Lemco's sizzling Simone Dinnerstein Bach review ...

[Lance]

Be sure to read Dr. Gary R. Lemco's s i z z l i n g review of pianist Simone Dinnerstein's JS Bach Goldberg Variations review on our Classical Concerts Reviews site. The review is apparently getting a lot of attention on CMG and elsewhere.

[ch1525]

Ouch!!! Oh well, at least she is pretty nice to look at!

[Chalkperson]

She's a very fine Pianist, I like her recordings, especially the Goldbergs...

[stenka razin]

She may be lovely, but, her playing is even lovlier. Simone is the real thing, my fellow CMGers.

[jbuck919]

There is a difference between sizzling and scorching, Lance.

I heard her do a variation (number 21 to be exact) last Sunday on one of those radio programs that accompany vehicular interludes on my busiest day of the week, Studio 360 I suppose, and it was a decent parlor performance, no more. I'd be happy if I could consistently play the Goldberg Variations that well, but standards imposed by limited technique should not be confused with new insights.

[Ricordanza]

For a contrast to Lemco's scorcher, see the review by the Philadelphia Inquirer's David Patrick Stearns:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine ... ions_.html
I have yet to hear her, so I can't comment either way, though it is intriguing that two critics could come to such opposite conclusions.

[Werner]

I haven't heard Dinnerstein in person, either, but there is certainly a vast difference between the impressions created by these two reviews.

On one hand, it's rare to read something of the rare vitriol of the Lemco review, which must have had some basis in fact. On the other hand, was it just a badly off night fir a touring performer? After all, we're all human - aren't we?

[Chalkperson]

I haven't heard Dinnerstein in person, either, but there is certainly a vast difference between the impressions created by these two reviews.

On one hand, it's rare to read something of the rare vitriol of the Lemco review, which must have had some basis in fact. On the other hand, was it just a badly off night fir a touring performer? After all, we're all human - aren't we?

There seems to be a lot of negativity in general to her playing, I enjoy it, but many do not, JBuck joins the naysayers after hearing only one Variation...

[Lance]

I'm not impressed with Ms. Dinnerstein either, at least not yet. Perhaps she's taking the Glenn Gould approach to making music, i.e., creating VERY personal statements. Gould's Goldbergs, however, opened my ears in a very positive and memorable manner.

[CharmNewton]

Recordings aren't concerts, but her collaboration with Zuill Bailey in Beethoven's cello sonatas and variations is first rate and in my opinion this set vies for top choice recommendation.

Classical music is great and one facet is the level of excellence displayed by artists in live performance. Ms Dinnerstein has intimate knowledge of what Bach wrote and has the ability to make it come to life. In the end we'll like it or we won't.

I thought Mr. Lemco could have expressed himself differently. Why take a shot at those who appeared to enjoy her performance? Explain why her reading (as a whole?) was too slow.

John

[Chalkperson]

I'm not impressed with Ms. Dinnerstein either, at least not yet. Perhaps she's taking the Glenn Gould approach to making music, i.e., creating VERY personal statements. Gould's Goldbergs, however, opened my ears in a very positive and memorable manner.

Try her Beethoven Cello Sonatas with Zuill Bailey...

[gfweis]

I have only heard her Beethoven Cello Sonatas. I thought that, although she and Bailey employ rather extreme rubato, the performances were utterly convincing, even captivating. On the basis of that recording, I would say she (and bailey) are superb musicians.

[stenka razin]

I have only heard her Beethoven Cello Sonatas. I thought that, although she and Bailey employ rather extreme rubato, the performances were utterly convincing, even captivating. On the basis of that recording, I would say she (and bailey) are superb musicians.

I completely agree with both you.