Track Listing

1. 1. Largo - Allegro
2. 2. Adagio
3. 3. Allegretto
4. Adagio
5. Finale. Allegro - Meno Allegro (Allegretto) - Allegro molto - Adagio ma non troppo - Marcia assai v

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50159 in Music
• Released on: 2004-01-13
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
This surprising program is a joy through and through. It begins with a 1985 work by John Corigliano (Fantasia on an Ostinato) that uses the slow-movement theme from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony and then later flies off into wonderfully emotion-filled directions. Next come Beethoven's "Tempest" sonata, played with just the right drama, and his fabulous "Choral Fantasy," op. 80, which is part sonata, part study for the 9th symphony. Pianist Grimaud plays the Fantasy with alternating delicacy and power, and the CD ends with Arvo Pärt's Credo, scored for piano solo, mixed chorus, and orchestra. This last piece is rich and complex, and in some ways encompasses the previous works' emotions and textures; those who think of Pärt as the quiet, holy minimalist, are in for a treat, and perhaps shock. Grimaud is simply magnificent regardless of the century or style; the beauty of her tone is surpassed only by its expressiveness. Esa Pekka Salonen leads the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir handsomely. This is a very special disc, a must for your collection. --Robert Levine

Mary Ellyn Hutton Cincinnati Post music writer
A star on the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's two-week tour of Europe, Grimaud met with cheering crowds

Customer Reviews

A Fusion of Intellect and Passion: A Magnificent Recital!
CREDO is simply one of the most extraordinary CDs ever to be released. DGG has set a precedent for significant 'recordings' that can only enhance the future of Classical Music survival for the home listener. The concept of this thoughtful grouping of four works is the brain child of the phenomenal pianist Helene Grimaud the concept of interweaving musical threads from Bach and Beethoven through the contemporary John Corigliano and Arvo Part results here in an experience that is at once satisfying to the mind and to the heart. This is programming at its best!

Helene Grimaud is a pianist of great dexterity and intelligence, but she is also a pianist who imbues the composers' works with inner strength of spirit and is not afraid to allow her own convictions about the piece to come forward. One is reminded of the great Romantic pianists whose personality enhanced their playing instead of seeming to concentrate on mere reproduction of the composers' wishes. Her playing is warm, the strength coming from not just the fingers but the entire body. She is partnered by Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir and as always, Salonen finds the essence of the works in a way as fresh as the finest conductors of history (and present).

The CD opens with John Corigliano's Fantasia on a theme from the Beethoven 7th Symphony's 'Allegretto' - a work of haunting spare beauty played with mysticism by Grimaud. This whisper segues into the Tempest Sonata by Beethoven in which Grimaud demonstrates that she can delve into the majesty of Beethoven with the finest of Beethoven specialists. Almost without pause the third work (Beethoven's Choral Fantasy) begins and by the time the chorus enters it is difficult not to feel as though we are witnessing Elysian. The true surprise of the CD is the final selection which is Part's "Credo" composed for piano, orchestra and chorus and uses a direct quotation at the piano of a Bach prelude that leads into a harrowingly dramatic Credo as sung and played by Salonen's energetically supporting conducting and forces. This is overwhelmingly and beautifully an homage to the indomitable human spirit.

The accompanying booklet includes a poetic introduction by Grimaud and a conversation between Grimaud and Michael Church, both of which further substantiate the significance of the originality of Helene Grimaud's philosophy. She is a Colorist and a keeper of the soul. This CD is a must for every type of lover of classical music. Instead of 5 stars, it deserves 10!

Refreshing and Thoughtful
This is such an involving listening experience that it seems odd that more classical music CDs don't borrow the approach espoused here. Rather than a disc dominated by one composer, certainly the norm, we get something more closely approximating a recital, a very adventurous one at that, which links composers and pieces that at first glance would seem to have relatively little in common. Part of the joy for the listener is sensing and identifying points of connection among the pieces and finding different ways to listen than perhaps would be in evidence if all the music had come from the same composer. What makes this work a success, however, is Grimaud, who sounds thoroughly at ease and confident in this mixed repertoire. Though she looks delicate, she can pound and thunder with the best (or worst) of them and it is to her credit here that she holds her sometimes tendency to overstate a phrase well in check. She sounds very relaxed, like she is having fun exploring the music, and her interpretations of the Beethoven pieces have a freshness and immediacy that is just thoroughly and immediately engaging. Might be the best classical music CD released this year.

Shimmering, Stunning, Furious, Sublime
This is an amazing CD. There is a link, perhaps more of a thread, between the Corigliano, the Paert and the Ludwig Van. It may take more than one listen to become evident, but it's there. This is some of the most compelling Beethoven I've ever heard. Rather than get in the listener's face with the typical clenched-fist-to-the-heavens, Grimaud draws the listener in with a unique lyricism, precision and contained fury that reveals layer upon layer of beauty and mystery. While the Tempest is a linear marvel, the volcanic passion of the Choral Fantasy will blow you away! Paert's Credo is an awesome and surprising listening experience. Rhythmically and texturally adventurous, this sounds nothing like Fratres. Salonen and the SRS are monstrous and vivid; the pairing with Grimaud's piano is perfect. Whatever your mood, this exceptional disc will satisfy it.