COMPOSERS: Tchaikovsky
LABELS: Decca
WORKS: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G; Piano Concerto No. 3 in E flat
PERFORMER: Victoria Postnikova (piano)Vienna SO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
CATALOGUE NO: 436 485-2 DDD (1983/84)
Savage cuts made in the Piano Concerto No. 2 by Tchaikovsky’s pupil Alexander Ziloti are restored on this recording. It makes for a long haul, particularly the 24-minute first movement. But in this very poised and confident performance, Postnikova’s sweeping brilliance demands, and holds, attention. The Andante is rather spoiled by a recording balance that favours the solo violin and cello (this is like a movement from a triple concerto) at the expense of the piano, which drifts in and out of focus. Christopher Lambton
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G; Piano Concerto No. 3 in E flat
Savage cuts made in the Piano Concerto No. 2 by Tchaikovsky’s pupil Alexander Ziloti are restored on this recording. It makes for a long haul, particularly the 24-minute first movement. But in this very poised and confident performance, Postnikova’s sweeping brilliance demands, and holds, attention. The Andante is rather spoiled by a recording balance that favours the solo violin and cello (this is like a movement from a triple concerto) at the expense of the piano, which drifts in and out of focus. Christopher Lambton
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm