Mellifluous
David Saemann | 03/24/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was tempted into buying this by the thought of having the Concerto in Chandos quality sound for a low price. I pretty much got what I payed for. Orbelian is a fluent and interesting soloist. His tempos are on the slow side--don't expect Horowitz style fireworks--but he plays with style and a feeling of grandeur. The accompaniment is committed, and the whole is captured in rich, detailed sound. Mozartiana is an added incentive. Jarvi rerecorded it in Detroit, but the earlier version is splendidly fluid and lyrical, with excellent playing. My favorite recording of this piece still is Ernest Ansermet's on LP, but on CD Jarvi's first version compares very well with the fine Neville Marriner/Stuttgart account. So, here's bargain priced Tchaikovsky that is a real bargain."