Saint-Saëns Piano Concertos (inc Louis Schwizgebel in Nos 2 & 5)

[Barbirollians]

Now here is a record to make your hair stand on end - in the Trifonov Rachmaninov class and what I love about it most is not just the spectacular virtuosity but the musicality - I doubted I would ever here a performance of either to match the legendary Jeanne Marie Darre but here it is and in much better sound ! The Second in particular makes you smile .

What a talent .

[Nick Armstrong]

Couldn't agree more - indeed, I flagged this recording in similar terms on another thread:

Two more absolutely outstanding piano concerto discs on yesterday's CD Review - both downloaded and currently being revelled in:

Poulenc Piano Concertos &c. - Louis Lortie, Hélène Mercier, BBC Philharmonic/Edward Gardner

Saint-Saëns Piano Concertos 2 & 5 - Louis Schwizgebel, BBC Symphony Orchestra/Brabbins

Stunning pianism all round - and great work from BBC ensembles

What a golden age it is for piano playing (contrast: singing!!!) - all this, and that Trifonov Rachmaninov 'Variations' disc too...

[Barbirollians]

Couldn't agree more - indeed, I flagged this recording in similar terms on another thread:

I agree about the BBC orchestra's contribution - it is as if they are lit up by the pianist's first runs . So often these pieces can be dismissed as being mere firework displays - all glitter and nothing else to them . You cannot say this about these performances .

[Barbirollians]

Every time I listen to them the better they seem to get I cannot recommend them highly enough especially to Saint Saens sceptics .

[Barbirollians]

I was impressed enough to order his earlier recording of the Beethoven 1and 2 . His playing is very fine but I am not so sure about the accompaniment of LPO/Thierry Fischer - a bit unsubtle but I need to play it again.

[Nick Armstrong]

Every time I listen to them the better they seem to get I cannot recommend them highly enough especially to Saint Saens sceptics .

[Cockney Sparrow]

Thanks for the recommendation. I treasure Naxos Music Library (free via my library) - listening to the Saint Saens / Louis Schwizgebel now.....
Try before I (possibly) buy....

[Ferretfancy]

I agree about the BBC orchestra's contribution - it is as if they are lit up by the pianist's first runs . So often these pieces can be dismissed as being mere firework displays - all glitter and nothing else to them . You cannot say this about these performances .

I absolutely agree, both performances are entrancing and the recording is very good with plenty of space. The Trifonov performances of Rachmaninov are also quite stunning, especially in the Rhapsody. I do find the recording a bit contrived and a fraction too close, maybe suitable venues in Philadelphia are hard to find, but the playing is terrific

Happy Christmas everybody!

Ferret.

[Jonathan]

I listened to the Saint-saens concerti yesterday and agree they are excellent in all respects. The finale of the 5th concerto is stunning!
We saw him play live 2 years ago (Schubert, Beethoven and Schubert transcriptions by Liszt) and he was superb.

Merry Christmas to everyone here

[Barbirollians]

Saint Saens Piano Concertos

Mightily impressed by Alexandre Kantorow’s recordings of Concertos 1 and 2 plus Wedding Cake etc on BIS . Darre’s style with more warmth and romance . Excellent

[richardfinegold]

Me too

[Dave2002]

I don’t know this. However I do have Hough’s set and also Rogé so maybe I don’t need another.

[BBMmk2]

I don’t know this. However I do have Hough’s set and also Rogé so maybe I don’t need another.

I’ll be getting Hough’s set and Rogé’s, at some point.

[Parry1912]

Mightily impressed by Alexandre Kantorow’s recordings of Concertos 1 and 2 plus Wedding Cake etc on BIS

Yes. Beautifully done. Nice to see Saint-Saens enjoying something of a resurgence.

[Stanfordian]

I don’t know this. However I do have Hough’s set and also Rogé so maybe I don’t need another.

Yes, the Hough set takes some beating.