Piano Concertos By Rachmaninov And Stravinsky

GERGIEV MATSUEV MARIINSKY ORCHESTRA, DENIS MATSUEV

The Mariinsky Label’s latest release showcases works for piano and orchestra by three of Russia’s great composers, with the celebrated Russian pianist Denis Matsuev the featured soloist. Written whilst Rachmaninov was still a teenager, his Piano Concerto No. 1 is relatively playful in comparison to his later piano concertos, its three movements full of showmanship, beautiful melodies and lush orchestral accompaniment, early signposts of his music to come. A similarly playful tone can be found in the revised 1949 version of Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra. The piece is characterized by a dancing piano part full of leaps and boundless energy. Recorded in the presence of the composer, Rodion Shchedrin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is influenced by twelve-tone techniques and jazz. Virtuosic writing is found throughout, and the final movement sees the surprise introduction of a jazz ensemble, including vibraphone and drum kit. Renowned for his interpretations of Russian music, and affectionately known as ‘the Siberian bear with the fastest paws in the Arctic,’ Matsuev’s previous Mariinsky label releases have received widespread acclaim.

Price: $23.98