In this new and generous release, Behzod Abduraimov departs from his previous concerto and overtly virtuosic releases, presenting a more varied piano recital program. The most striking change from his debut and subsequent recordings is the widening of Abduraimov’s tonal pallet and deeper musical maturation. He has developed a more muted and rounded sound, with more sophisticated coloration.
The catalog is brimming with many interpretations of Debussy’s “Children’s Corner”, from the intensely musical to the virtuosic (not that the two can’t live under the same interpretation). Abduraimov lies between these two extremes, with a more sensitive quality; the more relaxed approach emphasizes these expressive qualities; The opening “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” is leisurely and pleasingly paced. He phrases “Jimbo’s Lullaby” with inherent musicality and lyricism. There are beauty and richness in “Serenade to the Doll” and the “Little Shepherd”. “Golliwog’s Cakewalk” is executed with gentle humor without being used as a vehicle for overt virtuosity.
Some pianists — namely Pascal Rogé, Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, may bring more sophistication but not the same child-like innocence. Stephen Hough finds a similar narrative with a different tonal palette. Abduraimov finds a naivety that accentuates the storytelling within.
Abduraimov has a clear vision of the Chopin Préludes, capturing much of the miniature moods with strong and prevailing unity. His approach is similar to Dame Moura Lympany’s with regards to tempo, rubato and pianistic color. While written as individual pieces, he segues certain groups together appropriately, such as the opening four préludes and those in A, F-sharp minor, and E, which are linked by a dotted rhythmic idea. The dramatic agitation of the E-flat minor Prélude gives way to the most famous ‘Raindrop’, which is aptly paced and played with endearing simplicity.
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Those familiar with the C minor prelude may expect the usual minor chord at the end of bar 4. Abduraimov opts unconventionally for the major here, which is an area of musicological dispute. The final sequence — G minor, F major and D minor, is strong and dramatic, flowing seamlessly together in a powerful and stark conclusion. The F major prelude is noteworthy for a highly effective phrasing in the left-hand melody, similar to “Jimbo’s Lullaby” in “Children’s Corner”.
Occasionally, the slower préludes (as the E major and F-sharp major) are marginally brisk. While consistent, I’ve found the absolute beauty in the music somewhat diminished, but this is much down to personal taste. Abduraimov is technically impressive in the fastest preludes, (the G-sharp minor and B-flat minor), yet Eric Lu and Lympany are slightly more expressive. Lu is emotionally more obvious and sees the set through a different filter, while Abduraimov is more veiled and emotionally complex.
Under Abduraimov fingers, Mussorgsky’s “Pictures At An Exhibition” is a rather subtle and, on occasions, reserved affair, much like his Chopin. While there is contrast in color and pianistic tone between “Promenade I”, Gnomus”, “The Hut on Fowl’s Legs” and “The Great Gate of Kiev”, Abduraimov lacks the same vibrancy of Paul Lewis’ depiction. Abduraimov’s softer, rounded tone suits the darker moments especially, showing greater richness in “Vecchio Castello”. Whereas Lewis feels like a guided tour, highlighting what to admire, Abduraimov has a more leisurely ambiance, missing the comparative clarity of “The Market Place in Limoges” or the consistent exuberant grandeur of the “The Great Gate of Kiev”, though he does bring this to an appropriate conclusion.
A very generous album in excess of 83 minutes, recorded in Berlin’s Teldex Studio with excellent engineering and instrument, though occasional intrusions from Abduraimov in the Mussorgsky and Chopin are especially noticeable through headphones. The Debussy has the strongest overarching unity, and despite some momentary weaknesses in the Mussorgsky and Chopin, all things considered, a worthy listen and an enjoyable recital.
Debussy – Children’s Corner L. 113
Chopin – 24 Preludes, Op. 28
Mussorgsky – Pictures in an Exhibition
Behzod Abduraimov – Piano
Alpha Classics, CD 653
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