjusts quickly.

The Akrostichon , op. 2, of 1890, stands in stark contrast. A set of five salon pieces (which together add up in duration to around 27 minutes), the op. 2 counterbalances the Theme and Variations perfectly. There is a spring-like freshness to the second (Allegretto) that is most appealing. All five pieces make for compelling listening, not least the individual, evocative solo lines of the fourth piece (Adagio).

This constitutes Volume 1 of what is presumably intended to be a complete edition of Rubinstein’s piano works, and I note that ArkivMusic is already listing (and highlighting, at the time of writing) Volume 2 (which contains Akrostichon No. 1; Two Pieces, op. 26; Souvenir de Dresde , op. 118; Two Melodies, op. 3; and the Sérénade russe in B Minor). I hope to hear the next installment in due course; in the meantime, Volume 1 provides ample cause for celebration.

-- Colin Clarke, FANFARE

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2011/Jan11/rubinstein_85709412.htm
https://www.allmusic.com/album/anton-rubinstein-piano-music-1871-1890-mw0001989903
https://www.naxos.com/reviews/reviewslist.asp?catalogueid=8.570941&languageid=EN

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Anton Rubinstein (November 28 [O.S.November 16] 1829 – November 20 [O.S. November 8] 1894) was a Russian pianist, composer and conductor who became a pivotal figure in Russian culture when he founded the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. He was the elder brother of Nikolai Rubinstein who founded the Moscow Conservatory. As a pianist, Rubinstein ranks amongst the great 19th-century keyboard virtuosos. He was also a prolific composer throughout much of his life. Rubinstein wrote 20 operas and a large number of other works, including five piano concertos and six symphonies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Rubinstein

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Joseph Banowetz (born December 5, 1936) is an American-born pianist, pedagogue, author, and editor,. Among his teachers are Carl Friedberg and György Sándor. Banowetz has been heard as recitalist and orchestral soloist on five continents, and is an expert on the music of the Russian romantic composer Anton Rubinstein. He is also internationally recognized as an author and editor. Banowetz has recorded 25 discs for the Naxos, Marco Polo, Toccata Classics, Warner Brothers, and Altarus labels. He has served on major piano juries; his students have also been awarded important competition prizes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Banowetz

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