Search - Frederic Chopin, Gyula Nemeth, Budapest Symphony Orchestra :: Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Beautifully played Chopin concertos.

Mike Powers | Woolwich, ME USA | 06/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frederic Chopin composed only two piano concertos during his short life, in addition to the numerous etudes, impromptus, nocturnes, polonaises and other pieces he wrote for solo piano. Pianist Istvan Szekely and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Gyula Nemeth, give brilliant performances of both Chopin's piano concertos on this CD. Outer movements are played with typically Chopinesque warmth and freshness, and, in the finales of both concertos, a wonderful, Hungarian dancelike quality. Especially enjoyable to me are the slow movements, which are beautifully and elegantly played with the romantic and poetic quality for which Chopin was noted. This CD was awarded three stars by the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs. (Three stars signify an outstanding performance and recording in every way.) It is also one of my personal favorites. Highly recommended!"

A real bargain

Mike Powers | 01/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For several years I've been listening to this concerts and I consider this the best interpretation of the nº1 concert. If you have opportunity listen the 10 to 14 minute of the Allegro maestoso and delight yourself..."

Chopin's 2 Piano Concertos

Amy | 08/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chopin's two Piano Concertos were composed in an effort to gain public recognition of his musical talents. Having gained the attention of a small circle of music supporters in Vienna including Robert Schumann. who hailed him as a genius. Chopin sought to establish himself firmly both as a virtuoso pianist and a serious composer through these two concertos.

The works were both completed in 1830. They were given their public premieres in Warsaw and were received with overwhelming acclaim. Greatly encouraged by his success, Chopin returned to Vienna with these two works in search of fame and fortune. When this cd first came out I didn't order it since I had never heard of Istvan Szekely. However, all doubts were swept away when the music began. Istvan Szekely is a great pianist, sincerely communicating the spirit of the first concerto, overcoming the technical challenges of the work with ease. In the slow second movement, Szekely brings out the magic of the Adagio movement. The orchestral accompaniment is highly successful, always aiding the soloist in expressing the emotions of the work, while playing beautifully on its own. This collaboration is repeated in the second concerto, making this cd an absolute delight to listen to from start to finish. How do you describe beautiful music? You have to experience it, and this CD is very inexpensive. Naxos has proven once again that it is not necessary to have a brand name star performer to produce music of the highest quality. If you like Szekely's playing in this cd definitely research his other 3 Chopin cd's. I looked and Amazon still has them on sale for $2.99 a piece! Szekely recorded Chopin's 4 Ballades and 4 Scherzos, Chopin's Waltzes and his complete Etudes.



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