Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

On this CD:

1. Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11, CT 47
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra with Martino Tirimo
Conducted by Fedor Glushchenko

2. Concerto for piano & orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, CT 48
Composed by Fryderyk Chopin
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra with Martino Tirimo
Conducted by Fedor Glushchenko

Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Music, Fryderyk Chopin, Fedor Glushchenko, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, Martino Tirimo, Classical, Concerto, Piano Concerto

Average customer rating:

Disappointment

Great Performances

Argerich's Finest Recording of Chopin's Piano Concertos

Too much for me. :)

Fire and ice

Chopin: Piano Concertos nos. 1 & 2 / Dutoit, Argerich
Frédéric Chopin , Charles Dutoit , Martha Argerich , and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Maria João Pires - Chopin · The Nocturnes

ASIN: B00000IWVP
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In E Minor, Op.11: I: Allegro Maestoso
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Minor, Op.11: II: Romanze. Larghetto
Piano Concerto No.1 In E Minor, Op.11: III: Rondo. Vivace
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21: I: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21: II: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No.2 In F Minor, Op.21: III: Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

Martha Argerich is one of our supreme pianists, and this disc shows her almost at her best. Every phrase is beautifully considered and executed, but there is still plenty of spontaneity in her playing. Alas for the flowers of youth. A couple of decades ago, Argerich played this music (on two separate Deutsche Grammophon recordings) with even more fervor and spontaneity, and the accompaniments were more incisive and more clearly recorded than these. As Chopin wrote these concertos so early in his career, one can't help thinking that Argerich's earlier performances are more appropriate to the music. Still, with playing of this caliber, one can't merely set it aside. As a mature reconsideration of these concertos, this disc is well worth hearing--after you already know the earlier versions. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Disappointment.......2004-08-13

I usually like both Argerich and Dutoit, but EMI has not done either of them justice, and to me, Argerich sounds less involved than in other recordings. The real drawback, though, is the sound. Decca provided Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony with clear, open sound that made their recordings enjoyable. To me, EMI's sound here is indistinct, bordering on muddy at times. Orchestral detail is lost, and on a couple of occasions the piano just disappears behind the orchestra. I bought this recording expecting something special, but was quite disappointed.

Great Performances.......2002-09-05

The two piano concerti by Chopin have been staples of the concert hall for many years. However, this is only the second recordings of these concerti by Martha Argerich. Ms. Argerich summons up all of the poetry and pathos that has made Chopin's concertos so popular over the years. She is ably supported by Charles Dutoit and the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal, who fulfil their role as accompaniment well and even manage a bit of acceleration in the Second concerto (first movement) almost as if to catch Ms. Argerich by surprise. Having had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Argerich play the Beethoven Second concerto in person, I know she can drive the concerto along. So here the orchestra gets a turn. When this disc was reviewed by Gramophone the comment was made that it seemed less a studio recording than a relaxed concert performance. I would agree. The concertos come of as the luxuriously tuneful works that they are with brilliant keyboard work by Martha Argerich. This recording is among the best of Chopin's concertos and I highly recommend it.

Argerich's Finest Recording of Chopin's Piano Concertos.......2001-11-27

Martha Argerich's performances of both concerti are spellbinding, incredible displays of passion. Her technical skills at the keyboard are absolutely phenomenal too. Indeed, I doubt I have heard her play these Chopin concertos as skillfully as she does here. However, Dutoit comes across as a somewhat reluctant accompanist, in awe with her performances. He doesn't quite lead the Montrealers in brilliant performances of the orchestral scores. Still, this deserves my strong recommendation as one of the finest recordings of Chopin's piano concertos, if only because of Argerich's superb performances.

Too much for me. :).......2000-12-01

Lithe, sparkling, transparent, impressionistic--this recording is an outpouring of incredible delicious sound and it all reaches me so sublimely. It is the one piece of music I feel insecure writing about because I am so completely drawn into the moment, into the flow of the music. The orchestra and the piano are interwoven like the early sunset glow caressing a meadow's grasses. The slow movement of in the E minor is like a lullaby sung tenderly and quietly and with loving intimacy. In total both concerti seem to be played in an understated way, not with bravado, but with irresistible momentum. Dutoit and Argerich flow.

