Alkan, Charles-Valentin (1813 - 88)

[Jonathan]

Hi all,
There is a fantastic sounding CD of Alkan piano music (including the fearsome Scherzo fucoso, Op.34 - it's also on you-tube) which has been released in Japan. The pianist is Yui Morishita. However, it is only available via Amazon.jp. Does anyone here have any experience of ordering from that site and, if so, have any idea of the cost of postage on 1 CD to the UK? Many thanks in advance...

[pastoralguy]

I attempted to sign up to the Amazon.jp site but it wouldn't allow me. Alas, since my Japanese isn't the best, (ie, non-existent!), and despite the site purporting to be the English version, I couldn't work out what the problem was. I've bought stuff from the US and European versions of Amazon but the Asian sites are difficult.

Without a certain command of the language, I'd be wary.

Hopefully, someone else may have a way round it.

[Pianorak]

. . . the fearsome Scherzo fucoso, Op.34 . . .

Thanks for sharing. Awesome and fearsome indeed.
One for Valentina Lisitska? She'll probably shave off another minute or so. :-)

[Alison]

I have ordered some items from HMV Japan, can't remember postage but nothing prohibitive.

[HighlandDougie]

I assume that this is it?

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/ALCD-7193

CD Japan will quote you shipping charges so you know exactly what you are paying. They are very efficient - and have excellent packaging. In the maybe eight or nine times that I've ordered from them, I've never had to pay customs duty. I can't remember if they offer the option or not but, if you use Japan Post's Express Mail Service, you will get stung not only for import duty/VAT but also a pretty steep "handling fee" by Parcelforce. Non-express post (standard airmail) is still pretty quick.

[pastoralguy]

I assume that this is it?

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/ALCD-7193

CD Japan will quote you shipping charges so you know exactly what you are paying. They are very efficient - and have excellent packaging. In the maybe eight or nine times that I've ordered from them, I've never had to pay customs duty. I can't remember if they offer the option or not but, if you use Japan Post's Express Mail Service, you will get stung not only for import duty/VAT but also a pretty steep "handling fee" by Parcelforce. Non-express post (standard airmail) is still pretty quick.

[Bryn]

I assume that this is it?

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/ALCD-7193

CD Japan will quote you shipping charges so you know exactly what you are paying. They are very efficient - and have excellent packaging. In the maybe eight or nine times that I've ordered from them, I've never had to pay customs duty. I can't remember if they offer the option or not but, if you use Japan Post's Express Mail Service, you will get stung not only for import duty/VAT but also a pretty steep "handling fee" by Parcelforce. Non-express post (standard airmail) is still pretty quick.

So that's £17.95 including p&p if you are happy to wait for small packet rate, and the customs and excise folk are prepared to overlook the 23p over the cut-off rate of £15 for the purchase price.

[EdgeleyRob]

Hi all,
There is a fantastic sounding CD of Alkan piano music (including the fearsome Scherzo fucoso, Op.34 - it's also on you-tube) which has been released in Japan. The pianist is Yui Morishita. However, it is only available via Amazon.jp. Does anyone here have any experience of ordering from that site and, if so, have any idea of the cost of postage on 1 CD to the UK? Many thanks in advance...

Hi Jonathan

I've never ordered anything from that site but it's available to download from I Tunes,I am going to do that later.

I take it you are familiar with this

[richardfinegold]

I don't own a single note of Alkan. Is there on album that would be a good introduction?

[EdgeleyRob]

I don't own a single note of Alkan. Is there on album that would be a good introduction?

Nice bargain collection Richard



and this is top notch,currently featuring on what are you listening to now thread

[richardfinegold]

The 12 exudes disc is a bit pricey...but thanks for the recommendation.

[Jonathan]

Thanks everyone for your comments. The cdjapan option looks like a probable solution and at least I have an idea of the cost. I've stopped using iTunes recently, not for any particular reason!
I'd not seen his other recordings, I shall have to look at these later on.
I've also seen recently that the recordings formerly on ASV (which no longer exists) are slowly being rereleased via Presto Classical so the amazing Jack Gibbons 12 etudes May soon be available again, perhaps more cheaply.

[umslopogaas]

I dont have any Alkan on CD, but first got to know his Concerto for Solo Piano on an LP, played by Ronald Smith. He also did another LP of shorter pieces including the Sonatine. I also have an LP of a recital of Alkan works, including Symphonie, by Raymond Lewenthal. I'm no pianist, but they all sound stunning to me and if they've been issued on CD I'd recommend them.

[umslopogaas]

Woops, several more LPs of Alkan which I overlooked. Three more by Ronald Smith: one of various pieces played on the Colt Clavier Collection, one of the Grande Sonate Op. 33 and one of the Symphony Op. 39. Also one of the 12 Etudes, played by Michael Ponti, and one of the Concerto for Solo Piano, played by John Ogdon. All recommended.

[richardfinegold]

Alkan, Charles-Valentin (1813 - 88)

I am interested in exploring the music of these 2 Composers but don't know where to start. Any suggestions would be appreciated.