Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Libor Pesek, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto 1/Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini -

Pletnev is dazzling in Rachmaninov

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazon lists three different versions of this CD, but however you acquire it, Pletnev mesmerizes with his ability to apply dazzling technique one minute only to back away and give us a poetic, inward bit of phrasing. Nothing sounds ordinary in the hands of this pianist, so he's capable of love-it-or-hate-it interpretations. Here I think the flame of inspiraiton is burning bright, particularly in the flamboyant but musically uninteresting Rachmanonov first concerto, which Pletnev toys with and makes his own. Libor Pesek and the Philharmonia Orch. provide enthusiastic, fresh accompaniments. I can't imagine needing any other Rach First.



There are dozens of Paganini Rhapsodies on the market, of course. It's been the filler for innumerable recordings; here it's the superior work of art and therefore not an afterthought. Because it's meant to be a virtuosos's calling card, the soloist must be charismatic above all else, a la Horowitz (who didn't make a recording that I know of, now that I think of it). Pletnev knows what's needed, and he plays with dash and vivacity throoughout, but being Pletnev, he also throws in lots of original twists along the way. This is probably the best version I've heard in twenty years."