COMPOSERS: Tchaikovsky
LABELS: DG
WORKS: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor; Violin Concerto in D
PERFORMER: Martha Argerich (piano), Nathan Milstein (violin)RPO/Charles Dutoit; Vienna PO/Claudio Abbado
CATALOGUE NO: 439 420-2 ADD (1971/73)
These concertos, two of the most popular in the repertoire, are always at risk of being wrecked. But not here, in performances both dating from the early Seventies. Argerich captures the power, sensuality and quixotic nature of the Piano Concerto in playing that is illuminatingly subtle, even if the RPO under Dutoit is less so. Milstein’s playing is riveting in its freedom and passion, with the Paganini-like first movement cadenza astonishing. Abbado draws remarkable swagger from the Vienna Philharmonic. Annette Morreau
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor; Violin Concerto in D
These concertos, two of the most popular in the repertoire, are always at risk of being wrecked. But not here, in performances both dating from the early Seventies. Argerich captures the power, sensuality and quixotic nature of the Piano Concerto in playing that is illuminatingly subtle, even if the RPO under Dutoit is less so. Milstein’s playing is riveting in its freedom and passion, with the Paganini-like first movement cadenza astonishing. Abbado draws remarkable swagger from the Vienna Philharmonic. Annette Morreau
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:31 pm