Valentina Lisitsa - Black and Pink (2006) [DVD5]

If you don't know of dazzling Ukrainian pianist Valentina Lisitsa, you should. She is among the brightest, most musical of young pianists today, as documented on her recent DVD "Black and Pink". If the title seems like a gimmick, it is probably the result of a marketing effort to reach younger audiences. her solid playing deserves the highest respect. The DVD is an assortment of virtuoso works, including Liszt's Reminiscences of Don Juan and Grand Galop Chromatique, Ravel's gigantic "Gaspard de la nuit", and the rarely heard "La ci darem la mano" variations, Op. 2 by Chopin. An unusual bonus track has an alternate performance of Ravel's "Ondine". Lisitsa plays with a high level of musicality in stimulating, satisfying performances. He blinding tempos appear effortless, with none of the banging often associated in these works performed by other artists. Liszt's Don Juan Fantasy is a fearsome finger-twister that Valentina tosses off with ease and accuracy where its immense difficulties. Her Gaspard captures beautifully liquid lines in "Ondine" and poetic, yet desolate quality in "Le gibet". The demonically difficult "Scarbo" is hair raising. This is not surprising because Ravel told Perlemuter that it required rich orchestral colors. Valentina accomplishes this with reserves while creating different layers of colors. This is a visually stunning disc choreographed with unusual camera angles and recorded on 1925 Bosendorfer in splendid condition. Equally impressive is Lisitsa's DVD, F.Chopin 24 Etudes; it is one of two video recordings of the complete Chopin Etudes in existence.