Ladislav Jelinek – Piano

Reviews CD-1

The selection of piano works on this compact disc by Ladislav Jelinek does en­c1ose

altogether five titles, but especially two pieces form the dramatic domination:

First of all it is the sonata for piano op. 53 ,,Waldstein“, the immortal opus by

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827), and simultaneously there is the opportunity

to become acquainted with a work, which is far away from being known as well,

but which de­serves the highest attention as well. It is the Silhouettes op. 8 by Antonin

Dvorák (1841—1904), a cycle consisting of twelve parts.

Indeed on this record we do find also the famous Humoresque No. 7 and two bril­liant

pieces by Franz Liszt (1811—1886).

Ladislav Jelinek — how the selection indicates — has, concerning the styles of piano

music, chosen a relatively broad repertory, with which he indeed wonderfully

docu­ments his remarkable musicality, highest technical abilities and at the same time

his exceptional universality of interpretation. Each of the introduced works is seized

spe­cifically, so that the listener does get immediately the whole spectrum of valuable

ar­tistic experiences.

The screening of the quality of every pianist is incontestable always Beethoven.

Even if this record would not include anything else, it is worth to have it in one‘s

col­lection.

The soloist impressed on the sonata a clear architectonic conception, his interpreta­tion

is distinguished by a deep intellectual access to the work, an extraordinary nobleness

and excellent presentation.

In the introducing Allegro con brio, which has, the lyric second theme excepted, a

motor character, does impress the perfect technique, tonal well-balanced and fluid play

of L. Jelinek.

The particular face of the short slow movement (Introduzione) he does interpret like a

kind caress.

The concluding Rondo of the Waldstein-sonata does begin in a pianissimo and in only

moderate time (Allegretto moderato). It is an excellent counterpart of the first movement which indeed vaults airier, although it does not lack of great graduations.

In this intentions the soloist has also seized the movement. He opens it like an

expression of silent joy, which spreads out afterwards and grows into a grand hymn.

A complete different atmosphere unfold the Silhouettes.

Dvorák wrote this cycle, which does include twelve pieces for piano, towards the end

of the year 1879 and utilized by many of the Silhouettes musical material of former

works.

It is a matter of graceful delicacies, genre-pictures, which are adapted musically to the

cyclic arrangement. At the same time they are pleasant and attractive for the listener.

The frame of the work is formed by the main theme of the first movement of the

symphony No. 1, which appears also in No. 5, nevertheless we do find here also

worked up musical devices from several further compositions by the author.

Ladislav Jelinek does interpret these intimate, graceful little works with an excep­tional

sense of detailed fine work, weighs the dynamics like on absolutely exact balances —

each piece is in his performance a not commutative little world for itself. His

interpretation is strong in expression, winged by the perfect technique. In the

wide spectrum of nuances of expression he illustrates convincingly poetry (No. 2),

facetiousness (No. 3), delicacy (No. 11) and where it is necessary he does bring to bear

also the fullness of instrumental virtuosity. As an interpreter of deep inner enjoyment

L. Jelinek appears likewise in the popular Humoresque No. 7 from the homonymous

cycle of piano pieces op. 101 by Dvorák.

In a grand way this compact disc is crowned with two virtuoso compositions by

Franz Liszt. From the early period originate Les Cloches de Genève, which came

into being during the author‘s Swiss partnership-like living together with the countess

d‘Agoult. L. Jelinek‘s splendid interpretation of the work is distinguished by a large

dynamic span and radiates a wonderful poetic charm.

The brilliant experience for the hearer yet continues also in the well-known para­phrase

of Verdi‘s Rigoletto.

The author taxes here every pianist severely, without any hesitation we can

denote this piece as one of the highest summits of pianistic virtuosity. The

exceptionally de­manding task, also in that case, L. Jelinek solved with a perfect result.

He does play absolutely relaxed and self-evident, with an astonishing easiness he glides

over all of the numerous technical cliffs.

As well as all previous works also the paraphrase of Rigoletto is an enormous

enjoyment for the hearer.

This compact disc by Ladislav Jelinek is a meeting with an interpretatively ripe personality.

Rightly can the artist put it to his credit of demanding creative success.

PhDr. Ludvík Kašpárek

Press spokesman — Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Dvorák, Liszt, Beethoven - a congenial combination of  high - carat

composers for a remarkable CD - production...

... sentences like “His interpretation is strong in expression and winged

by the perfect technique“ do in truth belong hither.

Frankfurter Neue Presse

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