Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Andre Vandernoot, Constantin Silvestri :: Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1; Violin Concerto

CZIFFRA & KOGAN play exciting TCHAIKOVSKY

Mr. Alan Thorpe | London | 10/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Two great and very popular romantic concertos by Tchaikovsky - his first piano concerto and violin concerto, played by two legendary instrumentalists - Georges CZIFFRA, and Leonid KOGAN. Both works got off to an inauspicious start as the dedicatees {Nicholas Rubinstein and Leopold Auer} deemed the works to be awkwardly written and unplayable! So upset was Tchaikovsky by Rubinstein's offensive remarks that he dedicated the work to Hans von Bulow who gave the first successful performance in America. He did, however, dedicate his second piano concerto to Rubinstein who in turn played the first piano concerto with great success. A big bravura virtuoso technique is needed to play these works and both soloists have the technical armoury to bring them off! Cziffra's view of the piano concerto is surprisingly lyrical, although the first cadenza of the introduction is electrifying and alternating chord passages and double octaves in the first movement similarly breathtaking. Cziffra plays the slow movement `semplice' as marked with dazzling finger work in the scherzo - like `prestissimo' middle section but in the Finale which Tchaikovsky marks to be played `con fuoco' {with fire} Cziffra concentrates on its lyrical qualities which robs the music of its essential Ukrainian fire and dash, although he does play the final double octave cadenza and coda with panache. Kogan similarly brings much excitement to the violin concerto and he is backed to the hilt by the conductor Constantin Silvestri who always was a very fine Tchaikovskian. Kogan brings soaring lyricism, with just the right amount of melancholy to Tchaikovsky's inspired melodies, as in the `Canzonetta' slow movement and in the final `Allegro' he plays with dazzling virtuosity and fiery gypsy spirit. A masterly performance to rank with the likes of Heifetz, Milstein et al."

Kogan's the top pick for Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto

LEE Cheng Hooi | Kuala Lumpur, WP Malaysia | 02/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Try Kogan on EMI 569 695-2 or EMI Encore 574 757-2, February 26, 2003 This review talks about my favourite version of the Tchaikovsky - that is THE "Leonid Kogan" version on EMI Classics Import - 569695 (a 2CD set, with Fournier on the Rococo Vars. & Cziffra on P/C 1, etc.). The Kogan (I am listening to this as I type this review), is a really great performance - beats all comers even Heifetz, Oistrakh, Perlman, Rabin, Stern and all the other great violinists (These other greats are also in my Tchaikovsky V/C CD collection too). The technique, rhythmic drive, passion, Russian-ness, the rubato and the ease of Kogan's playing just captivates me every time I heard this CD. The 1st movt. cadenza has some additions to it - making it even more difficult than it is. The 2nd movt. is so soulful whilst the 3rd movt is just so very rhythmic and virtuoso; making it one of my top 10 Desert Island CDs."

Kogan, Leonid

Terrence L. Hsu | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The violin concerto is simply the best Tchaikovsky I've ever heard. Technical mastery combined with an interesting artistic performance. Sustained legato intensity. The artistic lines are as clean as you'll ever hear. The orchestra lags a bit sometimes - but the solo playing is nonpareil."