Search - Kent Nagano, Russian National Orchestra, Christian Tetzlaff :: Tchaikovsky Violin and Piano Concertos

Bravo to RNO

Tin Desmond | Singapore | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Initially, I did some research on RNO and noted that it pride itself as not related to government and only privately funded orchestra. I do not care about it. Then, I find out they receive a lot of praise for their performance in US, Europe and Japan. Lately, I discovered a wonderful recording of Peter and The Wolf (with Bill, ex-Soviet President and Sophia in it). Then, I found they are excellent in their performance.



When I bought this album, giving a high expectation of the performance. When I purchase this album with Piano concerto no 1 in it, I am pegging against Horowitz under Arturo Toscanini. It may be unfair. I noted that the performance is smooth and filled with genuine Russian soul. It is excellent in its right with the performance of Nikolai Lugansky. I have no regret and will recommend it to others who want to have an alternative playing by lesser unknown other than Lang Lang, Volodos. These piantist are over exposed in the media. Need to hear from someone with too much media praise."

Dutiful and square, despite the soloists' great technique

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/14/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a huge admirer of violinist Christian Tetzlaff, but I had my doubts going in -- how would such a masterful player of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven adapt to Tchaikovsky's showbiz concerto? Rather dutifully, i'm afraid. The notes are impeccably spun out, but there's little sense of panache and no bravado at all. Where the soloist should strut like a peacock, Tetzlaff is almost apologetic. Negano's straight-faced accompaniment is neither here nor thre, but the sonics from Penta Tone are splendid.



Matters don't improve in the Piano Concerto #1, which LUgansky sleepwalks through. Maybe both soloists thought that Tchaikovsky needed to be made respectable, but that's no excuse for Lugansky's tepid phrasing and lack of enthusiasm. As for Naagaon, his more or less siks the performance with a ham-fisted, square accompaniment that's miles away from the electricity we want. As before, the sonics are splendid, but there ar dozens of rivals who play the piano concerto for daredevil thrills, including Argerich and, of course, Horowitz."