Anmeldelser af pianist Michael Tsalka: Review of Naxos (Grand Piano) recording of Tuerk's Keyboard Sonatas 1-12 Grand Piano GP 627- 28 (2CD's) David Denton, David's Review Corner, Classical Music Review, Sep. 4, 2012 "If we had not become so besotted by everything composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, we might have spared a thought for Daniel Gottlob Turk. Born in 1750, the year of Bach’s death, he had a solid education in the German style of composition, placing him at some distance from the outgoing flamboyance of the Italian keyboard style we have come to know from the works of Domenico Scarlatti. Turk’s music has the expert craftsmanship that takes no liberties nor does it take musical styles forwards, his ability to create instantly memorable melodic material not particularly evident from this disc, though at the same time it is easily and readily enjoyable. That the discs are inventive comes from Michael Tsalka’s use of five historical keyboards, for, as the excellent notes with the disc explain, Turk lived at a time when there was in use more diversity of keyboard instruments than in any other musical period. So with the clavichord, spinet, harpsichord, fortepiano and tangent piano, we hear how music of the period can change depending on the instrument used...Try track 1, disc 1- the opening of the C major - played on the spinet, then move to track 4 - the opening of the B flat major - and the music springs to life with the added piquancy in the harpsichord.sound. Then to the robust but more muffled sound of the fortepiano in the following D major sonata. The tangent piano, an instrument now long forgotten, was an effort to add colours as if combining a harpsichord and fortepiano, while the clavichord can sound unkempt in comparison with all that has gone before...He is a nimble player who brings admirable clarity irrespective of instrument, his tempos seem well chosen, though to an extent may have been dictated by the instrument. All are world premiere recordings, and it is true to say that the second book of six is the more weighty and attractive. The sound quality is excellent, and as a curiosity it is not to be missed" Review of Naxos (Grand Piano) recording of Tuerk's Keyboard Sonatas 1-12 Grand Piano GP 627- 28 (2CDs) Bayern Classic (Radio) Klaus Meyer, October 7, 2012 “Michael Tsalka, who is also completing an edition of Türk's sonatas, is familiar with the oeuvre of the composer and theorist like no other; he interprets the music in a congenial manner -- sometimes pleasant and playful, sometimes dreamy and pensive, and, of course, often virtuosic. This double CD à la Türk there is not just an abundance of music, but also a beautiful selection of instruments, which presents various historical keyboards from the period”ding of Tuerk's Keyboard Sonatas 1- 12" "CORNERSTONE", EAST CENTRAL COLLEGE, MO, U.S.A. October 18, 2012, By Caleb Duda Trio Concert (Ticciati/Tsalka/Erdstrom) Schumann: "Tsalka did a brilliant fast finger-work on the piano that caught my attention... Schnelzer: "Tsalka was lively and energetic on the piano". Shostakovich:"The piano had a somewhat greater part, performed masterfully by Tsalka, as the left and right half were often doing two different things entirely, giving almost the sound of two separate pianos".... Goldberg Variations, recorded for the Paladino label:"exquisite musicianship"... "There is no doubt the sound of the clavichord is an acquired taste, probably even more so than the harpsichord, but for those with an interest in historical authenticity who wish to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this keyboard masterpiece, Tsalka has much to tell." Byzantion Art Music Reviews.co.uk, July 2013 "The alternations add a further layer of enjoyment to Tsalka's handsome, intuitive readings. He demonstrates a masterly control of dynamics, and is moreover thoroughly attentive to phrasing and tempi in a way that totally explains J.S. and C.P.E.'s faith in the instrument" MusicWeb International, August 2013 Historical Keyboard Society of North America publication, U.S.A., October 2013: ...."The festival is the brain child of two wonderful Musicians: Michael Tsalka (Israel/Netherlands) and Anna Maria McElwain (Finland).....Tsalka offered a preview of his newest recording with two lovely Wanhal Capriccios....Tsalka and McElwain, in addition to deft management, were on stage for much of the festival. Their high level artistic direction was matched by their artistry as performers...." Professor Joyce Lindorff, a selection from a review describing the Nordic Historical Keyboard Festival, 2013. ...Michael Tsalka's playing is artistic throughout: his tempi in particular seems always very well judged...Tsalka's sensitive shaping and intense commitment to this music give a very satisfying result, making this neglected repertoire available as its deserves to be (four of the Sonatas are world premiere recordings) Harpsichord and Fortepiano Publication, U. K. Review by Adrian Lenthall of the Leichte Sonatas recording for Naxos. October, 2013. "The playing is wonderful throughout, the lines and phrasing crafted with a very high sense of musicianship. Each variation is invigorating in its approach and feels like a new piece. The playing and choice of instrument also provide us with a constant reminder of the underpinning bass line, creating a sense of unity over the disc as a whole. The performance is also a very intimate one, and its delicacy only serves to enhances this aspect” MusicWeb International, Jake Barlow, November 2013. Review of the "Goldberg" Variations, for the Paladino label. ...."This particular recording is the culmination of a project by keyboardist Michael Tsalka, whose goal is to present performances that are not only well informed but also profoundly musical. I must say that in this interpretation, Tsalka has been singularly successful. The first thing I noticed was that this was a performance by somebody who loved and understood Bach’s music very deeply indeed. Tsalka uses every ressource at his disposal to put this across...”. Jake Barlow, Too Much Sax and Violins Word Press, November, 2014 ”This is a brilliant recording by an artist with a passion. Stepping outside the well-worn path of keyboard music, he creates a performance that make you sit up and listen. Technicality and creativity meet in a beautifully balanced performance. December, 2013 MusicWeb International .