Pictures (2011)

For this CD/DVD combo package from Naïve, Turkish pianist Fazil Say performs Modest Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition; Leos Janácek's Piano Sonata, "1.X.1905"; and Sergey Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, filmed in concert by Jean-Pierre Loisil. If the program has an air of quirkiness, it is fitting because Fazil Say has developed a reputation for unpredictability and eccenticity, both in his repertoire and in his interpretations. Say has been hailed in some quarters as a genius, and his fearless ... Read More

For this CD/DVD combo package from Naïve, Turkish pianist Fazil Say performs Modest Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition; Leos Janácek's Piano Sonata, "1.X.1905"; and Sergey Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, filmed in concert by Jean-Pierre Loisil. If the program has an air of quirkiness, it is fitting because Fazil Say has developed a reputation for unpredictability and eccenticity, both in his repertoire and in his interpretations. Say has been hailed in some quarters as a genius, and his fearless reshaping of classic pieces by his own lights has attracted both admirers and critics; it is hard to stay neutral about his playing, which is either idiosyncratic or self-indulgent. The performance of Pictures is quite novel and surprising, even including plucking inside the piano, and one's enjoyment undoubtedly depends on liking Say's extravagant changes of pacing and having a high tolerance for his intrusive humming and grunting. The piano sonatas by Janácek and Prokofiev have somewhat... Read Less