Simon Ghraichy – 33 (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

The first great asset of this second album from Simon Graichy for the Yellow Label is the clarity of its recording which captures the exquisite sound of this Franco-Lebanese Mexican pianist and the intense energy with which he plays, especially in Schumann’s Humoreske. Its second great asset is that it includes Schumann’s very rare Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven based on the second movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphony No.7, which many people may not be familiar with. The very first version was developed in the years 1831-32 and was scarcely recorded, but it is a true masterpiece from Schumann’s youth. To summarise, Simon Graichy takes us on a unique journey through his imagination on this album, where the possibilities are endless. It is not often that Schumann’s Humoreske is combined with “minimalist” pieces like Chilly Gonzales’ amazing Robert on the bridge and Pawel Szymanski’s poetic Etudes pour piano. An intriguing voyage that makes for a mesmerising experience. – Pierre-Yves Lascar

Tracklist:
1-01. Simon Ghraichy – Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Transcr. for piano by Simon Ghraichy) (04:29)
1-02. Simon Ghraichy – 25 Preludes, Op.31 / 1st Suite : No.8 in A flat minor: La chanson de la folle au bord de la mer (03:20)
1-03. Simon Ghraichy – Ramírez: Alfonsina y el mar (Transcr. for piano by Simon Ghraichy) (02:47)
1-04. Simon Ghraichy – Humoreske, Op.20 : 1. Einfach (05:40)
1-05. Simon Ghraichy – Humoreske, Op.20 : 2. Hastig (04:58)
1-06. Simon Ghraichy – Humoreske, Op.20 : 3. Einfach und zart (04:32)
1-07. Simon Ghraichy – Humoreske, Op.20 : 4. Innig (05:19)
1-08. Simon Ghraichy – Humoreske, Op.20 : 5. Zum Beschluss (06:01)
1-09. Simon Ghraichy – Gonzales: Robert on the bridge (04:15)
1-10. Simon Ghraichy – Glass: Raising the sail (04:14)
1-11. Simon Ghraichy – Nyman: Time lapse – Piano version (03:20)
1-12. Simon Ghraichy – Deux études pour piano : I. Presto ritmico sempre staccato e secco (06:23)
1-13. Simon Ghraichy – Deux études pour piano : II. Prestissimo senza metro ma ritmico (07:33)
1-14. Simon Ghraichy – Baboni Schilingi: Huge (05:35)
1-15. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : Tema (00:49)
1-16. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : I. Molto moderato (01:21)
1-17. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : II. (00:45)
1-18. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : III. (01:08)
1-19. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : IV. Prestissimo (00:35)
1-20. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : V. (00:55)
1-21. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : VI. Presto (00:43)
1-22. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : VII. Cantando (01:03)
1-23. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : VIII. Passionato (00:52)
1-24. Simon Ghraichy – Etudes in Variation Form on a Theme by Beethoven, WoO 31 : IX. (01:56)