Search - Greig, Chopin, Thibaudet :: Piano Cto in a Minor / Piano Cto 2 in F Minor

Piano Cto in a Minor / Piano Cto 2 in F Minor
Greig, Chopin, Thibaudet
Piano Cto in a Minor / Piano Cto 2 in F Minor
Genre: Classical
 
The Grieg piano concerto is one of those works that are hindered by their own popularity. It has been a constant feature of concert life for so long that it is sometimes dismissed as an old warhorse, making it difficult to...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Greig, Chopin, Thibaudet, Rco, Gergiev
Title: Piano Cto in a Minor / Piano Cto 2 in F Minor
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Decca
Release Date: 9/12/2000
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Concertos, Instruments, Keyboard, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 028946709320, 002894670932

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The Grieg piano concerto is one of those works that are hindered by their own popularity. It has been a constant feature of concert life for so long that it is sometimes dismissed as an old warhorse, making it difficult to approach it with fresh ears. Yet that is what Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Valery Gergiev have managed to do here, to judge from the results. From the very opening chord, which somehow gives an almost Hollywood feel to the famous descending piano passage that starts the work, there is a sense of discovery that you don't expect to find in such a well-known piece. The dramatic bluster is all there. But so is some very delicate playing from both soloist and orchestra. Chopin's second piano concerto (the first to be written, but the second to be published) is no stranger to our concert platforms, either, and again we get a fresh, unhackneyed reading. As with the Grieg, Thibaudet's entrance is dramatic, and both soloist and conductor seem to take pleasure in bringing out the romanticism. If you have any doubts, try the deliciously lyrical Larghetto movement, and they will be instantly dispelled. --Keith Clarke
 

CD Reviews

Romantic Piano Music
D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 04/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most famous opening lines in all music, graceful, arching melodies and full-bodied romantic sentiment throughout. This is Grieg's Piano Concerto in a nutshell. Thibaudet, Gergiev and the Rotterdam Philharmonic do a fantastic job of capturing the energy and pleasure of this score. The sound quality is superb. The piano shines but never is out of balance with the orchestra. Gergiev should get a special mention for his orchestral support, lilting and effectual. Gried has probably never sounded better - both sensitive and when necessary, passionate. The Chopin Piano Concerto does not have the same visceral melodic thrills as does the Grieg, but it is extremely pleasant going down. Chopin provides the polished piano technique that Grieg does not - however his orchestral colors are a little stiff. Overall though, this is an well programmed disc with outstanding performances and sound quality to boot."