Godowsky- Strauss Transcriptions and Other Waltzes

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Hamelin triumphs again
Hearing items from this recording on radio recently, it was clear that Godowsky's imaginative approach to transcription and his virtuosic pianistic skills were equally matched by Marc-Andre Hamelin's artistry. Indeed, while I have heard some of these pieces dismissed by others as mere 'salon music', under Hamelin's care they emerged as works of substantial merit, as appropriate to the concert platform as any major work. And what often sounds like a physical struggle in the hands of some pianists, emerged here as part of Hamelin's bread and butter diet. Not a negative comment about his playing skills, I hasten to say; but an indication that he makes it possible for the listener to move beyond the momentary illusion of finger fireworks and enjoy the mood and imagery evoked by Godowsky's creative flair. Now I am keenly awaiting the arrival of the CD so I can explore this further.