Bartok: Works for Piano Solo 7 | Classical Piano Music Collection by Bela Bartok | Perfect for Piano Practice, Recitals & Music Lovers

The seventh volume in Kocsis's invaluable survey of Bartók's piano music might prima facie look like something of a mopping-up disc, consisting as it does of arrangements and very early works. And I agree that this is hardly the place to start for anyone coming new to the series. But for those of us who are already acquainted with it, this one is utterly unmissable as well.First of all, the performances are, as on all the other releases, magisterial. A more insightful, colorful and rhythmically incisive approach to these works is hard to imagine. The piano transcription of the Dance Suite is brilliant, and Kocsis is able to whip up all the raw power and barbarisms of the music with all the gusto and technical skills it requires; and what an ecstatic conclusion he is able to realize. The early rhapsody is given in two versions, and while this is not Bartók at his absolutely best, in Kocsis hands it becomes something of a gem. The four pieces are even earlier and written in a not quite conservative late romantic language. While not idiomatic Bartók, these are very fine works which deserves to be heard. An outstanding release then, and a must to anyone who follows the series (and who would not?)