The 24 Preludes Op. 34 have been decently treated on disc: two of the best, which also present justifiably different interpretive approaches, specifically regarding articulation (see reviews), come from Olli Mustonen and Constantin Scherbakov, and this new one, from 24-year-old French pianist David Kadouch, joins that exemplary catalog. Articulation is everything in these “little” pieces, as the pianist’s primary means for effecting their varied personalities and moods and, importantly, their often ironic twists and irreverent turns. Kadouch is in complete command, and with his understanding of the subtle power of a perfectly placed accent, a judicious pause, or sudden dynamic shift he captures the ironic aspects of Nos. 5, 10, 12, and 15; rocks the perverse dance of No. 6; expertly highlights/balances melody against accompaniment in Nos. 8 and 15; and cleverly exploits the audacious register contrasts in No. 13.
The paired Op. 57 Piano quintet in G minor is no less impressive. Kadouch and his partners–the members of Paris-based Quatuor Ardeo–honor the work’s exquisite architectural details while celebrating its more intimate, profoundly moving moments: the monumental Fugue (Adagio) is a soul-stirring event that calls you back for multiple hearings. The live recording–a trademark of this label–is suitably vibrant and detailed and free of any obtrusive audience interjections. First-class performances and top-notch production values make this an easy recommendation.
