Dvorak: Piano Concerto; Schubert: 'Wanderer' Fantasy / Richter, Kleiber
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These recordings show diverse aspects of the great pianist's approach. In the concerto, frequently played for its virtuoso effects, Richter emphasizes the gentler, lyrical aspects of the music, although there is plenty of power when it's required. The unusually assertive orchestral support under Kleiber is a strong asset. Richter's Schubert was usually very gentle, but here he seizes on the outgoing aspects of the music and plays more aggressively than usual--although there is no lack of song when it's required. Neither performance is "definitive"; both leave plenty of room for other approaches. But both are so engrossing that, as they play, one can't imagine another interpretation. There was room for more music on this disc, but what's here is choice. --Leslie Gerber
Dvorak: Piano Concerto; Schubert: 'Wanderer' Fantasy / Richter, Kleiber, Music, Antonin Dvorak, Franz Schubert, Carlos [conductor] Kleiber, Sviatoslav Richter, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Concerto, Fantasy/Fantasia for Keyboard, Keyboard, Orchestral & Symphonic, Piano Concerto
Average customer rating:
- The wrong performers for this concerto
- A great finding!
- Surprisingly awful!
- Lyrical Side to Richter in Dvorak and a fine Schubert too
- Schubert 4, Dvorak 1
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Dvorak: Piano Concerto; Schubert: 'Wanderer' Fantasy / Richter, Kleiber
Antonin Dvorak , Franz Schubert , Carlos [conductor] Kleiber , Sviatoslav Richter , and Bavarian Radio Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
 General
| Dvorák, Antonín
| ( D )
| Featured Composers, A-Z
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
All Works by Schubert
| Schubert, Franz
| ( S )
| Featured Composers, A-Z
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Concertos
| Forms & Genres
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Fantasies
| Forms & Genres
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General Modern
| Modern, 20th, & 21st Century
| Historical Periods
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Piano
| Keyboard
| Instruments
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Symphonies
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Schubert: Symphonies 3 & 8 / Carlos Kleiber, Wiener Philharmoniker
- Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Brahms: Double Concerto / Oistrakh, Rostropovich, Richter
- Ravel/Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos
- Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Carlos Kleiber / Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
- Grieg: Peer Gynt Op23; Symphonic Dances Op64
ASIN: B00000I7VW
Release Date: 1999-03-09 |
Tracks:
- Piano Concerto In G Minor, Op. 33: 1. Allegro agitato
- Piano Concerto In G Minor, Op. 33: 2. Andante sostenuto
- Piano Concerto In G Minor, Op. 33: 3. Allegro con fuoco
- Fantasy, D.760, Wanderer: Allegro con fuoco ma non troppo
- Fantasy, D.760, Wanderer: Adagio
- Fantasy, D.760, Wanderer: Presto
- Fantasy, D.760, Wanderer: Allegro
Amazon.com
These recordings show diverse aspects of the great pianist's approach. In the concerto, frequently played for its virtuoso effects, Richter emphasizes the gentler, lyrical aspects of the music, although there is plenty of power when it's required. The unusually assertive orchestral support under Kleiber is a strong asset. Richter's Schubert was usually very gentle, but here he seizes on the outgoing aspects of the music and plays more aggressively than usual--although there is no lack of song when it's required. Neither performance is "definitive"; both leave plenty of room for other approaches. But both are so engrossing that, as they play, one can't imagine another interpretation. There was room for more music on this disc, but what's here is choice. --Leslie Gerber
Customer Reviews:
The wrong performers for this concerto.......2007-03-27
Dvorak's piano concerto has had a rough deal from the very beginning - it was immediately dubbed "unpianistic" (more specifically, it provided little opportunity for virtuosic display) and quickly revised by pianist Vilem Kurz. His version was the most performed of this little-played work until the authenticity movement saw renewed interest in the original score, which is played here.
The concerto has, like Dvorak himself, been largely misunderstood. It is usually described as inferior to his violin concerto, although it is melodically much stronger. It is also commonly assumed to be an inferior copy of the Brahms piano concertos, which is slightly odd, as it was written before Brahms's 2nd. Brahms's influence on Dvorak has been much overstated - of his symphonies, only the 7th bears direct comparison, though the 6th also has Brahmsian elements. The rest display his distinctive musical personality and abilities - the reasons, in fact, that Brahms patronised him and brought him to wider attention.
