BaL 24.09.16 - Chopin: Piano Concerto no. 1 in E minor

[CallMePaul]

Dang Thai Son with the Orchestra of the 18th century, Bruggen. Much prefer Chopin solo piano to his concertos, but this is a good version. An 1848 Pleyel, I think. Much preferable to the heavy-handed Ax [1851 Erard]/OAE/Mackerras, which is the only other HIPP performance I know..

I have the Avdeeva with the same orchestral forces and on the same label (Narodowy Institut Fryderyka Chopina). Interestingly, Avdeeva appears to play the same Erard piano as Dang. I don't know if the recording venue in warsaw is the same in both recordings. I have not heard her recording on a modern piano but it may be interesting to compare recordings by the same pianist on period and modern instruments.

[mikealdren]

We have already spent far too long making the point that the opening tutti should not be cut, why do we have to drag out these points in discussion. PLEASE let us have a scripted programme!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

PLEASE let us have a scripted programme!

That would be the sensible option.

[Barbirollians]

I could not disagree more with her analysis of the Pollini seems to me she is listening through the prism of some of his later DG recording rather than with open ears .

[Keraulophone]

The krakowiak - "Lang Lang turns it into a sort of absent-minded doodle."

Spot on.

[mikealdren]

The krakowiak - "Lang Lang turns it into a sort of absent-minded doodle."

Spot on.

Yes, an excellent review apart from the aforementioned discussion mode. Well done S-MP.

[Barbirollians]

I thought far too few recordings discussed -where were Fliter, Vasary,Perahia for example.No doubt partly because 15 minutes or so lost to McGregor's interjections.,

[Bryn]

Intrigued by the Ax, I hesitated that little bit too long over trying to order the cheapest amazon.co.uk marketplace offer. However, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, for a little more searching found copies of the separate discs of the 1st and 2nd concertos plus Chopin's other works for piano and orchestra for not much more that the price I missed out on. Result!

Strangely, QOBUZ only have the 2nd concerto (with the Andante Spianato Op. 22 and Grande Polonaise), not the 1st concerto (with the Grande Valse brillante and Variations On 'La ci darem la mano').

[Bryn]

I thought far too few recordings discussed -where were Fliter, Vasary,Perahia for example.

In the 'also ran' pile, I suppose.

[Barbirollians]

I have no quibble with the winner or runner up though both terrific performances good to be reminded of the Kissin.

[Barbirollians]

In the 'also ran' pile, I suppose.

No doubt but anyone who thinks they are four square needs their ears syringing.

[antongould]

Enjoyed it - easily the best twosome I have heard, probably as SMP seemed to appreciate, rather than be irritated by, AM's presence. Agreed with the winner ..... and now know why I can never swat flies .......

[edashtav]

Enjoyed it - easily the best twosome I have heard, probably as SMP seemed to appreciate, rather than be irritated by, AM's presence. Agreed with the winner ..... and now know why I can never swat flies .......

Well said!

[visualnickmos]

Enjoyed it - easily the best twosome I have heard, probably as SMP seemed to appreciate, rather than be irritated by, AM's presence. Agreed with the winner ..... and now know why I can never swat flies .......

Yes - agreed. I think that they have now got it 'right' - seemed to work very well.
Must say, I was very taken with Ax/Mackerras...

[Thropplenoggin]

SMP's commentary seemed rather vapid and wishy-washy to me. Terms like 'vital' playing, 'liquid' playing aren't particularly instructive.