Product Description For his second solo album on Decca, Benjamin Grosvenor has assembled a typically imaginative and appealing programme of piano music inspired by the dance formDances is a dazzling display of solo works for piano from Bach to Boogie Woogie; via Chopin, Granados, Albeniz, Scriabin and the Blue DanubeShining the spotlight on the music of movement, this album was inspired by a letter from the great pianist-composer Ferruccio Busoni to his pupil Egon Petri proposing a dance programme as a theme for Petri s recitals, a concept Grosvenor expanded on for his Queen Elizabeth Hall debut recital in 2012The Bach Partita was marvellously light, Grosvenor s super-dry bass notes acting like the tiny push that keeps the balloon aloft. That dry, plucked bass, placed with perfect precision, came back in Chopin s F sharp minor Polonaise, giving it a superb poise. And the tumultuous octaves that begin the piece had a tremendous thrilling bite. Fire and air are Grosvenor s elements, and under his hands music seems to be made entirely from them. (The Daily Telegraph, review of QEH concert)Grosvenor is above all a technical wizard, a Harry Potter-like conjuror of the keyboard who can summon breath taking cascades of notes. And yet, unlike other technically brilliant pianists, he does not seem to want to show off. He never bangs, never plays to the gallery, and certainly would not think of breaking into a sweat. (The Financial Times, review of QEH concert)A former Gramophone Young Artist of the Year, Grosvenor will appearing at two BBC Proms in 2014 with a performance of Chopin s First Piano Concerto with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (8th August), followed by a solo recital at Cadogan Hall (1st Sep). In 2011, he was awarded the honour of opening the BBC Proms Concerts season and the youngest-ever soloist to perform on the First Night Review I can only concur with other critics who hear in his tone and phrasing echoes of a golden age, and that he should count Alfred Cortot and Benno Moiseiwitsch among his idols comes as no surprise: there is the same spaciousness within rhythmic control and the same bell-like sound. --Roger Nichols (BBC Music)...a skill and talent not heard since Kissin s teenage Russian debut --Bryce Morrison (Gramophone)...a skill and talent not heard since Kissin s teenage Russian debut --Bryce Morrison (Gramophone)
B**D
Breathtaking Benjamin!
Wow! This superb program is magnificently played by young Benjamin Grosvenor. I realize this is blasphemy, but I think his playing of the Chopin F-sharp minor polonaise even tops Rubinstein's--and that's something I rarely say. The young man is not only technically splendid, he is a MUSICIAN, which, in the long run, is even more important. Highly recommended!
E**Y
Brilliant playing! Excellent choice of pieces
Brilliant playing! Excellent choice of pieces. Don't miss this!
P**O
I loved Benjamin Grosvenor' s playing and his selections which while ...
I loved Benjamin Grosvenor' s playing and his selections which while diverse all combine to make for a great listening experience. I particularly enjoyed the Strauss. I listen to this recording a lot.
M**H
Five Stars
Terrific recordin
G**A
Five Stars
Been watching this amazing young artist since his earliest posted videos and recordings. A wonderful, varied recording superbly played.
M**S
Enjoyed It
Lively, fresh, and most enjoyable. Only found the Bach piece to be a bit boring.
B**Y
Five Stars
wonderful collection! Great listening!
A**T
Five Stars
magical playing, magical sound
T**M
His supremely expressive playing would lend itself beautifully to Rachmaninov's Preludes or the gorgeous ballades of Chopin
From the first time I heard Ben play at the age of 11, I knew he was a true musician - the real deal - and he made my hair stand on end. These performances demonstrate his sheer virtuosity and technical brilliance but also his feeling for the music across a variety of musical genres. His supremely expressive playing would lend itself beautifully to Rachmaninov's Preludes or the gorgeous ballades of Chopin. Can't wait.
M**S
Perfection in the techniques and interpretation of music from classical to modern
Piano music full of life and emotions. The clarity, sensitivity and amazing skill of this young pianist is outstanding and has resulted in my ordering another of his albums.
S**M
Bach you need to hear
His Bach is the best I have heard in a very long time, even Angela Hewitt. Deft, articulated, very sensitive - the tone control, phrasing and dynamics immaculate. Above all, a powerful rhythmic impulse that seems to drive him on at speed, but without celerity. I can listen to these again and again. The same technique and sensibility is at work in the Granados, quite another kettle of fish. He seems to have the intellect, emotion and technique of Martha Argerich. He can play anything and I will listen.
A**D
... several other discs of Grosvenor's performances and they never disappoint, pieces which may be familiar to me from ...
I have several other discs of Grosvenor's performances and they never disappoint, pieces which may be familiar to me from the many recordings by other pianistsin my collection, still manage to surprise and engage me when he plays them. Such quality, with the enterprising programming, makes this a very worthwhile addition to any collection.
F**X
A truly wonderful disk, showing this still comparatively young pianist's amazing ...
A truly wonderful disk, showing this still comparatively young pianist's amazing technique and sensitivity, it repays countless replayings and in fact I've bought two copies so that we can enjoy his Dances in two places! Highly recommended !!
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