Kiel has had a good month of late, appearing in the recent issue of the Romantic Piano Concertos on Hyperion and now with this delightful disc of chamber works.
The early Sonate without opus number contains some interesting ideas especially in the long and expansive Allegro and the pensive Allegretto Siciliano. Zentgraf definitely enjoys this party piece and he is accompanied with empathy by Ullrich. Next on disc is the 'Kleine Suite' Op. 77, another exquisite piece of music which also shows the geniality of this much underrated composer. Here, four short movements are imbued with grace and ethereality and the end result is a truly pleasant listening experience. Finally we have the fully fledged Sonata Op. 67, another four movement work that confirms Kiel's stature in the chamber music genre. Once again, the interpretation is excellent on all counts with Zentgraf proving a most persuasive advocate.
The recordings conform to the usual high MD&G standards and the notes are also quite commendable albeit containing some inaccurate English terms! Kiel's star is most certainly in the ascendancy.
Copyright © 2003, Gerald Fenech