Search - Grieg, Schumann, Zamborsky :: Schumann Grieg: Piano Concertos

Rewarding

David Saemann | 02/19/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In keeping with Amadis's policy of recording little known but accomplished artists and then selling their recordings at rock bottom prices, we have the instance of the current CD. The conductors, Johannes Wildner and the late Robert Stankovsky, are reasonably well known from their recordings for Naxos and Amadis. The pianists, however, are relatively unknown quantities. Thomas Hlawatsch has recorded 3 discs of Janacek for Naxos. Stanislav Zamborsky has recorded a few CDs of more standard repertory. Nevertheless, both the performances here are quite rewarding. Hlawatsch gives the Schumann a sturdily articulated but sensitive reading, while Wildner's accompaniment is highly attentive and supportive. There are one or two instances of prosaic phrasing in the piano part, which is recorded with a somewhat glassy tone. However, this is rewarding Schumann. The Grieg is even better. Zamborsky plays with real virtuosity, making some of the great moments of the piece rhapsodic and exciting. His tone has real vibrancy (The sound engineering for the piano is more organic than in the Schumann.), and Stankovsky's accompaniment is quite good. So, don't throw away your Arthur Rubinstein records, but this CD is genuinely enjoyable and a great value."