Radu Lupu's Unreleased Recordings: A Posthumous Tribute

The release of "The Unreleased Recordings" marks a significant posthumous tribute to the acclaimed Romanian pianist Radu Lupu, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 76. This six-disc collection, produced by Decca to commemorate what would have been Lupu's 80th birthday, features previously unreleased studio sessions and radio recordings spanning from 1970 to 2002.

The Guardian

The compilation opens with Mozart’s G minor and E flat piano quartets, recorded in 1976 with the Tel Aviv String Quartet. These performances are noted for their pristine quality, showcasing Lupu's ability to convey deep emotional nuance, particularly in the slow movements. The set also includes a 1990s recording of Schubert's unfinished C major sonata and the D major sonata, which presents a notably intense interpretation. Additionally, it features Haydn and Mozart sonatas from the 1970s and 80s, concluding with Schumann’s Études Symphoniques.

The Guardian

The collection diverges from Lupu's typical repertoire with a vivid performance of Chopin's B minor Scherzo and Bartók’s Out of Doors suite, which Lupu prepared for the 1969 Leeds International Piano Competition. Notably, the set includes Copland’s Sonata, recorded at the Aldeburgh festival in 1971, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition from a 1984 Dutch broadcast, showcasing Lupu's versatility across various styles.

The Guardian

Decca's decision to release this collection has been met with enthusiasm, as it provides a new perspective on Lupu's artistry. The label expressed that the recordings reveal the depth and breadth of Lupu's musical intelligence, offering listeners a chance to experience his artistry in works that were not previously available.

The Guardian

While the collection has been largely celebrated, some critics note that the technical imperfections in certain performances, such as the rawness in Lupu's tone during Mussorgsky’s work, may detract from the overall experience. However, many argue that these imperfections add to the authenticity and emotional depth of the recordings.

The Guardian

• “If ever a pianist’s appearance, especially in his later years, belied the character of his playing it was Lupu: that the intensely serious, heavily bearded figure who hunched over the keyboard in a way more appropriate to a seance than a recital could produce playing of such velvety tonal beauty was extraordinary enough; that such a beguiling sound world was allied to a mind of such penetrating musical intelligence sometimes seemed miraculous.” — Music Critic

The Guardian

• “In general, though, the recording quality serves the exemplary playing well enough; every track is a treat.” — Music Critic

The Guardian

The release of "The Unreleased Recordings" is expected to reignite interest in Radu Lupu's legacy, prompting discussions about his contributions to classical music and potentially leading to further archival releases of his work.

The Guardian