Customer Reviews

Saint-Saens: Piano Concertos Nos.2 & 5 etc

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The dapper Thibaudet doesn't swim in deep waters, but when presented with glittering pieces that suit his own sophistication (he's the only pianist who comes onstage in coutrue), the results can be delightful. So it proves here. The two Saint-Saens concertos are exemplars of Gallic charm and sparkling technique layered with urbane seriousness. Like champagne, these works can't be allowed to go flat. Thibaudet and Dutoit make sure they never do, not for a moment. It was smart to begin the program with Concerto #5, since its hurtlig virtuoso fingerwork shows the soloist off at his best -- Thibaudet really does have technique to burn -- and the composer's flirtatins with "Egyptian" themes is amusing. This is Cairo as observed from a cafe table a Paris.

I've never been persuaded to take Franck's Symphonic Var. seriously: what's the point of faux Beethoven coming from a French composer? Thibaudet and Dutoit remain alert and lively, which helps. The program ends with Saint-Saens' Concerto #2, the most thoughtful work and rightfully considered the best of his five concertos. As with the earlier works, Thibaudet goes for flash, which seems to me to be the happiest course of action. In all, I enjoyed this CD more than any other I've heard from him.

As conveyed in Thibaudet's CD "Opera Without Words" he has an innate compassion for the human voice and the various qualities it can produce. As a result Thibaudet has developed the ability to create a tone color that balances vocal beauty. This unique quality is evident throughout this CD of the two Saint-Saens piano concertos.
In the Concerto No.2, in G minor, Thibaudet displays all of Saint-Saens' qualities as a composer. His distillation of style conveys skillful workmanship, with clear texture, invariable musical effectiveness and just enough emotional depth. The opening is rather haunting in approach and the needed serious mood is magnificently presented with two gently expressive themes and a powerful and brilliant climax for the piano leads us to the recapitulation of the first subject. In the second movement, Thibaudet conjures a delightful scherzo character with light and rhythmic chord playing of a Mendelssohnian type and brilliant displays of technical ability. Thibaudet enters the finale with a motivating temperament which superbly conveys the tarantella theme; salient features are a central episode with trills for alternating hands that are electrifyingly charged by Thibaudet bringing the interlocking passages of the coda to a dazzling close. The Concerto No.5 in F major, makes a less immediate appeal than the previous, however, Thibaudet's innate musicality comes to the forefront, never allowing the performance to lack vitality and great depth of feeling. The performance contains qualities of neatness, finish and superb clarity; and in the central movement Thibaudet provides interesting effects of rhythmic vitality and instrumental color that provides individuality and atmosphere. The quiet opening of the first movement in broken rhythm is pleasant with the necessary holding back of distinction well respected. The finale allows Thibaudet to make use of some virtuosity displaying brilliance that gives an expansive scope to the material. The Variations Symphoniques by Franck in the hands of Thibaudet become exceptionally brilliant with a fine sense of style. He is an excellent craftsman and well grounded throughout. His playing can always be counted on to glitter and flow with considerable emotional depth. With an unparalleled sureness and rapidity the variations become even more attractive than they actually are leaving them filled with intensity and productive power. This entire recording demonstrates Thibaudet's quintessential output and is truly a jewel to behold!

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus. A.Mus. L.R.S.M. Licentiate(honorary)

Classic pianism here. One of the best Saint-Saens recordings ever, in my opinion. I hope he does the other concertos and some of the incidental music, as well. This is just as good, if not more dazzling, than Stephen Hough's series. A definite buy.

The pairing of Saint Saens piano concertos #2 & #5 is in itself, a great combination. The 2nd concerto never fails to delight. Saint Saens was a master pianist and this works shows his skill as both a composer and pianist. Are you in a down or bad mood? Flip on the piano concerto #2's second movement. The scherzo is delightful and sparkling, full of wit, humor and clever writing. The final movement offers the pianist opportunities to demonstrate their skills, with complex piano writing and wonderful orchestral accompanyment. In Jean-Yves Thibaudet's hands, the playing is electric, dramatic, passionate and witty. This is my new favorite of this concerto. The 5th, with its Egyptian influence, especially in the slow movement, is also much fun.

To hear a free stream of Jean-Yves Thibaudet playing the Saint-Saens 2nd concerto with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra live at Carnegia Hall recently, go to [...] and select the concert with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Msr Thibaudet. Select the 2nd hour broadcast(since most classical concerts are usually 2 hours long) and then sit back and listen to exciting and passionate playing! The Carnegie Hall audience certainly loved it. It may not be online for long before it gets archived. Then come back here and purchase the CD if you haven't already. You won't regret it.

The first movement of concerto no. 2 is played at break-neck speed, which blows away the beauty of this movement and concerto. This alone made me decide not to buy this CD. There are better performances of this concerto to enjoy and appreciate, so you might want to listen before you buy.