Jack Gibbons ALKAN 12 Études Op. 39

Yes, pianophiles who are aware of Alkan have to know that there is not only one great recording of Alkan’s Symphony or Concerto for solo piano.  Like many other people, I was first introduced to Alkan by the technically unflappable recordings of Marc-André Hamelin, and I was pretty much convinced that they were THE definite recordings.  That was until Jack Gibbons’ recording of the complete Op. 39 came along.  And it totally blew me away.

After a quick hearing of Gibbons’ Symphony and the Concerto, it’s hard not to realize that his technique yields nothing to Hamelin’s, yet while Hamelin presents us with a cool, Apollonian view of these two masterworks, Jack Gibbons goes all out with his technique, and in dazzling display reveals all their thrilling Dionysian qualities.  Consider the first movement of the Symphony:  Hamelin’s more symphonic approach paints the picture in darker, warmer tones, frequently putting emphasis to the brooding C minor tonality, while Gibbons’ more red-blooded, relentless way reveals to the listener Alkan’s mastery in form and structure, the “long line”, and proves to be entirely convincing (even though personally I prefer Hamelin’s more contrasted way).  As for the finger-busting Finale, I’d certainly take Gibbons’ wild and thrilling hell-ride over Hamelin’s unfazed cruise in a Veyron any day. (Jeremy Lee)