Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky :: Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Schumann: Piano Concerto

A Rare Gift

Jeffrey Schram | 01/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A find if there ever was one. This recording (opposing the reviewer above) demonstrates the very essence of music. In the Triple Concerto the soloists blend unlike any I've heard before. With it's live recording, the energy is at such a high level it leaves one breathless throughout much of the soloists' phrasing (specifically Argerich). The orchestra, too, has an energy unheard in many American orchestras (or European for that matter). Comparing this to the Rostropovich/Oistrakh/Richter recording is not possible. There is a delicacy throughout the piece's power that the R/O/R recording could not achieve.

The energy of the orchestra and the compatability of the soloists makes this one of the most cherished recordings in my colection.



This is a rare recording that makes one wonder why the world of classical music is diminishing."

Wonderful Beethoven

Ralphus | Goyang, Gynggi-Do Korea (South) | 01/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Triple Concerto is often referred to as being a "strange" work. I once held this view, also. Listening to this performance dispels any such feelings. This is a passionate, exuberant performance from soloists who obviously enjoyed making this music. The finale is so vivacious and "life-affirming" that it makes you cherish the work as one of Beethoven's greatest. Which it surely is! We should get past the view - perhaps engendered by performers in the past who never really understood it and didn't relish its collaborative solo roles - that this is a strange or somehow sub-par work.



For me, Argerich is the star here. She audibly reigns in Maisky's tendency to become indulgent at times. But all three soloists play with fire, conviction and a real sense of enjoyment.



The famous Richter, Oistrakh, Rostropovich recording has usually been seen as the benchmark for this concerto, but, as fine as it is, I've always found it a little heavy-handed. I much prefer the more "bon vivant" approach taken by Argerich & Co. in the present performance.



The Schumann is wonderful too. It's not too disimilar to Argerich's approach in her studio recording with Harnoncourt.



While the orchestra and conductor are not the stars here, they do a fine job. Personally, I had no problem with their contribution in the Beethoven."

Great collaberation of musicians performing Beethoven and Sc

Amy | 07/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many years now Martha Argerich has avoided the soloist's limelight in order to focus on concerto playing and chamber music partnerships. Yet being the force of nature and individual artist she is, Argerich usually winds up dominating her colleagues with her amazing talent. In the case of Beethoven's Triple Concerto, where the piano part is relatively easy compared to the violin and cello parts challenges, Argerich turns out to be a team player. She constantly adjusts her sound and her phrasing to accommodate the supple runs and dynamic shifts Renaud Capucon and Mischa Maisky pull out of their interpretive magic hats. The outer movements benefit from RabinovitchBarakovsky's basic tempos. In the Schumann Concerto's first two movements Argerich toys with the music, speeding up and slowing down phrases. For his part, Rabinovitch Barakovsky basically steps aside and lets the pianist run the show. As a result, the Intermezzo's soloist/orchestra dialogue emerges less as a conversation than a fight for the spot light. However, both conductor and pianist pursue a steady course with a rapid, light fingered finale, although you can tell the orchestra is hard pressed to maintain absolute precision at such a pace. These performances are very exciting very exciting to listen to, and never a dull moment."