Fire and ice.......1999-12-08

Argerich plays with all her customary passion and flying fingers. But what I dislike about this recording is the fact that Dutoit's realization of the orchestral parts is rather dull. If you want to hear the true glory of these works, get the Perahia/Mehta CD (Sony). Perahia is every bit Argerich's equal while being more tasteful (IMHO), and Mehta's conducting is both powerful and vivid.

Chopin - Piano Concerto Nos. 1, 2 - Yevgeny Kissin

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Chopin - Piano Concerto Nos. 1, 2 - Yevgeny Kissin

Manufacturer: Melodiya
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000J0O6LU

Product Description

Piano Concerto No.1 in e minor, Op.11 I. Allegro maestoso II. Larghetto III. Vivace Piano Concerto No.2 in f minor, Op.21 I. Maestoso II. Larghetto III. Allegro vivace Piano: Yavgeny Kissin Conductor: Dmitri Kitayenko Moscow Philarmonic Orchestra Recorded: March 27, 1984

Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

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Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Conifer
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000024DY
Release Date: 1995-05-09

Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 And 2/19 Waltzes/3 Impromptus

Average customer rating:

A great first set to explore the poetry of Chopin

Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 And 2/19 Waltzes/3 Impromptus

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In E Minor, Op.11: Allegro maestoso risoluto
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E Minor, Op.11: Romance (Larghetto)
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E Minor, Op.11: Rondo (Vivace)
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op.21: Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op.21: Larghetto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op.21: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Waltzes: No.1 In E Flat, Op. 18
Waltzes: No.2 In A Flat, Op. 34 No. 1
Waltzes: No.3 In A minor, Op.34 No.2
Waltzes: No.4 In F, Op. 34 No. 3
Waltzes: No.5 In A Flat, Op 42
Waltzes: No.17 In E Flat (Posthumous)
Waltzes: No.19 in A Minor (posthumous)
Waltzes: No.6 In D Flat, Op..64 No.1
Waltzes: No.7 In C Sharp Minor, Op.64 No.2
Waltzes: No.8 In A Flat, Op.64 No. 3
Waltzes: No.18 In E Flat (Posthumous)
Waltzes: No.9 In A Flat, Op.69 No.1
Waltzes: No.16 In A Flat (Posthumous)
Waltzes: No.10 In B Minor, Op 69 No. 2
Waltzes: No.15 In E (Posthumous)
Waltzes: No.11 In G Flat, Op. 70 No.1
Waltzes: No.12 In F Minor, Op. 70 No. 2
Waltzes: No.13 In D Flat, Op. 70 No.3
Waltzes: No.14 In E Minor (Posthumous)
3 Impromptus: No.1 In A Flat, Op. 29
3 Impromptus: No.2 In F Sharp, Op. 36
3 Impromptus: No.3 In G Flat, Op.51

Customer Reviews:

A great first set to explore the poetry of Chopin.......2006-02-20

Here's a nice little inexpensive find that I have greatly enjoyed. Both American Garrick Ohlsson and France's Agustin Anievas are respected (but less known) interpreters of Chopin. Ohlsson's Complete Chopin Recordings are superb (Arabesque) while Anievas exudes a clean, uncomplicated Chopin style. First the concertos ... Chopin's two piano concertos are among the most popular in the repertoire. Their sparkling piano writing, endless streams of melody and rich, graceful harmonies make them perennial favorites. Somewhat unique is the understated orchestration that takes a backseat to the prominent solo-piano writing. Most other concertos are an equal give-n-take between the soloist and full orchestra and are thus more "symphonic" in the end result (Mozart's concertos are like this). Personally, I really like such a low-key orchestra compliment and rank these among my favorite in the genre.

Ohlsson recorded these concertos at least twice, this one being remastered in the 80's to excellent effect. Particularly gogeous are the famous slow movements which Ohlsson plays most mesmerizingly. His piano comes across bright, bold and with beautiful nuances of timbre while the orchestra recorded with perfect balance and life-like sound. EMI did a great job on this one. If you are looking around, there are scores of superb recordings around - Rubinstein, Perahia and Argerich being among the top choices.

Equally inspiring and enjoyable are the lovely Waltzes performed by Agustin Anievas. Chopin's Waltzes are among the most universally well-loved music around and for a good reason - they are ever-so elegant, full of life and reveal a special, joyous aspect of this composer known as "the poet of the piano." Equally evocative are the more melancholy waltes in minor keys. Famous performances of Chopin's Waltzes include Dinu Lupatti and Artur Rubinstein among others. But, Anievas gets some strong cudos for his relaxed, effervescent readings here that sparkle with life and radiate elegant simplicity of interpretation. Last, the Impromptus are some of Chopin's more understated but easy-to-enjoy works that are rendered admirably here. So, togther, these Chopin pieces are some of the finest in his ouevre and these recordings honor the Chopin as he wrote the music without excessive indulgance. If you don't have many or any Chopin recordings, you will probably enjoy this low-cost set and get the bug for more of Chopin's music. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound - 4.5 stars.

