Customer Reviews

Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor / Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor ~ Thibaudet / Gergiev

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Thibaudet gives polished, dramatic performances of Grieg's and Chopin's Second Piano Concertos. These are crisp, novel interpretations in which Thibaudet plays with ample warmth and brilliance. Gergiev and the Rotterdam Philharmonic yield warm, passionate performances which underscore Thibaudet's dramatic playing. This young French pianist's playing sounds as elegant as any I have heard from the likes of Brendel or Kovacevich, without missing any of the scores' dramatic tension. Clearly this is a fine coupling of both familiar piano concertos that is definitely worth owning.

One of the most famous opening lines in all music, graceful, arching melodies and full-bodied romantic sentiment throughout. This is Grieg's Piano Concerto in a nutshell. Thibaudet, Gergiev and the Rotterdam Philharmonic do a fantastic job of capturing the energy and pleasure of this score. The sound quality is superb. The piano shines but never is out of balance with the orchestra. Gergiev should get a special mention for his orchestral support, lilting and effectual. Gried has probably never sounded better - both sensitive and when necessary, passionate. The Chopin Piano Concerto does not have the same visceral melodic thrills as does the Grieg, but it is extremely pleasant going down. Chopin provides the polished piano technique that Grieg does not - however his orchestral colors are a little stiff. Overall though, this is an well programmed disc with outstanding performances and sound quality to boot.

These two concerti provide an interesting manner in which to hear one of Europe's greatest orchestras, and its colorful director. Behind Thibaudet's playing, which is melodic and and commanding in the Grieg, lyrical and playful in the Chopin, one can sense a wild animal striving to step gracefully beside its trainer instead of pounce as it is wont. The Chopin especially seems to bring out a tamer side of both orchestra and conductor, although I prefer the Grieg for its arresting chords from the soloist himself, and the crescendoes so beautifully done at the finale of the A Minor. Bravo, Maestro and M. Thibaudet!

Thibaudet has made recordings of move music, and this might as well be one. The Grieg is played for gloss and ardor, a perfect background for the romantic climax of a luscious Angelina Jolie film. Expect lots of self-conscious pushing and ulling from both Thibaudet and Gergiev, and yet in the end, given what a tired old thing the Grieg concerto is, this glamorizing works. It turns the piece into fun again. I had a much better time listening to this version, particularly because of the stupendous sound, than "serious" versions by Andsnes, Fleisher, etc. A solid four stars for this performance.

The Chopin Second Concerto is much weaker than the First, which was composed later despite their numbering. Other than being genericlly romantic, it shares little with the Grieg, but Thibaudet plays both works more or less the same, with a delicate, pointed Gallic touch. Gergiev, who throws himself into the Grieg, seems like a fish out of water here, I'm sorry to say, providing a clean but routine accompaniment (not that Chopin gives him that much to work with). I had little fun here, and Thibaudet, for all his French credentials, plays with decidedly less finesse and sparkle than AArgerich, Zimerman, and half a dozen others. A lackluster three stars for the Chopin.

Thibaudet really gets it. This oldie but goodie is too often played technically well but without really entering the music. Thibaudet enters and probes the music, revels in it and just lets it sing its beauty, romance and sensitivity. Each listen reveals something new.

I listen to the Classical Music Station in Northern California, KDFC at 102.1 and had heard many recordings by Jean-Yves Thibeaudet, but I did not have a CD by him myself. I chose the 2 concertos by Grieg and Chopin, war horses so to speak, conducted by Valerie Girgiev, it could not get any better. I thought the piano came through as thoughtful and sensitive, just as I had expected. A short while later I heard Jean-Yves in person, and I was totally impressed by his virtuosity and impeccable art. Tineke Goldberg, Napa, CA