Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Erich Leinsdorf, Boston Symphony Orchestra :: Prokofiev: The Piano Concertos; Violin Concerto No. 1

Indispensable Recordings from Leinsdorf's Masterful Prokofie

T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 08/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Browning and Erich Leinsdorf first recorded a Prokofiev piano concerto (the Third) in 1960 for Capitol records. When Leinsdorf became music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra two years later, he brought Browning to RCA and they recorded all five, the very first integral set anywhere. Some forty years later, it's still impressive as remastered by Testament. These are sharply projected, athletic performances that nevertheless do not scant Prokofiev's characteristically mordant lyricism. Analog sound quality is first-rate, in fact superior to what RCA managed to transfer to its original Lps. Neither Browning nor Leinsdorf are with us anymore and this set is a fine tribute to their memory. But it isn't just nostalgia that persuades me to recommend this set: even given its steep price and competition from the likes of Ashkenazy/Previn, Beroff/Masur and others, Browning and Leinsdorf's unique projection of machine-like power and lyric whimsy is essential to a full understanding of these wonderful compositions. As a bonus, Testament throws in a fine performance of the first Violin Concerto recorded by Leinsdorf, the BSO and Heifetz-protege Erick Friedman. Friedman's performance isn't in the Browning league, but it's splendidly assured and goes far to explain why Heifetz placed such high hopes in his future. Note: Leinsdorf recorded the second Violin Concerto at about the same time with a young Itzhak Perlman and that recording is also available on a BMG/RCA CD. In fact, Leinsdorf recorded quite a bit of Prokofiev in Boston for RCA and Testament apparently intends to release much of that series on CD over the next year or so. Good news for those of us who have been praying for a release of symphonies 2, 3, 5 and (especially) 6! One can only wonder why BMG/RCA have been so derelict in reissuing these fabulous (and fabulously well-recorded) recordings, while applauding Testament for its initiative. Leinsdorf's Boston tenure produced nothing more memorable than the stunning performances RCA captured in its Prokofiev series, and they're all 'must-buy' priorities for anyone who loves Prokofiev's music."

The inextinguishable Prokoviev mood!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 07/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The set of Prokoviev's piano concertos has not been better performed as a whole. With the notable exception of the most popular of all of them - the third one - has without hesitation better options (Samson Francois, William Kapell's two performances and a fabulous version of Gary Graffman) . But John Browning achieved a very praised pinnacle in his artistic career with these exciting and unsurpassed interpretations. At least I don't know about other second and fourth Piano Concerto better played. The First has s serious contender in Richter and the Fifth in Richter and Ashkenazy, but the distinguished refinement, sumptuous pianism and depurated interpretive style of Browning one of the remarkable pianist of his generation, makes of this album a true must-have.



I don't have any doubt John Browning will always be reminded basically for this mesmerizing set in the recent and future. Leinsdorf is remarkable too at the front of the Boston Symphony.

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