Schumann/Grieg: Klavierkonzerte (Piano Concertos)

Edvard Grieg (Composer), Robert Schumann (Composer), Herbert von Karajan (Conductor), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Krystian Zimerman (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Krystian Zimerman
• Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
• Composer: Edvard Grieg, Robert Schumann
• Audio CD (November 9, 1993)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GK0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #90,733 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh, invigorating performance, December 5, 1999

By	"magicthighs" (Hamilton, ON Canada) - See all my reviews

Zimerman's trademark crystalline articulation and sumptuous tone is mesmerizing and is what draws me to his music. His performance of the Schumann concerto breathes such effervescent vitality that it sparkles like diamonds. The main theme is wonderfully thrown back and forth between Karajan and Zimerman, neither is overbearing, but instead perfectly balanced and symbiotic. Karajan's hold on the young Zimerman is obvious because the music is so seamless. One gets the impression that Zimerman is playing at half his intensity to ensure the artistic integrity of the piece is not compromised by turning it into a virtuoso showcase. This observation is supported by his coruscating performance of the cadenza. I have never heard the Schumann cadenza played with such abandon and white hot intensity before. It's such a wonderful climax that the best way to describe it is --orgasmic. His 2nd and 3rd movements are equally evergreen and characteristically 'Zimermanesque'.

The Grieg concerto is one I grew out of because of its familiarity. Zimerman's elegant, refined style brings such a sublime, plaintive atmosphere to the piece that it evoked nostalgic memories of my youth when I discovered these treasures for the first time. I'm familiar with Anda's, Richter's, Rubinstein's and many others (I can't rememember them all) performance of the concerto. All of them were great, but none of them piqued my attention like Zimerman's. His style is the perfect balance of refined elegance and virtuosity for me.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Virtuosity yet with so much feeling, April 20, 2002

By	Blygman (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

I compared almost 30 interpretations of the Schumann piano concerto and ended up with 3 : Abbado/Pires, Karajan/Zimerman and a surprising one : "Robert Schumann: Meisterwerke Zum Kennenlernen" with the czech pianist Marian Lapsansky. 1) Pires plays with so much delicacy and introspection, the flow of keytrokes is seamless : very refreshing and compelling esp. for the 1st & 2nd movement. 2) Zimerman displays great virtuosity without playing too fast, esp. in the 3rd movement which is arresting. 3) the czech interpretation lays in-between. I was surprised an unknown interpretation could be that good.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best recording of these two concertos, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This coupling of these two showpieces is by far the best I've heard. It makes Murray Perahia sound anemic, and his recording is not bad...... just bland by comparison. I like to hear these works performed with a certain amount of passion, and Zimerman provides plenty of that. But equally impressive is his flawless technical skill. Sonics are outstanding, and von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic are in excellent form. Get this one even if you already have recordings of these works.