Friday, February 27, 2009

The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 38 · Rubinstein & Scharwenka


The Romantic Piano Concerto · Vol. 38 · Rubinstein & Scharwenka
APE | Booklet | 266 MB | 2005

Marc-André Hamelin (piano), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Michael Stern (conductor)

GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE

'Described by one respected critic as the greatest living pianist, Marc-André Hamelin soars to ever new heights of virtuosity … Hamelin is superbly partnered and recorded, and lovers of lush, romantic melody embellished with hundreds and thousands of winking sequins need look no further' (Gramophone Magazine)

'Marc-André Hamelin gives a dazzling account' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Hamelin's legendary technique thrills at every turn, and in the Rubinstein his scorching virtuosity and emotional intensity mesmerises from beginning to end. Anyone who loves Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov should investigate this stunning disc without delay!' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Rubinstein's Fourth Concerto can hold its own against Tchaikovsky's infinitely better known First and, on the strength of this recording, deserves to regain a place in the classical repertoire. There is musical swagger, pathos, poetry and heroism in both of the works couple on this album' (Music Week)

'Hamelin, who makes out the best possible case for the music, is now the version to have. In any case, his many admirers will flock, and rightly, to acquire this excellently recorded disc of two fairly unfamiliar concertos which, whatever their virtues and failings, provide ideal vehicles for Hamelin's abundant talents' (International Record Review)

'We have been in need of a modern recording by a pianist of the stature of Hamelin who can deliver Rubinstein's passion, impetuosity, quick changes of mood, and technical demands with ease. He gives a performance of the last movement that is so rousing that it has never sounded so convincing on disc … an excellent disc that is highly recommended' (International Piano)

'This will appeal to experts as well as those who only know, say, the Rachmaninov or Tchaikovsky concertos. Another fabulous disc (and as usual excellent sleeve-notes). Rolls-Royce stuff' (HMV Choice)

'Virtuoso repertoire, virtuoso playing - there's breathtaking snap and clarity to the rhythms, imposing weight to the climaxes … surely one of the peaks of Hyperion's 'Romantic Piano Concerto' series. All in all, urgently recommended' (Fanfare, USA)

CD
Piano Concerto No 1 in B flat minor, Op 32 Franz Xaver Scharwenka (1850-1924)
Piano Concerto No 4 in D minor, Op 70 Anton Rubinstein (1829-1894)

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