BBC Music Magazine 2013
Sturdy Performances: Marin is very strong in Liszt’s ultra-difficult Tannhäuser arrangement.
Malcolm Hayes, BBC Music Magazine 2013
musicweb-international.com
This disc has been programmed with great care, the more effusive transcriptions sandwiched between those of interior delight, such as Brassin’s delicately baroque Waldweben from Siegfried. Placing that alongside the dark cortège of Busoni’s Trauermarsch is equally inspired, for it highlights the composers’ different styles and how fluently Marin adapts to their varying demands. His control of touch and dynamics are most atmospherically demonstrated as the funeral procession dissolves into the grieving mists. What better way to end this ear-catching collection than with the amplitude, splendour and simple piety of Liszt’s overture to Tannhäuser? Once again I was struck by Marin’s ability to look beyond the many points of light that make up the Abbé’s glittered score and find so much warmth and feeling there. The work proceeds with unforced vigour and momentum towards a chanderliered apotheosis. Quite the most scruff-grabbing pianism I’ve heard in ages, and all so well recorded too. Magic and fire aplenty; Risto-Matti Marin is a pianist of style and substance.
Dan Morgan, www.musicweb-international.com
