There are those of us who consider Feldman's "For Bunita Marcus" to be one of the most sublimely beautiful of all 20th century compositions. Of those who feel that way, a substantial portion likely consider John Tilbury's recording of same, on the London Hall label in the early 90s, to be the ne plus ultra of interpretations. Any new rendition, therefore, encounters some degree of skepticism, healthy or paranoid though that may be.
It's a pleasure to report, then, that Louis Goldstein's recording, if not quite (for this listener) reaching the lofty heights of the Tilbury, does the Feldman proud and is a gorgeous, entrancing recording. Clocking in at 67 minutes, Goldstein allows the work ample time to unfurl and expand. So much depends on touch on the one hand, varying the strength of attack in such a delicate manner and duration-consciousness on the other, subtly altering the lengths of notes; both areas are handled very well, producing that unique kind of shimmer found in late Feldman, where nothing ever quite repeats. Patterns form and dissolve, recur and disappear, every one lovelier, more poignant than the last. More to the point, the music breathes, wrests itself away from the hands of the pianist and becomes airborne, floating strands of pure Feldman. You can't ask for much more than that.
The Tilbury is next to impossible to find these days. This one is better than a mere second choice; it's fantastic on its own. If you've yet to discover this incredible work, what are you waiting for?
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