Schumann: Piano Concerto in Am Op54; Chopin: Concerto for piano in Fm

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This disc is a prime example of why we listen to historical recordings. The performances are unlike anything we can hear today. Cortot, famous for his poetic, searching interpretations of Chopin and Schumann, gives singular performances of both works. He uses a rhetorical approach with a degree of rhythmic freedom that raises eyebrows today, but his alterations of basic pulse are always done to bring out points in the music. His sensitivity and color come across in the excellent sonic restoration by Mark Obert-Thorn, which sounds more like good mid-1950s mono than the actual 1934-'35 recording dates. Although Cortot was sometimes criticized for inaccurate playing, the only technical problems heard in these recordings are occasional flubs in the orchestra; the pianist actually sounds like a tower of strength, with his fluency and powerful tone. Even listeners who normally avoid older recordings may love this one. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Con in a, Op.54: 1st Movt: Allegro Affettuoso
Con in a, Op.54: 2nd Movt: Intermezzo (Andantino Grazioso)
Con in a, Op.54: 3rd Movt: Allegro Vivace
Con No.2 in f, Op.21: 1st Movt: Maestoso
Con No.2 in f, Op.21: 2nd Movt: Larghetto
Con No.2 in f, Op.21: 3rd Movt: Allegro Vivace

Schumann: Piano Concerto in Am Op54; Chopin: Concerto for piano in Fm

Average customer rating:

Grand musicianship, beautiful restoration.

Schumann: Piano Concerto in Am Op54; Chopin: Concerto for piano in Fm

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Alfred Cortot
Beethoven: Piano Works, Vol. 1
Beethoven: Piano Works, Vol. 7
Beethoven: Piano Works, Vol. 2
Beethoven: Piano Works Vol. 6

ASIN: B00004VXD0
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Piano Con in a, Op.54: Allegro Affettuoso
Piano Con in a, Op.54: Intermezzo: Andantino Grazioso
Piano Con in a, Op.54: Allegro Vivace
Piano Con No.2 in f, Op.21: Allegro
Piano Con No.2 in f, Op.21: Larghetto
Piano Con No.2 in f, Op.21: Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

This disc is a prime example of why we listen to historical recordings. The performances are unlike anything we can hear today. Cortot, famous for his poetic, searching interpretations of Chopin and Schumann, gives singular performances of both works. He uses a rhetorical approach with a degree of rhythmic freedom that raises eyebrows today, but his alterations of basic pulse are always done to bring out points in the music. His sensitivity and color come across in the excellent sonic restoration by Mark Obert-Thorn, which sounds more like good mid-1950s mono than the actual 1934-'35 recording dates. Although Cortot was sometimes criticized for inaccurate playing, the only technical problems heard in these recordings are occasional flubs in the orchestra; the pianist actually sounds like a tower of strength, with his fluency and powerful tone. Even listeners who normally avoid older recordings may love this one. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Grand musicianship, beautiful restoration........2001-05-21

Forget the background hiss, forget the somewhat dry sound quality. This is music as it should be played. There is something so joyous and heartfelt about Alfred Cortot's playing in these two concertos, and the London Philharmonic matches him all the way. The Schumann is a particularly famous piece, and the Chopin deserves more fame than it now has.

As much as I like the Chopin performance, I really must say that it is the Schumann concerto that simply enthralls me. This concerto has had many fine recordings (Radu Lupu's 1973 Decca recording is a personal favorite). Yet Cortot's 1934 recording remains as fresh, engaging, and lovely as ever. It is supremely romantic playing of the most romantic of composers. This recording will always have a special place in my collection.

Tracks:

Con in a, Op.54: 1st Movt: Allegro Affettuoso
Con in a, Op.54: 2nd Movt: Intermezzo (Andantino Grazioso)
Con in a, Op.54: 3rd Movt: Allegro Vivace
Con No.2 in f, Op.21: 1st Movt: Maestoso
Con No.2 in f, Op.21: 2nd Movt: Larghetto
Con No.2 in f, Op.21: 3rd Movt: Allegro Vivace

Average customer rating:

Schumann: Piano Concerto in Am Op54; Chopin: Concerto for piano in Fm

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006KB7
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Track Listings: