Most Memorable Piano Transcriptions
This is an archival release of some of Kempffs most memorable piano transcriptions. The performances are a combination of live broadcasts and studio recordings. The recording dates vary from acoustical 78rpm discs through to stereo LPs. The performances are of the highest quality – long lines, fluid legato, magical dynamic shadings and attentive voicing.
A remarkably naturalistic and spontaneous pianist, Wilhelm Kempff was one of the most important figures to emerge from the Austro-German tradition in the 20th century. His interpretations ranged from Mozart and Beethoven to Schumann, Brahms, and Liszt. He was also a great chamber musician, collaborating with Menuhin, Fournier, Schneiderhan and Szeryng.
He didn’t play much Bach in his early career, but he made some of the most memorable piano transcriptions of many of the composer’s melodies. His youthful experience as an organist informs these Bach transcriptions with linear clarity and registral sensitivity. Whether it is the eight chorale preludes or his renditions of the flute Sicilliano, Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland, In dulci jubilo or two pieces from Gluck’s Orfee, Kempff’s playing of these Baroque favourites transcends their musical genre with a spiritual grandeur as sublime as Dinu Lipatti’s.
Kempffs Most Memorable Piano Transcriptions
In addition to the Bach chorale preludes, Kempff plays some of Bach’s English Suites and French Suites as well as his famous Toccata and Fugue and his Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother. While he does occasionally fall into the trap of overemphasizing the dance elements of some of these compositions, his overall effect is magical.
Kempff’s ability to take a complex piece of music and make it sound simple, is one of the reasons why he is considered such a master of piano transcription. He possessed a unique gift of making music expressive and accessible to all listeners.