Nelson Goerner the Magnificent
Nelson Goerner’s last recording was made during a series of concerts at the Liège Philharmonic in June and July 2024.
Three works and a modest duration, yet the richness of his playing stunned us. The beginning with Handel’s Chaconne in G major is a kind of portico which allows us to enter with naturalness and great elegance into a vast domain of great beauty. We don’t know what to admire most in terms of content or form because Goerner’s piano is breathtakingly beautiful. So in Handel he plays firm and big. It’s finely articulated, phrased perfectly. A bright sun shines on us.
Then with Schumann the depth of the interpretation is of a supernatural nature as the emotions arrive and pass quickly, one after another, one responds to another. The piano playing seems to gain in contrasts and colors. It’s incredible as Nelson Goerner does what he wants with his instrument. It thunders, it murmurs, it dazzles, it moves. We know that the Davidsbündlertäntze are a great kaleidoscope Nelson Goerner offers an interpretation that seems perfection.The playing is sovereign, always respectful of Schumann’s intentions and he seems to understand each change of mood. And the association of this beautiful piano and this profound interpretation makes us feel that very few have known how to magnify this long piece in this way.
To end with an almost schoolboy humor, if the score were not so complex, Nelson Goerner seems to be having fun like hell with this supernatural transcription of the well-known Waltz. The beautiful blue Danube” by Johann Stauss. This extroverted and bright piano is magnificent. It’s funny, chic and brilliant. Nelson Goerner in the fullness of his art seems to be the greatest pianist in the world. What an artist!
The excellent sound recording allows you to enjoy the most beautiful piano there is.
An essential CD.
Critique.CD. TRADE: Chaconne in G Major. SCHUMANN : Davidsbündlertäntze. SHULZ-ELVER : Arabesque on the Beautiful Blue Danube. NELSON GOERNER, piano. Live recording of 2024 in Liège. 1CDAlpha-classics Alpha 1134. Length : 60’33”.
Hubert Stoecklin
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