Search - Dmitry Kabalevsky, Sergey Rachmaninov, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky :: Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1; Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3; Kabalevsky: Rondo

Brilliant Performances by the Young Van Cliburn

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 11/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have more recordings of the Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto and the Rachmaninov Third that I can recall. There are even other fine recordings made by Van Cliburn of these concertos but this disc is an astonishing historical recording. On this CD is the final of the Tchaikovsky piano competition in April 1958 played by Van Cliburn. There is a palpable sense of history being made as one listens to these performances. The Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto is simply magnificent with Van Cliburn performing at the height of his powers. The first movement is played with such commitment that the audience erupts in applause. The show middle movement is lovingly played and the finale busts with energy and is as thrilling as any performance I have heard. The Rachmaninov Third Concerto is even more impressive with Van Cliburn performing the longer cadenza with such emotion that it is impossible not be feel the emotional impact.



The final piece on this disc, a Rondo by Kabalevsky, was written for the competition and was performed between the concertos during the actual competition. It is standard competition fare demonstrating ability more than being a memorable work. The disc preserves the applause of the audience and one can hear the coughs and sneezes of the audience. Fortunately, the coughing is not excessive. The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra could certainly play better but one hardly notices the deficiencies with all of the energy and commitment of Van Cliburn. Cliburn does make his own mistakes during the performance that are noticeable but, again, one is impressed by the level of his playing.



The sound is mono but, other than the audience noise, the recording is clear. The notes by Bryce Morrison describe the political climate how Van Cliburn swept up the hearts of the Russian people. There is a photograph of Van Cliburn on the back of the booklet showing the pianist at the keyboard, bouquets of flowers covering the stage, surrounded by an adoring crowd.



"

Van Cliburn--Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, & Kabalevsky

H. Wend | Buffalo Grove, Illinois USA | 12/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful CD. The digitally remastered sound is great and really gives you an appreciation of the fantastic performance that Van Cliburn gave at this competition. I highly recommend it!"

Get caught up in an historic musical moment

John K. Gayley | Physically in Wilmette, IL; Mentally in Siena, Ita | 05/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is special. Its a living historical document that formed the basis of legend. I was born the year after the competition, and my parents recounted it vividly (and frequently) as I grew up. The circumstances surrounding this competition, its occurrence in a specific time and place, and the outcomes, all are noteworthy. These all are well described in the accompanying program notes.



Like most historical documents, this one isn't perfect. Nonetheless, Testament has done a good job in cleaning up the less-than-ideal sound. To be sure, the orchestra still sounds thin at times, intonation isn't always the best. And Van Cliburn is hardly note-perfect either.



But the performances are just electrifying, and the excitement, palpable. For years I have played Van Cliburn's studio version of the Tchaikovsky, and tried to re-create in my head the excitement surrounding his actual competition performance. Now I don't need to imagine it. For this reason, I was most looking forward to the Tchaikovsky, since that formed the basis of the bedtime stories I heard from my parents. And it delivers. But in the end I was really blown away by the power and passion Van Cliburn put into the Rach 3...unbelievable for a 24 year old.



I've had many studio recordings of these warhorses (including, as mentioned, those made by Van Cliburn and Kondrashin shortly thereafter) but I feel this 1958 recording is a "must". The ecstatic applause after the first movement of the Tchaikovsky says it all about the spirit of the moment. Even the picture on the front cover of Van Cliburn being greeted by Shostakovich is enough to send chills. Enjoy."