"Two great and very popular romantic concertos by Tchaikovsky - his first piano concerto and violin concerto, played by two legendary instrumentalists - Georges CZIFFRA, and Leonid KOGAN. Both works got off to an inauspicious start as the dedicatees {Nicholas Rubinstein and Leopold Auer} deemed the works to be awkwardly written and unplayable! So upset was Tchaikovsky by Rubinstein's offensive remarks that he dedicated the work to Hans von Bulow who gave the first successful performance in America. He did, however, dedicate his second piano concerto to Rubinstein who in turn played the first piano concerto with great success. A big bravura virtuoso technique is needed to play these works and both soloists have the technical armoury to bring them off! Cziffra's view of the piano concerto is surprisingly lyrical, although the first cadenza of the introduction is electrifying and alternating chord passages and double octaves in the first movement similarly breathtaking. Cziffra plays the slow movement `semplice' as marked with dazzling finger work in the scherzo - like `prestissimo' middle section but in the Finale which Tchaikovsky marks to be played `con fuoco' {with fire} Cziffra concentrates on its lyrical qualities which robs the music of its essential Ukrainian fire and dash, although he does play the final double octave cadenza and coda with panache. Kogan similarly brings much excitement to the violin concerto and he is backed to the hilt by the conductor Constantin Silvestri who always was a very fine Tchaikovskian. Kogan brings soaring lyricism, with just the right amount of melancholy to Tchaikovsky's inspired melodies, as in the `Canzonetta' slow movement and in the final `Allegro' he plays with dazzling virtuosity and fiery gypsy spirit. A masterly performance to rank with the likes of Heifetz, Milstein et al."
Kogan's the top pick for Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
LEE Cheng Hooi | Kuala Lumpur, WP Malaysia | 02/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Try Kogan on EMI 569 695-2 or EMI Encore 574 757-2, February 26, 2003 This review talks about my favourite version of the Tchaikovsky - that is THE "Leonid Kogan" version on EMI Classics Import - 569695 (a 2CD set, with Fournier on the Rococo Vars. & Cziffra on P/C 1, etc.). The Kogan (I am listening to this as I type this review), is a really great performance - beats all comers even Heifetz, Oistrakh, Perlman, Rabin, Stern and all the other great violinists (These other greats are also in my Tchaikovsky V/C CD collection too). The technique, rhythmic drive, passion, Russian-ness, the rubato and the ease of Kogan's playing just captivates me every time I heard this CD. The 1st movt. cadenza has some additions to it - making it even more difficult than it is. The 2nd movt. is so soulful whilst the 3rd movt is just so very rhythmic and virtuoso; making it one of my top 10 Desert Island CDs."
Kogan, Leonid
Terrence L. Hsu | 07/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The violin concerto is simply the best Tchaikovsky I've ever heard. Technical mastery combined with an interesting artistic performance. Sustained legato intensity. The artistic lines are as clean as you'll ever hear. The orchestra lags a bit sometimes - but the solo playing is nonpareil."
An incredible bargain:Superb Tchaikovsky concerto disc with
Kromme | 11/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nowadays,on not so rare occasions,some budget price reissues contain marvelous performances and this cd is definitely one of them.We have on our hands two of the most popular romantic concertos both composed by Tchaikovsky;Piano Concerto No.1 and Violin Concerto played by under-rated virtuosos Georges Cziffra and Leonid Kogan.
Piano Concerto No.1 is a work,that is recorded so many times by so many great pianists.I am not going to say Cziffra surpasses Cliburn,Gilels,Richter etc. but the thing is he does not have to.Cziffra is superb in his own way.Expression comes first for him,he only displays his superb technique when composer asks him to do so.He is not turning the performance to a showcase of his skills like some do.He displays very good pianism in the second movement and the finale is energetic.Orchestral accompaniment by Andre Vandernoot and Philharmonia Orchestra is alive and expressive.
Violin Concerto is also handled in a superb way.Kogan has a glorious tone and plays with a personal touch,excitement and expression.His playing captured my attention from the first note and never let it go.In the finale in my opinion he surpasses,great Heifetz and Oistrakh.His interpretation is moving so lovely i was filled with joy.Although the orchestral accompaniment of the french conservatoire orchestra and conductor Constantin Silvestri is dragging and laid-back at times,this is a great recording because of Kogan's wonderful contribution.
So two great performances in a budget-price cd.It is essential both for collectors and for starters."