For this his third volume of works by Antoine Reicha, the pianist Ivan Ilic turns to one of the composer’s most extraordinary works, L’Art de varier, Op. 57. ‘The Art of Variation’ consists of fifty-seven variations on a theme (that the number of variations match the opus number is not a coincidence) and was composed in 1802 – 03, at the beginning of the six-year period which Reicha spent in Vienna, where he studied with Haydn and re-kindled his previous friendship with Beethoven. The set is remarkable for its scale and invention. Ivan Ilic describes the work as the missing link between Bach’s ‘Goldberg’ Variations and Beethoven’s ‘Diabelli’ Variations, which was certainly influenced by Reicha’s work. The recording was made at Potton Hall in Suffolk, on a Steinway Model D grand piano.
Isabel Herzfeld – Piano News (Germany) – May/June 2021
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Guido Fischer – Rondo (Germany) – January 2021
Recommended
“… Recorded with Chandos’s usual impeccable high standards and performed with superlative musicianship, this is an addition to Ivan Ilic’s Reicha Rediscovered edition that will always be one of its crowning achievements, whatever comes next in the series.”
Dominy Clements – MusicWeb-International.com - 4 February 2021
Editor’s Choice
“…Superbly alert to Reicha’s shifting perspectives, Ilic produces a glinting kaleidoscope of effects in these delightful miniatures, the whole coalescing into an altogether agreeable and satisfying experience… On a crisp, bell-like Steinway Model D in the well-framed acoustic of Suffolk’s Potton Hall, Ilic proves an eloquently persuasive advocate, Marc Vignal’s detailed booklet notes icing on the cake.” ****½
Michael Quinn – Limelightmagazine.com.au – 8 February 2021
“… Ilic not only observes every repeat but also varies his touch, voicings and phrasings on the second passes. He keeps the contrapuntal repartee between the hands consistently vibrant and alive, as in Var 18’s pinpoint entrances. The pianist taps into the humorous potential behind Var 25’s wide dynamic contrasts, Var 27’s sardonic music-box evocations and Var 42’s fleeting moods. What is more, the engineer’s superb concert-hall realism helps enhance the fresh characterisations and imaginative use of tone colour the Ilic consistently brings to this fascinating opus. The booklet notes prove just as insightful and entertaining as Ilic’s overall artistry. A major contribution to the catalogue.”
Jed Distler – Gramophone magazine – February 2021
“Ivan Ilic is in his element with this, Reicha’s longest work for piano solo. He masterfully manages to work out the originality and diversity of these completely different variations and to do justice to their very different degrees of difficulty… The fact that, despite the constant repetition of the basic theme, there is no boredom or idleness is astonishing enough and not least thanks to Ilic’ inspired play. We can look forward to the continuation of this project!”
Peter Sommeregger - klassik-begeistert.de – 4 February 2021
Performance ***** Recording ****
“… For almost 90 minutes he [Reicha] subjects a simple, songful theme to the most kaleidoscopic imaginable treatment, and – thanks in part to the freshness and clarity of Ilic’s playing … Reicha’s invention never flags for a moment…”
Michael Church – BBC Music magazine - February 2021
“… With Ilic’s romantic gesture and his good dose of mischievousness, the 57 variations come together under the compelling authority of a strong personality to form a masterful whole. It is precisely through the authority of the interpreter that the Opus 57 becomes undeniably magnificent and exciting from the first to the last note.” *****
Remy Franck – Pizzicato.com.lu – 7 January 2021
“Reicha’s L’art de varier (1804) is an expansive work that demands a performer immersed in his music, and none fit the bill more than Ilic, whose care and devotion shine through every note. His translucent sound is ideal for this repertoire… This is not the work’s first recording but it is the most authoritative.”
Colin Clarke – International Piano – January/February 2021
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