Customer Reviews

Herbert Von Karajan - New Year's Concert 1988 - Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 & Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 / Kissin

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This concerto includes Prokofiev's Classical Symphony No.1 and Tchaikovsky's piano concerto No.1 featuring Evgeny Kissin. Karajan is in very good mood despite the pain in his back that kept him leaning back (instead of his customary forward position) in the special supporting device prepared for him in the conductor's podium. The octave motif that makes the main theme of the fisrt movement of Prokofiev's 1st is played with almost comical accuracy, as if imitating Mozart. I never liked this symphony before. Now, after listening this interpretation I really learned to enjoy it. I have mixed feelings about the piano concerto. The young Kissin (just a boy then) exudes so much adrenaline; you can see in the little man's face the weight of being playing with the best orchestra in the world, conducted by a living legend. He seems very aware that the last recording of this concerto with Karajan-Berliner, was performed by no other than Sviatoslav Richter. The performance, though, although not note perfect, is very good. The only flaws were caused mostly by the boy excess of energy. I listened this version on CD years ago, but in the video, the boy generates such tension that it's almost distracting. The best part is the last movement, were the boy's tension matches so well with the character of the music. The final part is unforgettable, it keeps you at the edge of the seat until the last chord. The DVD in a whole is very well balanced and makes a wonderful experience.

The musical and historic value of this recording cannot be underestimated. It represented von Karajan's last public appearance with the Berlin Philharmonic. It is remarkable how relaxed, almost amiable he seems when considering the strained relations with the orchestra. I refer the reader to the Osborne biography for further details in this regard. Interestingly, Kissin is said to have wanted to play the concerto faster, but Karajan prevailed, and in my opinion chose tempos that befitted the grandeur and depth of this work, instead of allowing it to become yet another breakneck display of virtuosity of superficial musical value. I found the balance between the focus on Karajan, the musicians, and Kissin to be quite acceptable. There are solo recitals by Kissin on the market which will allow you to revel in his astounding talent. But the chance to see von Karajan weave his magic in his twilight years makes this worth buying in and of itself.

Although this was a DVD showcasing Karajan, it was unfortunate that Kissin's virtuosic performance was severly neglected camera-wise. I've listened to this CD years ago, and I think it's one of the best interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no.1 to date. While watching this DVD, I felt robbed of seeing the young Kissin's virtuoso performance of this highly difficult concerto. I wished Sony Classical could produce another better DVD showcasing the then young Evgeny Kissin's amazing talents. I would highly recommend this DVD for Karajan-admirers, but if you're a Kissin-fan then trust me, you don't want to get it.

I'm not a big fan of the Sony Karajan series in general but the two DVD's with Kissin and Mutter are excellent.

I too was a bit disappointed in not seeing the camera fixed on Kissin more often and for that reason deducted one star. Nevertheless, compared to many of Karajan's subpar Beethoven DVD's, this one is a real gem.

This was Herbert Von Karajan's last appearance with the Berlin Philharmonic. He is of course, the best and the recording a treasure. His quiet passages may be a little too soft for some, but he is a Master Conductor whom I understand delighted in encouraging young artistes. Mr. Evgeny Kissin, a teenager of about 15 at this time is astounding. His technical prowess and strength unbelievable for one so young, and his passion and musicianship superb! I bought this DVD strictly for the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 and can recommend it without reservation as an inspiration for young musicians, as well as other adult fans of Russian Music. To solo a piano concerto with the Berlin Philharmonicer at 15 - astounding!

Von Karajan obviously enjoys conducting the Prokoviev, and it shows in the vivacity of the performance. Sometimes the pp passages are ppp, but all else is fine. The Tchaikovsky is an unusual performance, with much slower tempos and more deliberation during transitions (even pauses) than are generally found in this work. Probably played five minutes longer than Horowitz or Gilels would have required. The break between the 2nd and 3rd movements surprised me. The 17 year old pianist is excellent; he surely does like his deliberate, almost hesitant, tempos. Great clarity of finger attacks on keys, separation of notes. Remarkable, really. The camera could spend a bit more time on Kissin's hands and less on his and Herbert's faces.

I'm so disappointed because of poor vision of this DVD. There's no question about performance of Kissin, Karajan, or BP, but the cameras focused most the time on Karajan or Kissin's face instead of his hands. That why I just give this DVD 4 starts.

I've always been a Tchaikovsky fan, but as a pianist I'd curiously been somewhat indifferent to PC1...until I heard/watched this Kissin/Karajan performance on youtube. I knew instantly I had to buy it. Apparently the boy wonder wanted it at the typical manic tempo, but the maestro insisted on expansiveness. The result is monumental.

Stirring performances by Von Karajan and Kisson. Enjoyed it so much that we sent the DVD as a gift to a friend.

This is a magnificent recording of the Tchaikovsky in many ways. The historical value, the terrific sound from the orchestra and the fact that this is Karajan's last concert with the BPO. The only negative for me is that I've never heard the Concerto ever played as slowly as this. It is almost distracting how slow it is. The positive is that most all of today's pianists play it too fast - so this is the other end of the spectrum. The Prokofiev is dazzling and lovely to hear.