Chopin Piano Concertos - Klavierkonzerte Nos. 1 & 2

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Chopin Piano Concertos - Klavierkonzerte Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000QAD2KO

Product Description

Paino Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 1. Allegro maestoso 2. Romance 3. Rondo Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 4. Maestoso 5. Larghetto 6. Allegro vivace

Maria João Pires ~ Chopin - Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 · 14 Waltzes

Average customer rating:

Pires plays Chopin
Interesting, idiosyncratic, imperfect

Maria João Pires ~ Chopin - Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 · 14 Waltzes
Frédéric Chopin , Armin Jordan , Maria João Pires , and Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000026FDD
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.1, Op.11 In E Minor: Allegro Maestoso
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.1, Op.11 In E Minor: Romanze (Larghetto)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.1, Op.11 In E Minor: Rondo (Vivace)
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.2, Op.21 In F Minor: Maestoso
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.2, Op.21 In F Minor: Larghetto
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.2, Op.21 In F Minor: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

'Valse Brillante', Op.34 No.3 In F Major
'Grande Valse', Op.42 In A Flat Major
Op.64 No.1 In D Flat Major
Op.69 No.1 (Op. Posth.) In A Flat Major
Op.64 No.2 In C Sharp Minor
Op.70 No.1 (Op. Posth) In G Flat Major
Op.69 No.2 (Op. Posth.) In B Minor
KK IVa No.15 (Op. Posth.) In E Minor
'Valse Brillante', Op.34 No.2 In A Minor
Op.64 No.3 In A Flat Major
Op.70 No.2 (Op. Posth.) In F Minor
Op.70 No.3 (Op. Posth.) In D Flat Major
'Grande Valse Brillante', Op.18 In E Flat Major
'Valse Brillante', Op.34 No.1 In A Flat Major

Customer Reviews:

Pires plays Chopin.......2005-10-05

Maria Joao Pires is a Chopin interpreter par excellence. Her performances of these works always leaves me with a satisfied feeling within. Highly recommended.

Interesting, idiosyncratic, imperfect.......2001-07-14

Maria-Joao Pires is my favorite pianist. Chopin is my favorite composer. For sentimental reasons connected with my first years in Paris, the waltzes are my favorite compositions. All of that having been said, I must admit to some indecision about these two disks.

The waltzes are so crammed onto the second disk that there is scarcely a beat between any two of them. The result is almost one long waltz in 14 or more segments. I say 14 "or more" because Pires plays almost no two segments of any one waltz in identical fashion. Her diverse approaches to repetitions within a given waltz are fascinating: differences in tempo, in tonality, in use of pedal, in mood. In my many listenings, I have been tempted frequently to stop and replay in an effort to catch the nuances of this studio recording. Why the publishers of the waltzes have packed the disk so tightly is an annoying mystery. Justice is not done to the remarkable interpretations of the pianist. (The otherwise useless liner-notes remind us that "for this recording, Maria-Joao Pires has chosen the same order as Dinu Lipatti." While the respect for the late Lipatti is touching, Lipatti's placing of the "grande" and "brilliante" waltzes at the beginning and the end makes them something like bookends that obscure the more modest waltzes at which Pires excels.)

Although I am not as familiar with the concertos, I find this recording satisfying -- except in the upper octaves, in which the solo instrument sounds pathetically tinny, almost like the "plinking" of a toy piano. (I should speak, rather, of "one" of the solo instruments. The disk contains the almost unacknowledged solo work of Michel Garcin, one of the most respected horn-players of our day, performing here with the Monte Carlo Orchestra under the baton of Armin Jordon.) It is deplorable that the sound-engineers or producers (or someone) has failed to give Maria-Joao Pires the tonal reproduction that her extraordinary performance deserves.

Finally, it is a mystery to me why the line drawing of a naked woman graces -- or disgraces -- the packaging of these disks. The artist is an obscure Frenchman named Charlemont, whose only known relationship to Chopin was a sharing of some of the years of the 19th Century.