Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (2008)

Chopin's two piano concertos, both early works, were primarily written as a vehicle for the young composer to demonstrate his own talents both pianistically and compositionally while touring and making a name for himself. Because of this, and in part due to his lack of experience writing for the medium, the orchestral accompaniments are notoriously bland and unsophisticated compared to the solo part. This recording featuring pianist Vassily Primakov and the Odense Symphony Orchestra handles this mismatch of forces by ... Read More

Chopin's two piano concertos, both early works, were primarily written as a vehicle for the young composer to demonstrate his own talents both pianistically and compositionally while touring and making a name for himself. Because of this, and in part due to his lack of experience writing for the medium, the orchestral accompaniments are notoriously bland and unsophisticated compared to the solo part. This recording featuring pianist Vassily Primakov and the Odense Symphony Orchestra handles this mismatch of forces by presenting listeners with a well-polished, rich orchestral backdrop that successfully stays fully clear of the piano's path. When it comes to Primakov's playing, this is exceptionally advantageous for listeners. Primakov's interpretation of Chopin is extraordinarily intimate and personal. His sense of pacing keeps listeners consistently attentive and on the edge of their seats. He has at his disposal an impressive arsenal of tone colors, dynamic nuance, and control of voicing. His ample... Read Less