BaL 14.02.15 - Ravel: Piano Concerto in G

[Barbirollians]

It's all a matter of taste I suppose, these are the two version that I have so I've just compared them, for me Argerich is fine and well recorded for 1967 but Michelangeli is very special. Just listening to the opening of the slow movement, within the opening two bars Michelangali has established am amazing atmosphere while Argerich simply plays the notes, his touch is quite extraordinary and the orchestra pick up the whole emotional stillness. Try it and see how you feel.

Mike

Argerich simply plays the notes ! I have just nearly choked on my porridge .

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Yes - that word "simply" again, as if it were as easy as going over the keys with a duster.

[richardfinegold]

I have a version not listed. Robert Casadesus plays with a the French National Orchestra and Serge Baudo. It is a Concert, in terrible mono sound, on a label called Passion d or. I bought from the bargain bin for $2 years ago. It is probably a bootleg. Pulled it out yesterday in response to this thread. The sound is a real impediment . Not recommended

[makropulos]

It's all a matter of taste I suppose, these are the two version that I have so I've just compared them, for me Argerich is fine and well recorded for 1967 but Michelangeli is very special. Just listening to the opening of the slow movement, within the opening two bars Michelangali has established am amazing atmosphere while Argerich simply plays the notes, his touch is quite extraordinary and the orchestra pick up the whole emotional stillness. Try it and see how you feel.

Mike

It really is a matter of taste, yes, and I can't easily think of a "great" record that polarizes opinion so sharply. I've been trying this record on and off for decades and still can't get what the fuss is about. I also saw Michelangeli play it live (with Celibidache/LSO in about 1980) and his approach was very similar then. I'm sorry to say this live performance also left me stone cold, as the record does. Beautiful poise to the playing, of course, but a strange, remoteness from the heart of the music (as I hear it).

[Pulcinella]

It was only fairly recently, when I got a copy of the score, that I realised that the second movement, in 3/4, actually has six quavers (metronome marking quaver = 76) per bar, split into pairs as one would expect given the time signature, meaning that there should be no stress on the fourth quaver (though the left hand usually sounds as though it is a repeated pattern of three). Perhaps not explained too well, but it made me listen with greater interest to how it is generally performed.

A great favourite here in Casa Pulcinella. I must nearly have worn through both sides of the the Weissenberg/Ozawa LP (c/w Prokofiev 3) which I had as a graduate student in Canada. Must listen to it again to see if it still appeals as much. Lots of other versions on the shelves.

I am looking forward to this BaL very much indeed.

[teamsaint]

Looking at EA's listing, it appears that the Andrew Litton/ BSO recording shows Pesek as conducting. The other listings I can find seem to show Litton directing, and Pesek as conducting other works.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/gershwinravel-piano-concertos?pmtx=green-red&utm_expid=32540977-3.FNZqseMjTvyRLIewfMgTiA.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.uk%2F

More importantly, can anybody recommend it? Gramophone has a positive review, and its available in a tempting looking package with the Gershwin.

[Maclintick]

A regular broadcaster on France-Musique is Philippe Cassard, no mean pianist himself (http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Cassard - only in French, but the names in his track record speak for themselves). He is often very damning about the Marguerite Long 'school' of playing, and in particular her playing of Ravel. It's a fashion thing, I suppose... but I do agree about the split hands. Perhaps it's like portamento for string players? Very much of its era and awfully HIPP but ...

Thanks for interesting link, Cali, though I'm none the wiser as to what M.Cassard dislikes about Mme. Long's school of pianism, & slightly puzzled since her pupil Jacques Fevrier was chosen by Ravel to be the first French pianist to perform the Left Hand Concerto in France, after his tribulations with the hapless Wittgenstein.

Back to the G major. The excellent Bavouzet/BBCSO/Tortelier on Chandos is currently spinning on the turntable, as it were, & even a modern exponent such as he resorts to the delayed-right-hand thingy ( I also don't know the technical term for this controversial expressive device ) but employs it more tastefully than some...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwLarIVXH4k

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Looking at EA's listing, it appears that the Andrew Litton/ BSO recording shows Pesek as conducting. The other listings I can find seem to show Litton directing, and Pesek as conducting other works.

Oh!

[teamsaint]

Oh!

my post was just meant for info, and as part of my question, not remotely as a comment on your superb efforts, EA.

[Barbirollians]

I went and played Michelangeli and Argerich's slow movements in succession - the former , mysterious still and unsettling , the latter , warm , sunlit and magical - both valid and both marvellous . Hence , I would not be without either

[mikealdren]

Hi Barbs,
I agree and that's why I have both. You sum up Argerich well, it's very brightly lit. It also has lots of drama and dynamic contrast. Michelangeli deals in greys and half tones.

[LeMartinPecheur]

It really is a matter of taste, yes, and I can't easily think of a "great" record that polarizes opinion so sharply.

I'd suggest that the EMI Karajan recording of a certain Viennese triple concerto with rather famous Russian soloists might run it close

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

A splendid BaL - but an expensive one: I want Samson, Boulez and Monica Haas. Anyone catch which of her two recordings was illustrated?

[pastoralguy]

Excellent BAL, I thought. No great surprise that Argerich 'won'. I loved Samson's recording though.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Martha Argerich, Orchestra della Svizzera italiana, Jacek Kaspszyk , Bbm