Search - Edvard Grieg, Robert Schumann, George Szell :: Grieg, Schumann: Piano Concertos

Awe-inspiring Performance!!

Scriabinmahler | UK | 03/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
This is another outstanding achievement by Felisher-Szell partnership alongside their Beethoven, Brahms, Rachmaninov (Paganini Rhapsody) recordings. Grieg's Concerto has never been played with such intensity, penetrating tone and depth of feeling since the legendary Praga recording by Richter/Kondashin. Fleisher captures the rapt serenity of the slow movement like no other pianist could.



Schumann Concerto is even better. The limitless range of Fleisher's tonal shading and colours makes the music so fresh and alive! You get the impression that the pianist is completely one with the music. The last movement is totally electrifying."

Szell and Fleisher at the height of their partnership

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 06/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know if Columbia Records brought them together, but the young Leon Fleisher made almost all of his classic Sixties concerto recordings with George Szell. Their work shone through the dreary, hissy sonics to be found on the Epic label, but here are two recordings--the Grieg and Schumann concertos--in excellent refurbished sonics, by far the best they've ever enjoyed. The solo piano, placed fairly close, and the Cleveland Orch. both sound full and natural, without any edginess at loud volume.



As for the interpretations, the Grieg is revisionist history. At the time (1960) this old horse was almost dead from over-popularity, so Szell and Fleisher slowed the tempo down and replaced dazzling keyboard attack with thoughtful, considered phrasing. It's awfully low key and serious at times, particuarly compared to the blazing reading that Richter gives on EMI, but the two partners are masters at what they do.



In the Schumann their pacing is close to the norm, but again the overall tone is low key, serious, and more classic than romantic. Dynamics heed close to mezzo forte, and there aren't a lot of passionate exchanges between piano and orchestra. The main thing to admire here is Szell's control over the orchestra and Fleisher's natural, unassuming musicianship. I'm not sure I love this reading, but no American pianist since Fleisher, with the exception of Perahia, has made such accomplished recordings of these two chestnuts."

Dazzling performance

C. G. King | Horse Country, VA USA | 12/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a sophisticated musical reviewer, just love great music and in particular these two concertos. The Schumann is one of my favorite pieces of music and when played well is glorious. Fleisher plays it perfectly, giving just the right touch to the fabulous runs at the end. Szell is one of my favorite conductors so when I am not familiar with the various recordings of a piece, I always go for one of his knowing I won't be disappointed. Since some of my first listening experiences were with the 'Great Performance' recordings, I'm thrilled some of them are now available through Amazon. While some recordings make pleasant background music, these make you stop and listen with all your attention. They're that good."