Kapell's Prokofiev 3rd
Glen Larner | Richmond, VA USA | 01/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Prokofiev's 3rd is my favorite piano concerto, and I have either owned or listened to nearly all its recordings. For a long time my favorite was Gary Graffman/George Szell. When I first heard Kapell playing it with the Dallas Symphony/Dorati, it struck me immediately as the "best" recorded performance of it I ever heard, and the only one I would listen to for years. The best other performance I heard during those years was by Argerich - not the recent one -- but the Kapell was still my favorite.When I found this disc in 2001 of another Kapell Prokofiev 3rd, I bought it immediately and was even more impressed than I was with the other. The liner notes say that Kapell's version with the Dallas Symphony was "curiously tame" but I disagree. There was nothing tame about it, curiously or otherwise. This one, however, is clearly better because he has better technical execution and more control of himself and his instrument. This version is also better recorded, and the orchestra does not drown him out - I don't know whether we can thank the conductor or the recording engineer, but since it was Stokowski, I am inclined to thank the engineer. The playing is also more fluid and colorful, and Kapell has a force, passion and intrepidness that makes this a thrilling recording. It IS the best Prokofiev 3rd.I only listened to the Brahms a few times, and while it is a very good performance, I cannot call it great. My favorite remains the Leon Fleischer/George Szell recording I still have on vinyl."
Stunning Brahms D minor!
Glen Larner | 04/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This has to be the most dynamic and exciting performance ever of the Brahms D minor - throughout it is electric - a young pianist in a work by a young genius - all the fire, passion and intensity are there. Kapell's technique is legendary, and the atmosphere of the live performance adds to the over all effect which is stunning! - Every good wish,Yenda Smejkal"
Towering performance of the both concertos
Scriabinmahler | UK | 09/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
William Kapell's account of Brahms 1st concerto is robust, uncompromising and matches other great recordings by Gilels and Leon Fleisher.
Prokofiev's 3rd concerto is unbelievably charged and exciting, with Stokowski's great contribution to orchestra playing, and has more urgency and driving force than Kapell/Dorati version. Sound quality of the both concertos is as good as his famous RCA recordings. A must for anyone who seeks serious pianism.
"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1