Lutoslawski: Complete Piano Works – Simon

   in Piano International (Sep, 2016)
By far the most extended piece here is Lutosławski’s early Piano Sonata. A student work, the composer’s models were French Impressionists and Szymanowski. Simon’s account of the first movement Allegro is perfumed and affectionate, acknowledging without over-emphasising the Ravel strain. The excellent recording (Deutschlandradio Kultur) captures Simon’s every nuance, as well as her astonishing delicacy in the central Adagio, where the musical argument is admirably sustained. Perhaps some of the more ecstatic passages could be rendered with greater radiance, but there is true magic towards the close of the finale. While Gloria Cheng (Telarc) provides an excellent alternative for the Sonata, it is good that Simon provides us with the balance …
Read more on agoraclassica.com