Esther Budiardjo - piano - Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy - (1809-1847) - PRO PIANO - TT: 64:38 - (1999) - I - Rondo Capriccioso in E major, op. 14; II - Fantasy on 'The Last Rose of Summer,' op. 15; Fantasy in F-sharp minor, op. 28 - "Scottish Sonata,' III - (1) - Con molto agitato - Andante; IV - (2) - Allegro con molto; V - (3) - Presto; Six Songs without Words - Book II, op. 30 - VI - (1) - E-flat major - Andante espressivo; VII - (2) - B-flat minor - Allegro di molto; VIII - (3) - E major - Adagio non troppo; IX - (4) - B minor - Agitato e con fuoso; X - (5) - D major - Andante grazioso; XI (6) - F-sharp minor - Allegro tranquillo - Venetian Gondola Song; Six Songs without Words - Book V, op. 62 - XII - (1) - G major - Andante espressivo; XIII - (2) - B-flat major - Allegro con fuoso; XIV - (3) - E minor - Andante maestoso - Funeral March; XV - (4) - G major - Allegro con anima; XVI - (5) - A minor - Andante con molto - Venetian Gondola Song; XXVII - A major - Allegretto grazioso - Spring Song; Three Etudes, op. 104 - Part II - XVIII - (1) - B-flat minor - Presto; XIX - (2) - F major - Allegro con molto; XX - (3) - A minor - Allegro vivace; XXI - Etude in F minor.Mendelssohn was perhaps one of the most elegant of 19th century pianists; moreover, he did not follow the colorful images of Liszt, Thalberg, Herz and others of that bravura style; nevertheless, he was indeed a virtuoso who could product beautiful, subtle, nuance from his instrument and his select compositions as performed in this superb recital by Ms. Budiardjo reflect these artistic characteristics. Both sets of Songs without Words are truly lovely in their presentations. This artist fully understand the Art of the musical phrase, warmth and beauty of tone and combining a lush piano tone makes for a memorable listening experience. The virtuoso compositions include the Fantasy in F-sharp minor, op. 28 as well as the Three Etudes, op. 104 - Part II. Here, one discovers this brilliant pianist's formidable taste for the bravura and a grand flair for the dramatic.One question arises here. What has ever happened to this sterling pianist? She seems to have disappeared from the concert scene and recording studio. Too bad! Her recitals are well-worth owning. The very fine Kawai EX concert instrument is an excellent example of this company's larger instruments. Too bad also that Pro Piano and its concert hall in New York is a thing of the past. The same comments apply to its record catalogue.
