Search - tchaikowsky p./scriabin :: Tschaikowsky Klavierkonsert No. 1

Speed kills

Hannes Vogel | Houston, TX USA | 10/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Allegro non troppo -- that's how Tchaikovsky marks the first movement. Many reviewers are extolling the Argerich and Horowitz recordings of the Tchaikovsky 1st PC, and if those are their gold standards, it would be easy to see why they find the Karajan tempo too slow. For me, this magnificent work is made a travesty by the mind-boggling technique but rushed performances to the point I imagine someone holding a stopwatch over the piano, or Martha or Vladimir late for the bus (or limo). (For a real laugh, listen to Horowitz and Toscanini reduce the work to a blur by racing through it at blinding speed with no detectable musical quality.) The piece looses all nuance and grandeur at these ridiculous tempos that impress many but don't fool us all. The Kissin version, in which the 17 year old was purposely held back by Karajan from his own technical display, carries a warmth and depth that most other performances lack. If you find it too slow however, try the REAL gold standard, Richter and Karajan and the Vienna Symphony in the early 60's."

The solemn Tschaikowsky

11/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great live recording from Berlin featuring a teenager and an old maestro. There's no hurry in the readings, often very slow but always convincing. The feeling af the live athmosphere gets through perfectly."

It grows on you

M. Teplisky | New York, NY | 04/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was rather disappointed after listening to this CD for the first time. Evgeny Kissin is great as is the Berlin Philharmonic directed by Mr. Von Karaian, but the tempo is certainly much slower that usual. The first movement is over 23 minutes, about 2-3 minutes longer than usual. However, the more you listen to this CD the better it sounds. You become aware of nuances and details that are not as apparent in other recordings. What's interesting is that the DVD of the same event, the 1988 New Year concert, looks and sound just fine. I strongly recommend getting it in addition to (or instead of) the audio CD because it greatly enhances your perception of the total experience. Of course, if you really love Tchaikovsky's work, you will listen to other recordings of his 1st piano concerto. I suggest Van Cliburn with Mr. Kondrashin, which is also available from Amazon. Enjoy!"