Great Pianists of the 20th Century - Selections from the definitive collection [Sampler]
Philips' 100-volume Great Pianists of the 20th Century series is one of the most ambitious projects ever put together by a record company. For all the debate that will surely ensue over who was chosen and who was passed over, it's obvious that careful, loving attention has gone into the selection of content for the happy 72 to be admitted to this special pantheon (certain especially significant pianists are allotted two or even three volumes, such asVladimir Horowitz).  Each of the handsomely designed, sepia-tinted volumes--adorned with a black and white photo--contains two CDs and a thoughtful essay on the artist in question. Prospective buyers should be aware that this sampler volume offers only short vignettes (averaging between two and three minutes), along with a thumbnail sketch, for each pianist.  Still, it's a smorgasbord of morsels that allow you to taste some of the major trends in philosophy and approach to the instrument throughout the century (and reaching well back into the 19th), and the overlap of repertory permits some fascinating quick comparisons as style and technique have evolved. Delve into some of the artists in the series--sayAlfred BrendelorMartha Argerich--and trace in greater depth the piano's identity crisis.  Is it, for example, a resonantly string-like instrument ideal for pastel shadings or a steely, percussive machine meant to express the hardness of the 20th century? There are countless discoveries to be made here, both for the connoisseur and for anyone taking the first step into getting acquainted with great keyboard artistry.--Thomas May