CD ECM Records Keith Jarrett - Dmitri Shostakovich: 24 Preludes And Fugue Op. 87

1992

Keith Jarrett - pian

Dmitri Shostakovich: 24 Preludes And Fugue Op. 87

Stereophile, Recording of the month CD Review, Disc of the month Stereoplay, Die Perfekte

With this recording, Mr. Jarrett has finally staked an indisputable claim to distinction in the realm of classical music. Even in our multicultural, multistylistic age, it is still extremely difficult to cross over from one field to another. Mr. Jarrett, having long since established himself in jazz, can now be called a classical pianist of the first rank. John Rockwell, The New York Times The Shostakovich is, quite simply, one of the touchstones of the keyboard literature, and the value of Jarrett’s committed advocacy of this piece cannot be overestimated [...] He really has done an outstanding job: listening to him is simply a joy.

David Hurwitz, Fanfare

Although he has made several classical recordings in the past few years, Jarrett’s ability to yoke his unique interpretive talents to Shostakovich’s comes as a marvellous surprise, his playing so superlative and his emotional response so faithful that there’s never any doubt that it’s the music of Shostakovich shining through. The potentially daunting inner contrapuntal lines of the fugues are always kept clearly delineated by Jarrett’s superb technique.

Joey Rand, Los Angeles Reader

Those who have admired Keith Jarrett’s piano improvisations will find him equally impressive in Dmitri Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes and Fugues […] His technique is what you notice first; he makes things look easy that cost other pianists – good ones – a lot of obvious effort. The interpretation is individual but not eccentric; the composer and performer have a meeting of minds with exciting results.

Joseph McLellan, The Washington Post