Customer Reviews

Scriabin: Concerto for Piano in F#m; Prometheus

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All three pieces on this CD are exceptionally played, which surprised me because I'm not familiar with the ensemble or pianist, though the conductor needs no introduction. The depth and intensity of the ensemble, both in powerful and delicate sections of the works, is quite surprising -- I look forward to hearing more from them.

By far, the best performed work is the Piano Concerto. Absolutely brilliant, poignant, light and flowing where necessary, intense and driven where necessary, and gloriously emotional throughout.

The second movement, the "tema con variazioni," is absolutely the most fantastic interpretation I've ever heard. I think part of the key is in the tempi. Rozhdestvensky and Postnikova take this slightly slower overall (most clock in around 8:30; this is just over 10). It doesn't drag though, even with the repetitive nature of the tema. The clarinetist, too, deserves praise here.

The Fantasy, arranged by the conductor and first recorded here, is a delight you won't find elsewhere.

My previous favorite, and it's still great, was Ugorski & Boulez's recording with Chicago on DG, but this one is now my favorite for the Concerto. That piece alone makes this disc worth buying.

A must for Scriabin lovers - the concerto in particular is really convincing, the slow movement taking you off to where Scriabin no doubt intended. Do buy it!