Review Metadata:
Composer: Various
Performer: Martino Tirimo
Works: Miniatures Tirimo
Label: Regis RRC1059
Release Date: October 2001
Duration: 73:42
Recording Quality: DDD
In a musical landscape often cluttered by hastily assembled compilations, Martino Tirimo’s Miniatures Tirimo emerges as a refreshing oasis of thoughtful programming and interpretative clarity. This recording, spanning a variety of composers and styles, expertly showcases Tirimo’s artistry while offering listeners a compelling journey through the world of piano miniatures—albeit with a notable exception at its conclusion.
Tirimo opens with Franz Liszt’s Un sospiro, S144 No. 3, a choice that sets an atmospheric tone for the recital. From the outset, his use of the pedal is judicious, creating a rich, resonant wash of sound without obscuring the melodic lines. The lyrical quality of the piece is beautifully highlighted, and Tirimo’s phrasing reveals an innate sensitivity to the work’s emotional undercurrents. His interpretation resonates with the historical context of Liszt’s music as a bridge between the Romantic ethos and the burgeoning modernism of the late 19th century.
The program’s closing piece, Liszt’s Rigoletto-Paraphrase, S434, serves as a striking contrast. Here, Tirimo unleashes a virtuoso performance that deftly balances the technical demands of this formidable paraphrase with its underlying lyricism, particularly evident in the way he treats the theme from Verdi’s opera. This duality—technical prowess married to emotional depth—demonstrates Tirimo’s versatility and understanding of Liszt’s compositional style, which often seeks to marry the operatic with the pianistic.
While Liszt frames the recital, it is the works of Debussy and Schubert that might resonate most deeply with Tirimo’s established discography. His handling of Debussy’s Minstrels is notably playful, capturing the essence of the composer’s impressionistic style, yet perhaps lacking in the humor that one might expect from Golliwog’s Cakewalk. This absence of levity contrasts with the buoyant character of the Sérénade that follows. Tirimo’s performance of La cathédrale engloutie is particularly noteworthy; he skillfully navigates the blurred lines of texture and harmony, allowing the music to rise and recede like the tides, evoking the submerged cathedral with a palpable sense of mystique.
Schubert’s contributions, namely the Dances (D145 No. 2, D365 No. 2, and D779 No. 13), are rendered with a warmth and affection that has become a hallmark of Tirimo’s interpretations. The Dances unfold with a sense of spontaneity, their charm accentuated by Tirimo’s nuanced touch. In Des Abends from Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op. 12, he delivers an effortlessly flowing interpretation, the lyrical lines floating with a transparency that is both beguiling and evocative of Schumann’s romantic spirit.
Chopin is represented through a selection of his more frequently performed works, including Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66, which Tirimo approaches with a sense of flightiness, capturing the work’s effervescent character. His interpretation of the Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. Posth is particularly sensitive, showcasing a deep understanding of the subtleties inherent in Chopin’s writing.
The recording quality is commendable; the piano has been captured with clarity and warmth, allowing for a faithful representation of Tirimo’s tonal palette. The engineering ensures that each note resonates with clarity, enabling the listener to fully appreciate the intricacies of the performance.
In conclusion, Miniatures Tirimo is a well-curated selection of works that not only highlights Martino Tirimo’s interpretative talents but also invites listeners to explore the rich emotional landscapes of the composers represented. While the inclusion of Liszt’s Rigoletto-Paraphrase stretches the thematic coherence of the disc, it nonetheless provides a grand finale that encapsulates the virtuosic spirit of the piano repertoire. This recording stands as a testament to both the joy and complexity of the miniature form, making it a worthy addition to the catalog of piano recordings that seeks to balance technical finesse with expressive depth.
