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Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos
Sergey Prokofiev, Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (7) - Disc #2

During the 1970s, Vladimir Ashkenazy recorded virtually the entire standard piano repertoire, largely successfully. Then he turned to conducting, at which he's steadily become more successful. Although his initial efforts ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Sergey Prokofiev, Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Title: Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Decca
Release Date: 8/26/1997
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Concertos, Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Instruments, Keyboard
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 028945258829

Synopsis

Amazon.com
During the 1970s, Vladimir Ashkenazy recorded virtually the entire standard piano repertoire, largely successfully. Then he turned to conducting, at which he's steadily become more successful. Although his initial efforts on the podium were not greeted with universal acclaim, you've got to respect the fact that he moved onto something new rather than attempting to revisit the same music again and risk not doing it nearly as well. Among his complete editions was this set of Prokofiev piano concertos, and they are among the best things that he did. At two discs for the price of one, it's a fine way to acquire all of these exciting works. --David Hurwitz

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CD Reviews

19th century Prokofiev
David Gottner | 10/01/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)

"This 2 CD set was a favorite of mine since 1990, however after listening to the Guiterrez and Berman recording on the Chandos label, I am going to retire this recording.The best concertos recorded here are the 1ST and 3RD. They are more lyrical and romantic sounding than the versions on the Chandos set, and so they are fun to listen to as an alternate interpretation. Ashkenazy's lyrical style and Previn's slower tempo does not work at all for the remaining concerti however (2,4,5). In fact, I did not care for concertos 2,4 & 5 (and thought it was the music I didn't care for.) until I heard the Chandos recording."
Magnificent achievement!
H. Hall | 02/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have this recording of all five Prokofiev concertos. The rapport between soloist and conductor is first rate. The fact that Andre Previn is an excellent pianist helps mould a great understanding and the fact that both soloist and conductor got on so well helps so much.

Vladimir Ashkenazy played all the concertos very brilliantly.He doesn't overcook the interpretation and it sounds better for it.His recording of the second concerto is amazing. Remember he used that with his New York debut in the fifties with Bernstein. I find this collection to be such an achievement. I thoroughly recommend this CD."
Prokofiev's Piano Concertos are amount the greatest ever!
H. Hall | 03/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is not surprising that Prokofiev's 3rd Piano Concerto is widely played, as it provides much excitement for pianist and audience. One of the ultimate Sphinx-like riddles, though, is why the 2nd Piano Concerto does not enjoy similar success. A few lucky people realize the greatness of this Everest of piano concertos. Luckily, music is always being re-discovered, whether it is Bach, Vivaldi, swing jazz, or disco. Hopefully the Internet can speed this process, because more people should get caught up in the whirlwind music of Prokofiev. Almost all of Prokofiev's music for the piano is alternately clever and bombastic. You might accumulate all of Prokofiev's piano music and wonder where to find some similar music. You won't find it. Sergei was a true original and any attempts at imitation would be futile. Luckily, you can come back to much of Prokofiev's music again and again, finding something new every time.There are relatively few complete sets of Prokofiev's Piano Concertos, and Ashkenazy plays them as well as anybody. Later, you may want to supplement this set with individual works by Argerich or Richter. Rest assured that you don't want to miss out on this set, especially with 2 CDs for the price of one."