Peter Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no. 1 in B minor, Op. 23 is a piece of probation for each piano virtuoso. The partly finger-breaking solo passages and cadenzas for the piano make it one of the most difficult piano concertos ever. In the present recording here Sviatoslav Richter plays with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan probably the best recording of this early masterpiece of the great Russians.
The work opens with the famous motif Tchaikovsky, doom heavy, warm and majestic. This is a highly romantic Fanfare full Russian charm. This introduction to an extensive Allegro con Spirito connects, the intoxicating effect by his aloofness, even if the phone repeatedly get the feeling that the same missing something.
The second movement, a tender Andantino semplice is interrupted by a bizarre Prestissimo. The finale continues the expression ranges of input Allegro. After ample listening I came to the conclusion that the introverted after major conclusion is the real highlight of this wonderful concert.
Richter copes with even the most difficult passages with ease. Karajan whips the Wiener on to top performances. That the recording is nearly fifty years old, it is perfectly concerning their sound quality.
Sergei Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto in C minor op. 18 is one of his best and most famous works. Here plays judge together with the Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic Warsaw under the direction of the lesser-known Stanislav Wislocki.
The work opens with a depressing topic in the lower strings, strongly appassioniert and stylized by the bass of the piano almost to a vicious dance. The set is divided by passionate outbursts. Impressive is especially the rhapsodic treatment of concertante relationship between soloist and orchestra.
In the second set of blades at some of the most beautiful motifs Rachmaninov who do not stir without reason to the heart - one of the subjects has a striking resemblance to Celine Dion's pop hit "All by Myself".
In the finale, an Allegro scherzando, Rachmaninov omits all fate severity and are almost left out and shouting.
The Warsaw and judges play perfectly, work out every nuance and put the listener into Revel. This performance surpasses even Rachmaninov's own recording of this work with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Brilliant! The sound quality can not keep up with the Tchaikovsky Concerto, although the recording has emerged only a few years before that. But Rachmaninov works harms a pinch campfire not.
Conclusion: Two of the best and most important piano concertos in an outstanding recording of the century pianist Richter! What more do you want! Highly recommended!
