Pattern shifts

Press, 7 October 1988, Page 23

Pattern shifts

SfiTtASSICS"

DEBUSSY: Preludes, Images, Estampes, played by Claudio Arrau, piano. (Philips CD 420 393-2, ADD. Released by Record Clubs of Australia). For some unknown reason, these pieces are normally associated with younger pianists — Pascal Roge, David Adni and others, but it is the autumnal reflections of Claudio Arrau which make a deep impression here. The only thought to support the older man’s performances over those of his younger contemporaries is his shift of colour and pattern, a direct result of his long experience in the world, as opposed to those who have little experience outside the concert platform. Arrau ploughs a wider and deeper furrow; the others are limited by their lack of worldly experi..l ■ i

ence. Arrau spreads his rich colouring with skill; the warm recorded sound helps considerably. The only area where he fails to better the Frenchmen is in the singular quality at certain times of making some notes fall like drops of water. SCHUBERT. Symphonies 8 and 9 played by the 8.P.0. conducted by Herbert von Karajan. (DG CD 423 219-2, ADD. 1965-1969). Herbert von Karajan is hot news at present, and even his oldest recordings are much in demand, if only for the reason that he has been going for so long that the collector can

afford to sit back and reflect on his vast and varied output. In spite of the niggling feeling that the record company is making do with old performances, there is considerable merit in reaching back into history. All of his early recordings of Schubert were listenable at least, magnificent at best, and the Ninth was a shining example of the German conductor at his most eloquent. Long after other recordings of the Schubert symphony cycle had drifted out of the personal library, von Karajan’s set filled a gap that was entirely satisfactory in every way. Now, among the hordes of versions available, his Eighth and Ninth are still worth consideration. —ALLAN FRANCIS