Customer Reviews

Shostakovich: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Jazz Suite No. 1; Tahiti Trot (Tea for Two)

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Shostakovich's Piano Concertos are considered to be lightweight in 20th century terms. Both are not as intense as, say, his Cello Concertos. However, they are filled with modernistic passion. Playful melodies (especially in the 2nd Concerto) and sophisticated orchestrations are still apparent. Dmitry Alexeev is the pianist, and he does a very nice job with keeping control of the overall music. He plays with polish and panache. Jerzy Maksymiuk conducts in a very direct manner. He never exaggerates the dramatic impact, nor does he smooth over the tension. It sounds as if he's appropriately following the score very closely along with Alexeev. The English Chamber Orchestra is in top form from beginning to end.

Also on this CD are Shostakovich's Jazz Suite No. 1 (with Mariss Jansons are the Philadelphia Orchestra), The Gadfly suite (with Sir Neville Marriner and Academy of St. Martin in the Fields), and The Unforgettable Year of 1919 (also with Maksymiuk and the English Chamber Orchestra). They may seem like fillers, but they really ARE enjoyable to listen to (especially the Jazz Suite).

Grade: 8.9 out of 10

I play the Shostakovitch recording so o0ften I am afraid I will wear it out it is so good. Thanks for the fast delivery as usual and good quality. Patty

Absolutely marvellous performance. Especially the Concerto Nr 2. You will listen to it over and over never having enough of it. High spirited first part will only prepare you for the lyrical and incredibly emotional Andante. Just dive into your comfortable armchair and leave all your troubles behind. A teardrop is allowed too, of course. This music will definitely help you to do it. The fabulously performed third part of the concerto will obviously wake you up from this romantic mood, but these are the sounds you will not forget for very long time.

Excellent recording quality too.

"He is a pianist at once aristocratic, grand and confessionally poetic. This is an inspiring disc."