Decca's latest release, "Radu Lupu: The Unreleased Recordings," is an aural treasure trove that not only deepens our understanding of the late pianist's remarkable repertoire but also underscores his extraordinary artistry.
The set begins with two Mozart piano quartets from 1976, featuring the Tel Aviv String Quartet. These performances showcase Lupu's ability to convey intensity and lyricism, making them all the more surprising that they have never been released before. In stark contrast, Lupu's rendition of Schubert's D840 sonata is a fascinating study in contrasts – a dramatic, tempestuous take on music often characterized as beautiful but complex.
The inclusion of the D major D850 sonata is particularly noteworthy, given its relatively little-known status in the Lupu canon. A sequence that sees Lupu tackle Haydn and Mozart sonatas alongside Schumann's Études Symphoniques adds a welcome sense of variety to this collection. The latter work, in particular, stands out for its intriguing, almost dissonant approach, which seems almost as if it were written by someone else.
Another aspect of the release is the opportunity to hear Lupu tackle music that lies outside his more familiar repertoire, such as Chopin and Bartók. His rendition of the B minor Scherzo remains vivid and captivating, even if its technical precision is occasionally compromised. The Barótk suite he recorded for the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1969 continues to demonstrate Lupu's mastery of modernist music.
The highlight of the release comes with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. Although Lupu is not often associated with Russian repertoire, his 1984 Dutch broadcast performance showcases a raw intensity and a level of expressiveness that makes it compelling listening.
What emerges from this collection, then, is a sense of wonder at Lupu's extraordinary artistry and the many facets to his playing style. "Radu Lupu: The Unreleased Recordings" serves as an essential reminder of the depth of talent he possessed – and how lucky we are to have been able to hear him perform even when it seemed like he was being particularly restrained, or even raw.
The set begins with two Mozart piano quartets from 1976, featuring the Tel Aviv String Quartet. These performances showcase Lupu's ability to convey intensity and lyricism, making them all the more surprising that they have never been released before. In stark contrast, Lupu's rendition of Schubert's D840 sonata is a fascinating study in contrasts – a dramatic, tempestuous take on music often characterized as beautiful but complex.
The inclusion of the D major D850 sonata is particularly noteworthy, given its relatively little-known status in the Lupu canon. A sequence that sees Lupu tackle Haydn and Mozart sonatas alongside Schumann's Études Symphoniques adds a welcome sense of variety to this collection. The latter work, in particular, stands out for its intriguing, almost dissonant approach, which seems almost as if it were written by someone else.
Another aspect of the release is the opportunity to hear Lupu tackle music that lies outside his more familiar repertoire, such as Chopin and Bartók. His rendition of the B minor Scherzo remains vivid and captivating, even if its technical precision is occasionally compromised. The Barótk suite he recorded for the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1969 continues to demonstrate Lupu's mastery of modernist music.
The highlight of the release comes with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. Although Lupu is not often associated with Russian repertoire, his 1984 Dutch broadcast performance showcases a raw intensity and a level of expressiveness that makes it compelling listening.
What emerges from this collection, then, is a sense of wonder at Lupu's extraordinary artistry and the many facets to his playing style. "Radu Lupu: The Unreleased Recordings" serves as an essential reminder of the depth of talent he possessed – and how lucky we are to have been able to hear him perform even when it seemed like he was being particularly restrained, or even raw.
The way Radu Lupu's playing style shines through in these unreleased recordings is just mesmerizing. I mean, can you believe some of these pieces were never released before? It's like we're getting a glimpse into the pianist's creative process. And that Mussorgsky piece... WOW! His take on Pictures at an Exhibition is so raw and intense it gives me chills 
. The variety in this collection is also a major plus - I love how he experiments with different styles, from classical to modernist music. It just goes to show Lupu's incredible range as a musician. Overall, I think this release is a must-listen for anyone who loves piano music 
I'm totally obsessed with this new release from Decca! Radu Lupu's playing is just so captivating, you feel every emotion he puts into the music 
. And can we talk about Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition? 
Lupu brings such intensity and depth to that piece, it gives me chills every time 
. What I love most is how this release reminds us of the beauty and power of classical music - it's like a breath of fresh air 
.
! I mean, can you believe they've finally uncovered these unreleased recordings of Radu Lupu? It's like a treasure chest of music just waiting to be discovered 
. I love how they've included some of his lesser-known repertoire, like Haydn and Mozart sonatas - it's amazing how much depth and complexity he was capable of bringing to those pieces 
. It really makes you appreciate Lupu's artistry and how lucky we are to have had him share his music with us 
. One thing that does strike me though is how varied his playing style was - I mean, he could be both beautiful and intense all at once 
!
. What's crazy is that these recordings were never released before, so it's like we're getting a sneak peek into Lupu's mind when he was performing 
also that Mussorgsky piece is insane how raw and emotive it sounds 
, and that Schubert sonata? Mind blown 
. And the fact that they finally released this unreleased material is just a gift for music lovers everywhere 
#RaduLupu #ClassicalMusic #AuralTreasureTrove
it's like he's having a conversation with the music instead of just playing it. And that Mussorgsky performance? Mind blown! I love how he brings this raw energy to Pictures at an Exhibition, it's like you can feel the emotion pouring out of every note 
The D major D850 sonata is giving me life 
. And that Mussorgsky performance? Mind. Blown. 
anyway, I'm just so grateful to have access to this aural treasure trove! 
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I'm still trying to figure out why they're releasing these recordings now... 40+ years after Lupu's passing. Can someone point me to the source on why this is happening? Wasn't there a rumor about Decca reviving some of their lost vaults or something? 
