Classical CDs
Michael Houstoun dazzles with his command of a massive Beethoven work.
Legendary pianist Alfred Brendel called Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations “the greatest of all piano works”. 33 Variations on a waltz by Anton Diabelli, to give the set its full name, may not yet be your favourite, but be warned: you could be seduced by Michael Houstoun’s persuasive new release.
Houstoun established himself as a major interpreter of Beethoven’s solo piano works with his performances of the complete cycle of the 32 piano sonatas, released in a 14-CD set three years ago. Here, he again shows unfailing respect for the music while enjoying both the ironic wit and powerful drama of this massive composition. The unpretentious waltz on which the Diabelli Variations are based, played with gentle muscularity, barely hints at the variety of adventures ahead. Undaunted by the virtuosic demands and lightning-fast mood changes, Houstoun is in impressive command of pompous processions, fleet games of chasing, tongue-in-cheek dances and lyrical songs.
Towards the end of the set, we are reminded that in his late works Beethoven was a great contrapuntist; the 31st variation, the longest, is a tribute to Bach and its gorgeously decorated lines are followed in the 32nd by a magnificent double fugue. The work ends with an artless minuet to balance the opening theme, leaving this listener breathless with admiration for both composer and pianist.
Houstoun’s affectionate notes and invented titles for each variation and engineer Steve Garden’s unfailing skill in recording piano sound add to the pleasure. Michael Houstoun Beethoven: Diabelli Variations (Rattle)
The New Zealand String Quartet are marking their 30th anniversary this year and their latest CD is one of the finest releases to date. It’s an inspired pairing of the 3rd String Quartet with Brahms’s Clarinet Quintet, in which the four musicians are joined by long-time colleague Canadian clarinettist James Campbell.
At home in this music after many performances, the ensemble bring a wide colour palette to the quartet. Glistening melodies, intense lyricism and intuitive flexibility reveal them as passionate romantics with a sophisticated understanding of Brahms.
Brahms was apparently lured from retirement by the playing of clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld, for whom he created several chamber works, including this quintet. At times, the mood is darker and more elegiac, as in the melancholy Adagio. This movement is a highlight of the disc, with the five musicians in complete emotional and musical accord. Brahms String Quartet No 3, Clarinet Quintet. New Zealand String Quartet, James Campbell, Clarinet (Naxos)
While a mature Brahms was expressing a ripe 19th-century romanticism, the young Debussy was just beginning his career. New
Zealand School of Music faculty members Martin Riseley (violin), Inbal Megiddo (cello) and Jian Liu (piano), who perform as Te Kōkī Trio, have curated an appealing Debussy recital that includes his early Piano Trio and two of the French master’s last works, the sonatas for violin and cello.
The full-blown lyricism of the early
Piano Trio may suit these musicians best. The two neoclassical sonatas are closely recorded with nowhere-to-hide clarity; this reveals occasional flaws and Megiddo’s heavy use of vibrato, but also subtlety and sweetness from both string players. Liu’s liquid piano playing and the consistent rapport among all three musicians are highlights of this attractive release. Debussy Sonatas and Piano Trio, Te Kōkī Trio (Rattle)