This 2008 Urania disc has three attractive features. First, it has pianist
Robert Casadesus' only recording of
Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto. Second, it has an alternative live performance by violinist
Zino Francescatti for his studio recording of
Beethoven's Violin Concerto. And third, it has conductor
Dimitri Mitropoulos' only recording of the former work and an alternative recording of the latter work (he also recorded it with
Jascha Heifetz as the soloist). Most importantly, these performances are musically excellent. Though not usually considered either a great virtuoso or a great
Beethoven player,
Casadesus proves himself to be both in this astounding 1955 performance. There's thunder in his opening Allegro, poetry in his central Adagio, and unfettered joy in his closing
rondo . Already considered a virtuoso from his many recordings and a great
Beethoven player from his superlative recording of the Violin Concerto with
Bruno Walter,
Francescatti demonstrates his mastery of the composer and the work with this brilliantly virtuosic, highly lyrical, and deeply felt performance. In both works,
Mitropoulos and the
New York Philharmonic accompany the soloists with their trademark combination of technical control and edge-of-the-chair excitement. Though the sources are antique, Archipel has rendered the sound as palatable as possible. The results may still be unacceptable to listeners for whom only digital sound will do, but listeners interested in
Casadesus,
Francescatti, or
Mitropoulos are unlikely to be deterred. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
