Igor Levit, Fantasia Review

Igor Levit’s Fantasia Explores the Nuances of Piano Masterpieces

Igor Levit’s double album Fantasia on Sony Classical is an ambitious journey through the piano repertoire, from the Baroque beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach to the modern complexities of Alban Berg. The album showcases Levit’s ability to navigate a diverse range of styles and eras, bringing his unique interpretive lens to these masterpieces.

Levit reveals a nuanced understanding of Alban Berg’s intricate harmonic language in both “Klavierstück in B Minor” and the Piano Sonata, Op. 1. His interpretive choices in dynamics and articulation serve the architecture of each piece, driving toward key tonal landing points. The two Berg pieces are intelligently programmed back-to-back, offering listeners an evolving understanding of Berg’s emotional and structural complexities.

Levit’s rendition of Bach’s “Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903,” respects the storied traditions behind this Baroque masterpiece. His even sixteenth notes and the finely calibrated balance between the chordal accompaniment and intricate melodies are standouts. Similarly, in Busoni’s “Fantasia contrappuntistica, BV 256,” Levit applies historical performance practices through his carefully accented articulations and dynamics, keeping each musical voice distinct and driving.

The album’s crown jewel might be Levit’s heartfelt interpretation of Franz Liszt’s “Sonata in B minor, S. 178.” Across its three movements, Levit masterfully modulates tension and release through his dynamic and articulative choices. The second movement serves as an emotional core, its tension gently released under Levit’s deft fingers. He navigates the emotional terrain with such care that by the time the final chord resonates, the listener has been on a well-guided emotional journey.

In summary, Fantasia confirms Igor Levit as a master interpreter of the piano literature, uniquely capable of melding comparative analysis, historical authenticity, and emotional insight into a singular, enriching experience for any listener.