From the archives
Andrew Mcgregor takes in a compelling new collection of recordings by the great Czech pianist Ivan Moravec
Born in Prague in 1930, Ivan Moravec lived there all his life and only broke through the Iron Curtain for success in America when George Szell heard his recordings. Supraphon’s executive producer tells us that if we’d met Moravec, we’d find he was just as modest, unpretentious, profound and full of life as his recordings. You’ll find comparisons with Michelangeli and Lipatti, both of whom Moravec admired, and Murray Perahia, who invited Moravec to the Aldeburgh Festival, the start of a lifelong friendship. ‘What struck me about his playing was the range of colours he had at his disposal, the utter naturalness of his phrasing, the unostentatious yet commanding technique, and a deeply human perspective, where artificiality had no place.’
Ivan Moravec: Potrait (Supraphon SU 4290-2; 11 CDS + 1 DVD), released for what would have been his 90th birthday, confirms Perahia’s recollections. If you’re new to Moravec’s art, sample the Chopin recordings he made for various labels to experience the tonal range and the vocal quality of the phrasing. Moravec felt that the whole spectrum of life’s feelings was found in Chopin, as well as hope; if he were granted one impossible wish it would be to hear Chopin play. Moravec’s Schumann is luminous and deeply felt – Kinderszenen from 1984, the concerto in Dallas with Mata in the ’90s. Don’t miss the Janácˇek for its quicksilver eloquence, all of it new to CD. Three Mozart concertos with the Czech Philharmonic are a delight for their self-effacing elegance; the Beethoven sonatas showcase a sense of structure, passionate emotions, and that glorious tone, from a gentle radiance to raging inferno. Moravec’s introspective intensity is perfect for Debussy, and so is the refinement of his touch.
The DVD brings a documentary subtitled in English, but more importantly televised concert performances – the Prokofiev and Ravel concertos with Ancˇerl and Neumann especially welcome. Moravec focuses the spotlight on the composer, but let’s admire a great pianist.