Search - Chopin, Skrowaczewski, Weissenberg :: Piano Concertos Nos 1 & 2

Good Value Chopin But Fair-to-Midland Reading

David M. Garrett | San Antonio, Texas USA | 03/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"At under $10 EMI's package of both Chopin piano concertos is a bargain to be sure, and a fine recording for anyone wishing an introduction to these particular pieces. However, should you enjoy this music consider it an appetizer to greater readings. Weissenberg's play is a bit forceful on the ivories and the orchestra accompanyment (Orchestre de la Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire) is average at best. Overall the sound is satisfactory and clear.



For those looking for more definitive interpretations I would recommend Martha Argerich's performance of both concertos with the Montreal Symphony under Dutoit; Murray Perahia playing Concerto No. 1 with the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Zubin Mehta; or any of several readings by the final arbiter of Chopin, Artur Rubinstein. The Aergrich and Perahia recordings excell in technical excellence while Rubinstein, known to miss a note now and then, imparts unequaled feeling and emotion."

Love it

Liren Chen | Rochester, NY | 04/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is definitely one of my all time favorite Chopin piano concerto recordings. I've purchased few copies for friends over the years and everyone loved it as much as I did."

A TRUE BARGAIN

GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 10/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is very exalting when I'm able to find a bargain on something that I really adore. This recording of the Chopin piano concertos is one of the best bargains that I have ever purchased. At an unbelievable low price of $6.98, I got over 70 minutes of music that includes both of Chopin's concertos on one (1) disc and more importantly the supreme artistry of Alexis Weissenberg on piano with the Orchestre de la Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire lead by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski. What could be better than that? For some odd reason, I've never heard Alexis play Chopin's concertos although I hold him, as a pianist, in the highest esteem. That said, this is indeed a marvelous recording. Alexis Weissenberg plays Chopin's concertos most beautifully and romantically. Although I own many recordings of the Chopin piano concertos, I was completely swept away with this recording and to me this recording shines above any of the others that I own of the works. Alexis' playing is so controlled and beautiful. I, once again, was able to lean back in my "arm chair" and enjoy a master of the piano play some of classical music's finest compositions and realizing again that life ain't really too bad when one can obtain at such a low price such beautiful music as is represented on this disc. The second movement of the second concerto in F minor is immensely beautiful. Alexis and Stanislaw give it a very dramatic and "heart-felt" performance--gorgeous! Alexis' use of rubato is marvelous.



EMI has again done a superb job transferring these very lush recordings to the CD format. I'm very pleased with my "bargain".

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