Alexei Lubimov
Franz Schubert - Improptus Op.90 D899,& Op.142 D935

For those of us who grew up with the concert grand piano, the sound of the historical instruments chosen by Alexei Lubimov may seem metallic, small, and lacking in overtones. In reality, these rarities, a Matthias Müller from 1810 and a Joseph Schantz from 1830, are two jewels of organology, magnificently restored.

Lubimov's choice to tackle the Impromptus op.90 with Müller's fortepiano gives the first two pieces a full sound, which unfortunately becomes heavy during some of the cantabile moments in the Trio of the Impromptu No. 4, weighing down the filigree texture. The Müller fortepiano, also capable of producing silvery and clear timbres, redeems itself in Impromptu No. 3, where Lubimov offers a superb example of phrasing and legato. The Schantz, on the other hand, being slightly larger, has a warmer sound and allows for a greater variety of colors that better suits Opus 142. Among the last students of Heinrich Neuhaus in Moscow, Alexei Lubimov is a critical personality who reveals a philological attention to the work. Already with the Sonatas of Mozart and Beethoven (Alois Graff piano 1828) and with Chopin's Ballades (Erard 1837), he had pursued his quest for truth along with the pleasure of rediscovering the sounds of ancient instruments. But perhaps Lubimov's true personality emerges in the 20th-century Slavic repertoire because that has been the focus of his most intense research. Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Scriabin undoubtedly make him stand out for sound quality, which instead remains extremely controlled in Schubert. Simplicity and conciseness are Lubimov's musical choices in these Impromptus: no emphasis, no exaggeration. He does not indulge in affectations, does not exaggerate in ornamentations. He lets the music and the instrument speak, thus succeeding in making even Schubert's “divine lengths” extremely interesting.

There are many and challenging comparisons: the poetry of Brendel's recording (Philips 456 061) and Lupu's (Decca 460 975), the sparkling clarity of Perahia (Sony 37291). Furthermore, Richter (JVC 532 although he recorded only two Impromptus), Schiff (Decca 458 139), and Arrau (Philips 473 926) are formidable collection companions.