Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 5

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

 

 

I went to Barnes & Noble anticipating that I'd purchase the Previn/Ashkenazy recordings of the 5 Prokofiev Piano Concertos. After all, those 5 are packaged as a single set, and everyone speaks highly of the performances. I'm so very glad that I did NOT settle for those recording!! There was a certain clinical, dispassionate quality to the Previn/Ashkenazy recordings. In contrast, Kun Woo Paik truly feels this music, and has a dazzling technique. For me, these recordings of the 5 Prokofiev Piano Concertos are the recordings to own!

Of Naxos's recordings, this must rate amongst the best. All performers are on top form, and the PNRSO are brilliant as ever. It is a shame that the third concerto is the only one that is performed with any regularity, because these are two of the best piano concertos ever. No.2 is so packed with wit and humour, whilst being increadibly violent, and the first movement cadenza is quite honestly amazing. No.5 has become my favorite of the concertos, it seems that Prokofiev takes nothing seriously.

Sergei Prokofiev's Second Piano Concerto from 1913 has definitely become a favorite! In my review of it, I waxed emphatic on the performance and recording from pianist Horatio Gutierrez with Neeme Järvi leading the Concertgebouw Orchestra (Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3). Let me say that the current recording concedes nothing in the way of virtuosity, excitement, and brilliant recorded sound. Korean pianist Kun Woo Paik opens with a much slower rendering of the first movement's pensive theme, then gradually builds to ferocious intensity. The three succeeding movements follow the same relentless path. One can say that Paik's notes are more distinct, perhaps abided by the close miking, while conductor Wit's accompaniment follows along expertly with Paik and the Polish forces vying for the lead in a race to the finish line! It's obvious that the orchestra, while certainly not the caliber of Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, has this music down cold, exuding plenty of idiomatic flavor and bite.

The Fifth Piano Concerto from 1932 has more of Prokofiev's modernist flavor -- angular, expressive, and more often equally relentless. While it's difficult to divine any tunes or connecting thematic tissue, it's an ear-opener nonetheless!

For many years, the budget Naxos label has become somewhat synonymous with bringing a wide repertoire to the budget-conscious record-buying public while utilizing provincial and second tier performers, often occupying it's own separate display in retail record departments. However, it must be said that their more recent recordings sound as vivid as anything from the full-priced labels. Technology and recording expertise has certainly leveled the playing field.

I must agree with the other 5 star reviewers here. This recording was quite a surprise. I have not heard Paik very much before, but I was blown away by his performance of the second concerto. Brilliant, indeed. But Wit and the Polish Radio Orchestra have a great deal to do with the brilliance of this interpretation. Some of the tempi may seem slow to some, but Paik and Wit and ensemble create rich textures and fabulous tension with this deliberate and dazzling reading. Bravo! I'm going to seek out more of this pianist's work.