By WH99400
23-May-2011

Engaging, albeit at a slightly slow tempo  

This recording consists of the two Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia (Op. 27, No. 1 and No. 2) from Beethoven, paired with Schumann’s Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17, as well as Chopin’s Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49. The well known Moonlight Sonata appears first, and is for the most part well-played, but the tempo seems just a touch slow and the Presto Agitato comes across as being just a hair choppy. This tempo certainly helps make the 3rd movement manageable, as it is a cavalcade of notes and striving emotions. The other Beethoven Sonata (No. 1), is also similarly played, although the querying nature of the 2nd movement seems to really suit Mr. Parker’s style. The 3rd movement is gorgeous, and the 4th, while again not uber smooth, is for the most part well-played.

The Schumann Fantasie is where Mr. Parker shines. He gives this romantic music pulse and vigor -- the 2nd movement really gets up and moves, and the 3rd movement brings the listener back down to a comfortable place to end the piece. Unfortunately, the Chopin Fantasy didn’t quite have the level of smoothness that I expected – it is not that it is performed badly, but the performance simply does not rise to the level of expectation that I had after hearing the Schumann Fantasie.

So all said and done, if you are looking for a reasonable interpretation of either of the two Beethoven Sonatas, or are looking for a good rendition of the Schumann Fantasie, then this disc is worth adding to your collection.
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