Max Reger’s large-scale piano variations are attracting a new breed of eager, well-equipped virtuosos who relish the composer’s formidable challenges. Kees Schul’s solid musicianship and more than reliable technique make easy going of works that in the wrong hands can sound texturally upholstered and uncomfortably self-important. Had this disc been released, say, in 1998 rather than 2000, it would easily take top honors in the Reger/Bach/Telemann Variations sweepstakes. Schul, however, faces competition from Marc-André Hamelin, whose stupefying, transcendental pianism remains in a class by itself. Still, many professional pianists would be glad to match Schul’s stylish conviction and terrific chops. Schul should be proud of what he’s achieved here (not to mention Klaas A. Posthuma’s superb production values), and I look forward to more of his recordings.
