Search - Prokofiev, Ravel, Browning :: Dan Iordachescu , John Browning Prokofiev, Kodaly and Ravel (EMI)

John Browning is superb

Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 09/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was mistakenly labeled on Amazon to emphasize the Lt. Kije Suite as the principle piece on this disc. The cover of this CD prominently features a young John Browning. The reason I bought this CD was to have John Browning's scintillating performances of Prokofiev 3rd piano concerto and Ravel's Left Hand Concerto. Browning's recording of Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand is preferable to the other recording in my CD collection, Pascal Roge's fine digital account. Browning and Leinsdorf have more momentum and better focus than Roge and Dutoit. I own several performances of Prokofiev's 3rd Piano Concerto (Argerich, Browning, Cliburn, Janis/ Kondrashin, Kapell/Dorati, Kapell/ Stokowski, Krainev). These are outstanding, with special emphasis on Kapell/ Dorati, Argerich, Browning, and Janis/ Kondrashin. Browning's recording was the first I had ever heard, and defined the piece for me. He and Leinsdorf were an excellent partnership for Prokofiev.The remastered recordings sound fresh, bright and spacious. It is unfortunate that it seems to have been withdrawn from the catalogue. I urge EMI to bring it back."