Search - Edward MacDowell, Martyn Brabbins, Glasgow BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra :: Edward MacDowell: Piano Concerto No. 1 in A minor; Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor; Second Modern Suite Op 14

A Pedestrian recording

DK | Miami, FL USA | 04/26/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I love the MacDowell Piano Concerti, though there is not a single recording of the two works that satisfy me 100%. This recording certainly doesen't come close. Tanyel plays cleanly, neatly, but with little involvement, committment, virtuoso sound or technique. The phrasing makes sense, but nothing more: there is little beauty of color, sound, shape, or personal statement. One would have expected more from the orchestra as well: the conductor's tempi (especially in the first concerti) are almost metronomic(you hear accents on the downbeat of every measure), and the light texture and slow tempi he employs works against the grain of the composer's grand conceptions of these works. The end result: a very UNSTYLISTIC rendering from soloist and orchestra.Suggestions: The most satisfying recording to date of both Piano Concerti is Thomas Tirino's on the Centaur label. While the Bulgarian Orchestra is about a "B" class-Tirino is such a great pianist that he makes certainly the best played version of the two works ever committed to disc, hands down. His phenomenal, HUGE technique, sensitivity in sound, phrasing, subtle musicianship, and artistic statements made to these pieces are untouchable. Despite the orchestra, the conductor on his recording conducts the pieces extremely well. The Amato recording on Olympia has a magnificent sounding orchestra, but an extremely tired, awful sounding pianist. Avoid the Hahn and Watts recordings: They are DREADFUL. Eugene List's version now on CD is almost at an equal calibre of playing as Tirino's, but doesen't have any of the beauty of sound and phrasing that Tirino brings along with the technical panache. Also, the orchestra and conductor are quite horrific on List's recording. There is the famous recording of the Second Concerto by Van Cliburn (he never recorded the first concerto): but you know-Tirino plays it just as well, and at times, even better-and you get BOTH concerti! Get Tirino's recording for the two works. I would also pick up Cliburn's of the second concerto and the now available Claudette Sorel rehearsal recording of the second concerto for reference. They are the only other two pianists really in Tirino's league."

Ignore the other review..

Dr. M. Scott | Manchester, UK | 06/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...- this is a most wonderful CD and both works are played superbly by Seta Tanyel. As always, the quality of the recording is well up to Hyperion's usual impeccable standards. MacDowell was a great composer without a very distinctive voice - but so what? He was German-trained and knew a thing or two about the grand style of orchestration. These concerti are tremendous works and deserve to be heard. Seta Tanyel is a superb pianist - like her compatriot Idil Biret, she deserves to be heard more widely. Take note, Hyperion!"

Ugh!

Classic Music Lover | Maryland, USA | 12/07/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"If you're into hidebound interpretations coupled with a large dose of lethargy (poorly) camouflaged as "profound meaning," this is the recording for you.



But you don't really want that, do you? So avoid this CD at all costs.



This recording's outclassed just about everywhere -- even by ones that are priced significantly lower than Hyperion's premium import cost. In Concerto #1, you can do much better with Eugene List or Stephen Prutsman. Plus I've heard Thomas Tirino does a masterful job, too, though I haven't had the opportunity to hear his performance. In Concerto #2, there are many more readings to choose from, and you can pick any number of them and do better than this. Earl Wild is about as good as it gets in this score.



I love conductor Martyn Brabbins' musicianship, but even he can't rescue this pitiful enterprise -- a rare dud in Hyperion's otherwise exemplary Romantic Piano Concerto series."