very memorable performances
I have owned the Chopin concerti by Demidenko/Kissin with this same orchestra-conductor combo for about a year. They are excellent performances by entirely different style pianists.
A year prior to that recording was this one with Garrick Ohlsson, playing both concerti, and is was coupled with a very good documentary on Chopin "The Art of Chopin". Some reviewers of this dvd-only release complained about the sound of the orchestra. This new bluray release has apparently cleared up that problem, at least using the DTS MASTER AUDIO selection. I found it excellent, extremely full and clear. I did find the orchestral opening of the #1 a bit prosaic, with little jauntiness. However, as the concerto progressed, matters improved dramatically. Ohlsson has a wonderful touch with Chopin, and it is no exaggeration to say that he transports you to another place with his delicate and sensitive playing. Time stands still, at least for me. Concerto #2 is no less impressive.
If...
A finely balanced alternative to the Kissin / Demidenko pairing
In this recording Garrick Ohlsson steers a satisfying mid-course between the exhilaration of Kissin in the second concerto and the reflection of Demidenko in the first concerto which is to be found on a rival issue. Both issues share the talents of the conductor Antoni Wit with the Warsaw Philharmonic.
Whereas the Kissin/Demidenko release offers two very contrasting approaches to performing these two concerti, this issue provides a more balanced approach - not surprisingly as it is the same pianist for both works. Ohlsson is a very experienced Chopin player having won first prize at the Chopin International Competition as long ago as 1970.
Essentially Ohlsson brings a lyrical approach to these concertos in contrast to the bravura demonstrated by Kissin. However this lyrical approach has a firmer and tougher underpinning than the reflective Demidenko so that moments of climax bite harder. His technique is flawless and this uniformity of approach may well be a...
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