Title: The Finest Recording of These Astounding Pieces Available
Product review: Charles-Valentin Alkan was rightly marked by Busoni as one of the 5 greatest post-Beethoven composers for piano (the others being Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, & Brahms). That his amazing music is not as well know is tragic. Alkan was close friends with Chopin & Liszt, and an influence on both of them (as well as Brahms). His music is the most technically formidable prior to Godowsky. This CD is a recording of Alkan's most remarkable work (the Opus 39 12 Etudes in the Minor Keys). It could not be better performed by Jack Gibbons. Not only is Gibbons up to the pieces cruel technical demands, but he produces a lush rich tone that is a joy in itself. Listen to his performance of the Symphony for Solo Piano (Etudes 4 - 7): there is not a better recorded performance available. Any piano lover absolutely must have these CDs. They are a treasure.
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