Scriabin: Etude in C# minor, Op. 42/5 (Korobeinikov, Fergus-Thompson, Richter, Oh-Havenith, Montero)

Описание: Korobeinikov - 0:00
Fergus-Thompson - 3:00
Richter - 6:19
Oh-Havenith - 8:58
Montero - 12:33

Andrei Korobeinikov - He, along with Montero, embraces a more "conventional" approach to the etude. What results is an incredibly pristine recording, striking a perfect balance between intensity and delicacy, and seamlessly interweaving melodic and textural playing. His first climax (1:01) is explosively brilliant, while his second climax (1:54) is almost more of an anti-climax — a subdued plea. On most days, this recording is my favourite among the five.

Gordon Fergus-Thompson - His interpretation is erratic, untamed, violent at times — yet utterly beautiful. His pushing and pulling of the theme (4:05) is highly effective. He often concludes phrases with crescendos (e.g. 3:12, 3:24, 3:38) which adds a layer of urgency to his performance. These idiosyncrasies give this recording an unmistakable personal character, which makes it remarkably effective and compelling.

Sviatoslav Richter - I have very little to say about this recording. Richter's intense and unwavering tempo make this one of the most fervent, ferocious, and tempestuous renditions I have ever heard.

Jimin Oh-Havenith - I wasn't sure whether to include this recording at all, and a fair number of you likely won't understand the appeal. However, I appreciate the more steady, rhythmic/percussive approach taken here (e.g. the eighth notes at 10:54) as opposed to the sort of wild tumult in most other interpretations. I also think she does a superb job of maintaining intensity throughout the entire etude (especially difficult given the deliberately slower tempo!). While definitely not my favourite recording, I think it has enough merits to deserve a spot here.

Gabriela Montero - The more I listen to this recording, the more I love it. It has the passion and intensity of Richter, the erraticness of Fergus-Thompson, the percussiveness of Oh-Havenith, and the balance between melody and texture of Korobeinikov — all this while still maintaining a unique character of its own. Also... just listen to 14:08.