Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56 / Schumann: Piano Concerto, Op. 54

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Robert Schumann (Composer), Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky (Conductor), Swiss-Italian Radio Orchestra (Orchestra), Renaud Capucon (Performer), Martha Argerich (Performer), Mischa Maisky (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Renaud Capucon, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky
• Orchestra: Swiss-Italian Radio Orchestra
• Conductor: Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann
• Audio CD (June 1, 2004)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B0001ZM8TK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,430 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rare Gift, January 26, 2005

By 

Jeffrey Schram - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56 / Schumann: Piano Concerto, Op. 54 (Audio CD)

A find if there ever was one. This recording (opposing the reviewer above) demonstrates the very essence of music. In the Triple Concerto the soloists blend unlike any I've heard before. With it's live recording, the energy is at such a high level it leaves one breathless throughout much of the soloists' phrasing (specifically Argerich). The orchestra, too, has an energy unheard in many American orchestras (or European for that matter). Comparing this to the Rostropovich/Oistrakh/Richter recording is not possible. There is a delicacy throughout the piece's power that the R/O/R recording could not achieve.
The energy of the orchestra and the compatability of the soloists makes this one of the most cherished recordings in my colection.

This is a rare recording that makes one wonder why the world of classical music is diminishing.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great collaberation of musicians performing Beethoven and Schumann, July 31, 2007

By 

Amy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56 / Schumann: Piano Concerto, Op. 54 (Audio CD)

For many years now Martha Argerich has avoided the soloist's limelight in order to focus on concerto playing and chamber music partnerships. Yet being the force of nature and individual artist she is, Argerich usually winds up dominating her colleagues with her amazing talent. In the case of Beethoven's Triple Concerto, where the piano part is relatively easy compared to the violin and cello parts challenges, Argerich turns out to be a team player. She constantly adjusts her sound and her phrasing to accommodate the supple runs and dynamic shifts Renaud Capucon and Mischa Maisky pull out of their interpretive magic hats. The outer movements benefit from RabinovitchBarakovsky's basic tempos. In the Schumann Concerto's first two movements Argerich toys with the music, speeding up and slowing down phrases. For his part, Rabinovitch Barakovsky basically steps aside and lets the pianist run the show. As a result, the Intermezzo's soloist/orchestra dialogue emerges less as a conversation than a fight for the spot light. However, both conductor and pianist pursue a steady course with a rapid, light fingered finale, although you can tell the orchestra is hard pressed to maintain absolute precision at such a pace. These performances are very exciting very exciting to listen to, and never a dull moment.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Argerich blends politely in the Triple Concerto, then takes charge in the Schumann, June 13, 2006

By 

Santa Fe Listener (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56 / Schumann: Piano Concerto, Op. 54 (Audio CD)

EMI has been giving us a full report of how Martha Argerich spends her summers, espcially when it comes to the Lugano Festival. In this Beethoven Triple Concerto we get a vigorous, sunny performance that is at odds with Argerich's fiery reputation. The conductor is not an equal partner to three great soloists like Argerich, Maisky and Capucon--perhpas that's why they sound a little uninvolved. Or it could be that Capucon's small, elegant tone guided the trio into a more refined style. Anyway, they all play lovingly, so it's an engaging performance.

Argerrich's first entry in the Schumann concerto comes from another world. Even though it's the same conductor and orchestra, she takes charge. I remember her stuido recording of this work on Teldec with Harnoncourt as brash and impetuous. NOt so here: she is energetic but in a sunnier, more relaxed mood. For once the work doesn't seem too brooding, and one can sit back and appreciate Argerich's many lyrical touches. Of course, when passion is required, she can turn it on with lightning speed. All in all, I'd call this a great performance. Five stars.