A reissue, but one that deserves more than merely routine attention because it is a remastered edition of both a phenomenal piano recital and its equally phenomenal recording. But first we have to go back in time for that, to 1993 to be precise, when the original cd was released by the long-defunct Dutch music label Emergo Classics.
For those who no longer know: Emergo, founded by Bas Touw, was very active in the eighties and nineties in the then still growing 'classical' market. It was 'booming', partly thanks to the compact disc introduced in our country in 1983. Emergo also profited from it, with the label showing a clear preference for lesser-known repertoire but also for musicians who, although leading in the most literal sense, were not yet well known to a broader public. Artistic concessions were not made, top quality came first.
In those days it was nothing short of a masterstroke to involve Leo de Klerk with the label, a true artist in his craft, as producer and as recording technician. He was the master of his craft who ensured the wonderful sound quality, but what many did not know was that he also had a particularly fine ear for both musical talent and niche repertoire. That he also inventively composed in his spare time and his talented creations found their way is quite remarkable.
I knew Leo quite well, was a regular guest at his place in 's-Gravendeel, where he had his recording studio and main workplace. After his death on 9 September 2020, I dedicated here an in memoriam to this 62-year-old giant who suffered for years from an unstoppable lung disease.
Like so many labels, Emergo too ultimately lost out in a fiercely competitive market in which niche releases were increasingly displaced by major international labels. Only later, when we are well into the millennium, did interest in that niche repertoire grow again, but Emergo did not get to witness this. Old(er) releases are fortunately still to be found, both on the second-hand market and on streaming platforms. The story is not completely over.
That story continues unabated with this reissue. Daan van Aalst, himself an outstanding recording technician and editor, also the driving force behind the Dutch label Navis Classics, naturally also knew Leo de Klerk, is aware of his great qualities and has taken the step towards this reissue for two reasons: the recording quality and pianist Naum Grubert (1951, Riga), who has lived in our country for years and, besides being a highly renowned musician, is affiliated with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam as a main subject teacher of piano. You can read more about him on the CvA website (click here). Over the years, Navis has released a large number of recordings by this pianist and decided to acquire the rights to this remastered reissue and thus bring it to the attention of a (hopefully!) broader public.
The notes provided with the original release have been specially replaced for this occasion by an in-depth text by Grubert himself (unfortunately only in English). The design and packaging of this production were handled by Navis' house designer Ad van der Kouwe.
I have previously characterized Naum Grubert's playing as that of an interpreter of a special signature who overwhelms his listeners through intense musical characterization and refined colour shadings, deeply rooted expression, analytical clarity and pianistic refinement without any virtuosic display. An interpreter who also manages to evoke the suggestion of creative emergence in the moment, so skillfully stylized that it sounds as a fresh discovery, but inwardly shaped down to the smallest detail (which becomes abundantly clear with the score at hand). On the one hand there is the lyricism as pure musical poetry with the help of the most subtle contour shifts, on the other hand an equally fine-meshed dynamic proportionality. It all forms part of the rare noblesse that characterizes this playing. Within the given architecture there is expectation, build-up, expansion and resolution. Not a trace of calculation, the music as it were newly discovered, the performance presented anew.
Magnificent…in every conceivable respect…And at the same time a more than warm remembrance of Leo de Klerk...