Word: sonata
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Friday night's recital opened with eleven Bagatelles, op. 119. These are wonderful little pieces, expressing a great variety of moods; because of Aitken's lack of tone coloration, these moods were not completely realized. Next came the "Hammerklavier" Sonata, op. 106, which Aitken projected so magnificently that it almost sounded "at home" on the piano. This was Beethoven in black and white, a Beethoven of great contrasts and climaxes, altogether a gigantic conception of a gigantic work. Some details of the performances appeared faulty. The volume level never wont below mezzo forte, so there could hardly be any distinction...
Aitken continued his series yesterday afternoon with the Sonata in A op. 101, the Sonata in A flat op. 110, and the Sonata in C op. 111. While the quality of the playing was not quite up to the standard of the first recital, it was nevertheless a very rewarding afternoon...
Today Aitken will play Bagatelles, Opus 119 Sonata, Opus 106, and Sonata, Opus 109. Sunday his selections will be Sonata, Opus 101, Bagatolles, Opus 126, and Sonata, Opus...
...Copland: Sonata for Violin and Piano (Joseph Fuchs, violin; Leo Smit, piano; Decca, 1 side LP). One of U.S. Composer Aaron Copland's later (1942-43) and most lyrical pieces, masterfully performed. The record carries a matching performance of Stravinsky's neo-classical Duo Concertant on the other side. Recording: good...
Schubert: Sonata In C Minor (Webster Aitken, piano; Elaine Music Shop, 2 sides LP). Since 68-year-old Artur Schnabel retired from touring, concert audiences seldom get to hear any of the three splendid "Grand Sonatas" Schubert composed in the last year of his life (1828); most other pianists consider them too long and repetitious. This one, the first, does not have so much spontaneous melody as the other two, but Schubert lovers will not want to miss it in Aitken's strong, clean performance. Recording: excellent...