Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3
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Composer: Ludwig van BeethovenConductor: Christian Gansch
Orchestra: Russian National Orchestra
Performer: Mikhail Pletnev
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2007-03-13
Music Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Free Music Notes for Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3
Free Music Review: More than "somewhat eccentric"
Hit: 2 Stars
The Amazon.com review says these recordings are "somewhat eccentric." That's a bit of an understatement. These are the most mannered, self-indulgent performances of these concertos I have heard, live or on CD.
What's undeniable is that Pletnev is a remarkable pianist. His control over dynamics and tone and his ability to produce the subtlest shadings of sound are impressive, and there's no doubt that he can coax a lovely sound out of the instrument. The problem is that Pletnev doesn't put all this at the service of Beethoven's music; instead it gets in the way. Rather than let the music speak for itself, he bends it out of shape, applying rubato in a way that is wholly inappropriate for Beethoven and inserting all sorts of "adjustments" in dynamics and tempo that are not in the score. He cannot resist the temptation to slow down to enjoy a beautiful melody or to end a phrase with a diminuendo when none is called for. The result is an "interpretation" that sounds, well, interpreted. This is most definitely Pletnev first and Beethoven second.
I didn't want to come to this opinion of this recording; I love very much Pletnev's recording of the Scarlatti sonatas. But Beethoven's music calls for a more straightforward approach (which is not to say straightlaced!), and what was imaginative in Pletnev's Scarlatti playing has apparently become merely mannered here. The orchestral playing is of a good standard, and the recorded sound is excellent. But this is for fans of Pletnev only. Fleisher/Szell or Kovacevich/Davis would be a much better bet. For the price of this CD you can get the whole set, sans Pletnev's mannerisms.
Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 Poster
These are aggressive, somewhat eccentric readings of these concerti. They are given performances of real fire, and Pletnev takes interesting liberties with dynamics. Sudden passages of very loud or very soft playing ensure that we will not be bored. At times he uses rubato the way an Italian tenor might, which is to say, interestingly but with dubious taste. There is a moment in the First Concerto's Largo that is taken so slowly it sounds as if something might have gone wrong with the CD. It appears that Pletnev has approached both of these works as exemplars of high Romanticism, whereas the first, in particular, looks back to Mozart. This is not to say that he does not play impeccably. His tone is always handsome and no matter how loudly he plays, he never distorts. Whether or not one agrees with his "re-interpretations," it is impossible not to be riveted. Pletnev says in the accompanying notes that his wish is that "every scream, every moment of joy" in the music "should be lived through as it's lived in our real lives." Those who know these concerti well might be surprised at how many screams Pletnev finds. The orchestra plays with great transparency under Christian Gansch. Nothing if not entertaining. --Robert LevineClassical Music CDs
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