Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Camllie Saint-Saens, Yoel Levi :: Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1/Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No.2

New Shine on Old War-Horses

J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 01/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have not been a particular advocate of André Watts; I've heard him bang about in live concert too many times. And I've even heard him play the Tchaik 1 in concert and was not particularly impressed. But earlier today I heard this performance of the First Concerto on our local NPR station, having tuned in at literally bar 5 (perfect timing!) and, not knowing who it was, I listened. And listened. And listened. And kept thinking, who is this? This is good! And even more I was thinking that the aural stage was perfectly managed, with the piano sound seeming to come OUT of the orchestra rather than set way in front. Further, I could hear orchestral detail (e.g., like those two-flute arpeggios just before the final onrush of the first movement) that are almost never heard on recording. So, fool that I am, I sat in my car until the whole thing was over, really curious to find out who the performers were. I was shocked (and uneasy about my own bias) to learn that it was André Watts, with Yoel Levi conducting the Atlanta Symphony. A recording from ten years ago. I was even more dismayed to remember, once I got home, that I OWN this recording--but I couldn't ever remember listening to it, frankly--and I found it, removed the shrink-wrap (sure enough, I HAD never listened to it) and sat down for a complete run through. My initial impression lasted. Yes, there were some smudges in the last movement (as Watts sometimes does, alas) and some brief odd blurring of the overall sound, also in the last movement, but myt general assessment from the radio lasted. And then I listened to the Saint-Saëns Second Concerto and, again, I had a very positive impression. No, Watts doesn't make the most of the leggierissimo aspects of the third movement, but overall it's a very creditable performance and he conveys convincingly the declamatory aspects of the piece. What Levi and his Atlantans do is electrifying in both pieces. (I even initially wondered, though I assume these concerti are not really part of his repertoire, that it could possibly be Pierre Boulez conducting because of the care taken with instrumental detail.) Some credit, of course, has to go to the recording engineers; Telarc has long been noted for its sterling sound. So, the bottom line is that these are valuable recordings of both of these warhorses, and particularly if one wants a more natural sound--no harsh spotlight on the piano--and crystal clear orchestral sound. But I do go on. This is an excellent release in spite of my biases.Scott Morrison"

Magnificent!

philistine | 04/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just heard Andre Watts in concert last night with the Utah Symphony, performing Saint-Saens' Concerto No. 2, and I cannot describe the feelings that came over me during the performance. I rarely stand in ovation - I think that happens too frequently these days - but I was so overcome that I could not remain seated. This concerto has all the elements that make it thoroughly enjoyable: a delightful theme, marvelous spirit, graceful style, and a grand finale finish that takes your breath away. I highly recommend this piece of music so well performed - my only complaint is that CD's can never quite do justice to a performance, but this is a wonderful substitute that I can listen to again and again to relive the memories of a wonderful evening."

Truly World Class Pianist

philistine | San Diego, California USA | 01/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andre Watts is one of my favorite pianists. I've heard him both live and on disc, and I must say he is truly a world class pianist. This is one of my favorites, especially for the intensely passionate and elegant interpretation of the Saint-Saens concerto of which there is none better out on market. Watts' has so much sensitivity toward the instrument and amazing versatility. He captures the energy of the Tchaikovsky and the grace of the Saint-Saens concertos perfectly. Highly recommended."