Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Christian Gansch, Russian National Orchestra :: Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4

Riveting novelty throughout, yet still authentically Beethov

A. F. S. Mui | HK | 10/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following from the Nos. 1 and 3 Concerti of Beethoven, this second batch of Pletnev-Gansch and RNO's full Beethoven piano concerti set is yet another triumph.

Both concerti receive fresh dimensions in reading, and the soloist as well as the orchestra offer much unexpectedness to listeners, with romantic and nuanced phrasing that are authentically on the score, but hitherto not emphasized by other more conventional performers.

The 4th concerto, reputedly the most lyrical of all Beethoven's piano concerti, is being revived in Pletnev's hands as an almost entirely new piece, yet clearly and distinctively Beethovenian in character. Pletnev's pianism never lacks in fireworks, but overall it is his enchanting cantabiles coupled with his fresh nuances and dynamics that capture the listener as never before with the same pieces of music.

Particularly striking is his clever pauses that add much wit and elan to the musical lines. His touching is crisp, clean, daunting wherever demanded, and lyrical in the appropriate places. The Russian romantic style of pianism does seem to serve Beethoven well!

This recording, with the previous Nos. 1 & 3, constitute a cycle of Beethoven's Piano Concerti that should not be missed by music lovers. The 5th concerto by this wonderful partnering is without a doubt one to be looked forward to.

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