Customer Reviews

Liszt: Concertos Nos. 1 in E Flat/Grieg: Concerto, Op. 16 in A Minor/Liszst: Concerto No. 2

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Van Cliburn's recordings of the Tchaikovsky First and Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concertos are legendary, but his performances of some of the other famous Romantic Concertos often get overlooked. This CD of the Grieg and two Liszt Concertos by Cliburn, and conductor Eugene Ormandy leading the Philadelphia Orchestra, is an outstanding title and one of the best currently available (particularly until Julius Katchen's accounts resurface). There are memorable recordings that pair the Liszt Piano Concertos (Cziffra, Richter, Zimerman), and lots of the Grieg (though most are matched with the Schumann), but very few that combine all three to such great effect. Van Cliburn is at his best on these Concertos, particularly on the Grieg and the second Liszt, as he melds his "heart-on-sleeve" style with commanding technique and phrasing. Some may not like this style of playing, and sometimes it does not suit a particular piece (his Brahms First comes to mind), but here there is no question.

I found this CD at a flea market for like $1. It was well worth the purchase. Cliburn and Ormandy are great in these concertos, although I must admit, I've never been a big fan of the Grieg Concerto, no matter who is playing it. Get this for the Liszt for sure. Another great Liszt Concertos recording is Richter's.

It is beautiful, but then I am a long time fan of both Van Cliburn and Liszt. I am a newer fan of Grieg's Concerto. I don't think you can go wrong with Van Cliburn. I also appreciate how fast the music I order always arrives. We don't have a decent music store here in town and the classical music selections are almost non-existent so I would be lost without the online connection to the best music.

Three of the all time greatest concertos by one of the best pianists of our time. This is a superb work and I listen to it in the car every time I drive into town!Van Cliburn at his best!