Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos

Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), André Previn (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Vladimir Ashkenazy (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Vladimir Ashkenazy
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: André Previn
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (August 26, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041LA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,413 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

During the 1970s, Vladimir Ashkenazy recorded virtually the entire standard piano repertoire, largely successfully. Then he turned to conducting, at which he's steadily become more successful. Although his initial efforts on the podium were not greeted with universal acclaim, you've got to respect the fact that he moved onto something new rather than attempting to revisit the same music again and risk not doing it nearly as well. Among his complete editions was this set of Prokofiev piano concertos, and they are among the best things that he did. At two discs for the price of one, it's a fine way to acquire all of these exciting works. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Number Two is Awesome!, August 2, 2000

By	Jake Wagner "Jake" (California, USA) - See all my reviews

When I bought this recording, the only Prokofiev piano concerto that I was familiar with was number 3, a warhorse that had become too familiar to retain my interest. I wanted to explore the other piano concertos of Prokofiev. I wasn't disappointed. The first piano concerto, a youthful effort, is delightful. But the real gem in this set is the second. This work fits squarely within the Rachmaninoff tradition, and just like the Rachmaninoff 3 has an incredibly difficult cadenza as the centerpiece of the first movement. I went to the music library to look at the score and couldn't believe the millions of notes. The remarkable thing is that Ashkenazy not only hits all the notes but brings out the melancholy magic in this music. On the other hand, concertos 4 and 5 seem lightweight by comparison, but maybe these works will grow on me as time goes on. All in all, three awesome masterpieces out of five is a good percentage.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent achievement!, February 2, 2005

By	H. Hall - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have this recording of all five Prokofiev concertos. The rapport between soloist and conductor is first rate. The fact that Andre Previn is an excellent pianist helps mould a great understanding and the fact that both soloist and conductor got on so well helps so much.
Vladimir Ashkenazy played all the concertos very brilliantly.He doesn't overcook the interpretation and it sounds better for it.His recording of the second concerto is amazing. Remember he used that with his New York debut in the fifties with Bernstein. I find this collection to be such an achievement. I thoroughly recommend this CD.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prokofiev's Piano Concertos are amount the greatest ever!, March 27, 1999

By A Customer

It is not surprising that Prokofiev's 3rd Piano Concerto is widely played, as it provides much excitement for pianist and audience. One of the ultimate Sphinx-like riddles, though, is why the 2nd Piano Concerto does not enjoy similar success. A few lucky people realize the greatness of this Everest of piano concertos. Luckily, music is always being re-discovered, whether it is Bach, Vivaldi, swing jazz, or disco. Hopefully the Internet can speed this process, because more people should get caught up in the whirlwind music of Prokofiev. Almost all of Prokofiev's music for the piano is alternately clever and bombastic. You might accumulate all of Prokofiev's piano music and wonder where to find some similar music. You won't find it. Sergei was a true original and any attempts at imitation would be futile. Luckily, you can come back to much of Prokofiev's music again and again, finding something new every time.

There are relatively few complete sets of Prokofiev's Piano Concertos, and Ashkenazy plays them as well as anybody. Later, you may want to supplement this set with individual works by Argerich or Richter. Rest assured that you don't want to miss out on this set, especially with 2 CDs for the price of one.