BaL 3.05.14/5.11.22- Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto no. 1 in B flat minor

[Barbirollians]

I believe Ashkenazy didn’t like the work but played and recorded it because it was expected that a soloist of his calibre would. Does anyone remember a programme featuring Esther Rantzen called ‘The Big Time’ where up and coming youngsters were given a shot at ‘stardom’? One of the featured artists was a very young Joanna McGregor who was taken on by an agent who kept asking her ‘have you learnt the Tchaikovsky yet?!’ She was very evasive about learning a piece she had little sympathy with. To my knowledge, she’s never played it.

My favourite version, apart from Argerich and Abbado is the wonderful Beatrice Rana whose recording I listened to just the other night. I have a soft spot for Peter Katin on CfP since that was one of the first Lps I ever bought, happily coupled with Litollf’s Scherzo!

Has the Tchaikovsky second piano concerto ever been covered by BaL?

She was later on the South Bank Show moaning about having to learn it and play it at a Raymond Gubbay or Victor Hochhauser concert . I assume she has come to realise the error of her ways judging by her review so far and I am loving her choice of all these old recordings must be sending the producers mad.

[Master Jacques]

I’ve basically decided I don’t need this show any more. I’ll look at their online listing of selected new releases and use Qobuz to hear any that catch my eye, and maybe dip into the programme to listen if someone decent is talking about them… but otherwise, it’s become a waste of time sadly

This morning's BaL, with Joanna Macgregor, shows us how it can be, and ought to be - I thought I knew this piece, but am learning a lot as well as being entertained by JM's forthright approach to dealing with silly questions!

[Ein Heldenleben]

This morning's BaL, with Joanna Macgregor, shows us how it can be, and ought to be - I thought I knew this piece, but am learning a lot as well as being entertained by JM's forthright approach to dealing with silly questions!

I’ve heard the work too many times but Joanna is turning this into a masterclass on great pianism. Highly recommended even for those who can’t stand the work. To be honest I love it ….
Argerich /Horowitz ?

[Master Jacques]

I’ve heard the work too many times but Joanna is turning this into a masterclass on great pianism. Highly recommended even for those who can’t stand the work. To be honest I love it ….
Argerich /Horowitz ?

A masterclass indeed - and I love the piece, too. Thanks to JM's brilliant insights, I've just bought a couple of these performance (very cheaply) in running!

[Ein Heldenleben]

A masterclass indeed - and I love the piece, too. Thanks to JM's brilliant insights, I've just bought a couple of these performance (very cheaply) in running!

That Cziffra / Volodos comparison so telling. Both had/ have gigantic techniques but Cziffra’s subtlety!

[Bryn]

I have been a little distracted by other matters, so far. Has any mention been made of the original version of the work, as performed by Kirill Gerstein, for instance?

[Master Jacques]

I have been a little distracted by other matters, so far. Has any mention been made of the original version of the work, as performed by Kirill Gerstein, for instance?

In passing, JM did mention that there were "three versions", but she omitted to add that the familiar one has limited claims to authenticity, and she did not (alas) mention the excellent Gerstein version of the original, or play anything but the bog standard edition. Still a tremendous BaL, a good deed in a naughty world.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The same recommended version as in 2014. So I feel justified in my negligence in not compiling a new list.

[Ein Heldenleben]

The same recommended version as in 2014. So I feel justified in my negligence in not compiling a new list.

Yes . It was clear early on it would be Argerich / Horowitz . I don’t suppose her recording will ever be bettered and Abbado is a big factor in that.

[Bryn]

In passing, JM did mention that there were "three versions", but she omitted to add that the familiar one has limited claims to authenticity, and she did not (alas) mention the excellent Gerstein version of the original, or play anything but the bog standard edition. Still a tremendous BaL, a good deed in a naughty world.

Thanks. A pity that she did not pursue the version issue further.

[Keraulophone]

Does anyone remember a programme featuring Esther Rantzen called ‘The Big Time’ where up and coming youngsters were given a shot at ‘stardom’? One of the featured artists was a very young Joanna McGregor who was taken on by an agent who kept asking her ‘have you learnt the Tchaikovsky yet?!’

I vaguely remember JMcG trying her best to get André Previn's attention during a rehearsal break (probably with the LSO or RPO). He was understandably busy with rehearsal matters but IIRC she was persistent (even a bit pushy, to her credit in this BaL) and received some advice from the great man. It might have been along the lines of "You'd better learn Tchaik 1 before trying to debut with the Hugh Wood."
.

[Nick Armstrong]

This morning's BaL, with Joanna Macgregor, shows us how it can be, and ought to be - I thought I knew this piece, but am learning a lot as well as being entertained by JM's forthright approach to dealing with silly questions!

Now, you’ve got me wanting to listen to this!

[Master Jacques]

Now, you’ve got me wanting to listen to this!

Ha! The Entertainment with Instruction of this morning's BaL perhaps showed that it isn't so much the chat format which is destroying the feature, but the god-awful quality of most of the self-styled "reviewers" hired by Record Review these days. (Thought: or perhaps they're paying Auntie to go on it!)

[edashtav]

This morning's BaL, with Joanna Macgregor, shows us how it can be, and ought to be - I thought I knew this piece, but am learning a lot as well as being entertained by JM's forthright approach to dealing with silly questions!

I’m no fan of the work but I concluded after JM’s wonderful analysis that I must try harder. Perhaps, the way forward is to invest in one of the original versions. The best BaLs always cause you to think again and think afresh!

One of the best BaLs in ages.

P.S. I’ve ordered the Kirill Gernstein / Gattigan CD, coupled with a well-received Prokofiev 2nd Piano Concerto.

[Master Jacques]

I’m no fan of the work but I concluded after JM’s wonderful analysis that I must try harder. Perhaps, the way forward is to invest in one of the original versions. The best BaLs always cause you to think again and think afresh!

One of the best BaLs in ages.

A good thought. I am no expert on recordings available; but certainly, I find the Gerstein / Gaffigan / Deutsches SO Berlin CD of the original version a very different - more subtle, less "barnstorming" - experience, after the familiar warhorse.

(Having said which, my own personal favourite - not mentioned this morning - remains the high-voltage, capricious Golovanov/Gilels recording from 1940s Moscow, which is anything but subtle!)