An incredible pianist
12/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This pianist is apparently the "in-house" keyboardist for the Esterhazy Sinfonia and is pretty much unknown in the states. He has got fantastic fingers. The phrasing in the violin (piano version) concerto is totally precise. A real bargain."
Well-Done Triple and Piano Transcription of Op. 61
JohnL | Alexander, NC United States | 04/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
""True to form, Naxos have come up trumps with an imaginative and useful coupling." So starts a very good review from Gramophone Magazine, arguably the most respected reviewer of classical CDs. Not only are we presented here with a nice recording of Beethoven's not-heard-nearly-enough Triple Concerto, Op. 56, composed shortly before his masterful Fourth Piano Concerto, but also a fine version of the Violin Concerto, transcribed for piano by Beethoven himself in 1807 at the request of the London pianist, composer, and piano-manufacturer Muzio Clementi. I must admit, it is quite interesting to hear the well-known Op. 61 played instead on the keyboard, nicely performed by Naxos work-horse Jeno Jando, who plays admirably with plenty of panache. His contribution on the Triple Concerto is also good. Of course, the score of the Triple is understandably nowhere near as demanding in the piano part, as it seems it was to be played by the Archduke Rudolph, son of Emperor Leopold II. However, both the violin and cello leads are more taxing. These are performed extremely well by Dong-Suk Kang (violin), and Maria Kliegel (cello), the latter receiving many a fine review for her multiple recordings on Naxos, particularly of the Schumann Cello Concerto, coupled with the Brahms Double (Naxos 8.550938). Gramophone states that "though not a 'great' recording of the Triple, it is never less than good and the sound is unlikely to disappoint." The respected Penguin Guide gave this CD a 3-star review, which they judged as "an outstanding performance and recording in every way". Lastly, BBC Music Magazine awarded this release their Critic's Choice Award in 1998 and a 5-star rating (the highest). In their review it states that the "Triple Concerto is scintillating, the solists brilliant and subtle, as the music dictates". So, three positive reviews from the most respected of sources. Plus, to two more ears, this recording to me is most enjoyable and highly recommended. And at this price, it is a real bargain."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1