Lowenthal: Tchaikovsky – The Music for Piano and Orchestra (2 CD, FLAC)

Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performer: Jerome Lowenthal
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Sergiu Comissiona
Audio CD
Number of Discs: 2 CD
Format: FLAC (tracks+cue)
Label: Bridge
Size: 536 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

Disc: 1
1. Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: II. Andantino semplice
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: III. Allegro con fuoco
4. Concert Fantasy in G Major, Op. 56: I. Quasi Rondo: Andante mosso
5. Concert Fantasy in G Major, Op. 56: II. Contrasts: Andante cantabile
6. Concert Fantasy in G Major, Op. 56: Movement I, alternate ending

Disc: 2
1. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: I. Allegro brillante e molto vivace
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: II. Andante non troppo
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: III. Allegro con fucco
4. Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 75: I. Allegro brillante

Formidable lion in the Loewenthal

I knew the pianist when we studied at Juilliard. At the time I thought his playing was beautifully expressive, rich in colors, and thought-out to the smallest detail. I also admired the way his hands worked on the keyboard, obeying his intellect and shaping phrases and shades. All that has grown through the years. In addition, the experience and conviction of a master and his humaneness give a sense of totality to his performance.

I would like to single out the slow movement of the Third Piano Concerto as a most beautiful, intimate moment that feels and sounds like chamber music. The following contrasting movement is full of virtuosity and elan. Performing all those works is an achievement, but performing them with passion, with tenderness, with a total palette of emotions is an amazing feat, and for the listener, is a marvelous experience.