The chief resemblence of Dvorak's concerto to Brahms's 1st is in its scale, inspired by Brahms's revelation that a concerto could be a serious symphonic work of some length, rather than chiefly a display piece for a piano virtuoso. Other than this, one should look further into the past for influences, particularly to the concertos of Schumann and Mendelssohn, but also to Mozart's ground-breaking works in the form.
The error in attributing Dvorak's concerto to the influence of Brahms leads to the ignoring of the prime characteristics of Dvorak's music, which are colourful orchestration, endless melodic invention, and a lyrical sensibility. (The ideal Dvorak conductor is probably also a great Schubertian.) In contrast, Brahms's orchestration is more purposeful and less delightful, his melodies less abundant, and his expression more stoic. Obviously, a musician should bring qualities to Dvorak different to those brought to Brahms.
Here lies the problem with this recording. Both Richter and Kleiber are noted for their forceful interpretations, their directness of expression, and their avoidance of sentimentality. (Magisterial is a word often applied.) In Beethoven these qualities are a boon, but in Dvorak they are a disadvantage to the music. (Brahms probably falls somewhere in between.) Richter and Kleiber's performances are brilliant, but wrong.
Unfortunately, the ultimate result of this famous but misguided recording is a diminishment of Dvorak's reputation. Look elsewhere for a performance that does full justice to this beautiful, misunderstood concerto.
A great finding!.......2004-12-06
I had seen this CD over and over at different music stores, but I was always unsure about buying it. However, after reading some positive reviews about it I decided to give it a try! I've listened it four or five times already (in less than three days) and I must confess that I'm quite happy that I decided to buy it.
The Dvorak piano concerto is quite beautiful; actually more than what I expected it to be! It is filled with lovely melodies (just as a review that I read said!). The second movement in particular is quite enchanting! I'm really delighted!
Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy is fantastic! I bought this CD without knowing what a great work this is! Richter's playing is awesome, absolutely stunning!
This is yet another fabulous CD from the amazingly affordable "Great Recordings of the Century" series from EMI! A must for all Richter fans!!!
Surprisingly awful!.......2004-07-15
Considering the performers on this disc, one would expect musical genius. Well, one does find technical marvels, but in terms of music, this is an atrocious display. The Dvorak concerto, one of the finest written for the piano, is utterly lifeless. One would at least hope for the ultimately unsatisfying but sometimes fun intensity that Kleiber brings to absolutely every other recording he's made. But no, nothing. A far safer choice is Frantisek Maxian's reading with Vaclav Talich conducting the Czech Philharmonic.
As for the Wanderer-Fantasie, it is disgraceful. While Pollini seems to be all about his brain in his recording, Richter seems to be all about his muscles here. It is an awesome technical achievement, and it makes for pleasant listening like mechanical diagrams make for entertaining reading. In the third movement, one has to really think about when the climax is, because Richter's dynamics don't enlighten us in this regard at all. The dynamics are as though he were sight-reading. For this piece, I haven't heard many recordings, but the Curzon is highly recommended. Not as muscular, but infinitely more enjoyable.
Lyrical Side to Richter in Dvorak and a fine Schubert too.......2003-08-26
The legendary pianist Sviatoslav Richter offers one of the most compelling, lyrical performances of Dvorak's piano concerto in this excellent recording with Carlos Kleiber leading the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. This concerto is a precursor to the great "symphonic" concertos composed by Brahms for the piano. Both the orchestra and Richter give warm, vibrant performances of the score. But here Richter also emphasizes the lyrical qualities of Dvorak's music, playing with much passion and empathy. Richter's performance of Schubert's "Wanderer" fantasy may not please everyone, since this is among the most dramatic, indeed fiery, performances I've heard. But it is such a compelling performance, that it deserves to be heard by those interested in a more poetic interpretation. The sound quality for the Dvorak piano concerto is fine; but less so for the Schubert fantasy. Still this is a CD I strongly recommend to those interested in the careers of Richter and Kleiber.
Schubert 4, Dvorak 1.......2003-07-16
I would have preferred an all Schubert program, though I don't believe Schubert ever wrote a piano concerto. The Dvorak puts me to sleep, regardless of the excellent forces employed to play it. Currently, I'm looking for another "Wanderer Fantasy" performance...
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