Piano Concertos 1 & 2

Tchaikovsky’s two piano concertos (which conveniently fit on one CD) exhibit his exuberant, sometimes folksy melodies, breaking of the mold in musical structures, and an embrace of Russian nationalism, yet showing his ability to elevate his music and sound beyond a nationalistic label and pushing the boundaries of a piano concerto. While history holds a special backdrop for this music, ultimately these works are cherished for their musical qualities: charming, bold, virtuosic, and have stood the test of time. The lesser-known second concerto is equally melodic, innovative, and stirring in its own right and I appreciate the producers for not shoving the incomplete third concerto into the mix.I am surprised there are not more reviews of this recording as Matsuev gives the performance of a lifetime, incomparable interpretively and sonically to his many competitors. Gergiev, whose interpretations are often critically too serious, too rough, too odd, but rarely underdone, are here, fleet-footed and passionate. Lyrical portions are artistic, and while Matsuev revels in the impressive bravura, there is a lot to like in Tchaikovsky's fantastical slower portions which is played sensitively. The Mariinsky Orchestra and piano are recorded well together, piano and orchestra are neither overwhelmed nor over-miked, and conductor and pianist respond intensely to each other in these well-worn compositions. Together they provide a breathless, uber-romantic recording to sit along with the classic recordings of  Van Cliburn , Gilels , Pletnev , Donohoe , and  Hough , although I doubt I would need another recording after this.

Matsuev has incredible technical skills that rival Horowitz at his best. I have heard many great performances of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 and this is now my favorite. I never thought that I would hear a performance that would equal the quality of performances by Sviatoslav Richter (with Karel Ancerl conducting) and Gary Graffman (with George Szell conducting) but Matsuev equals those performances and probably exceeds them.

Very good!

The best available version of the Piano Concerto 1 in my opinion. Quintaesntial Russian flair for the epitome of russian music

These are two of my favorite piano Concertos and Gergiev is brilliant.

Excellent.

Gergiev took young super flash pianist Daniil Trifonov under his wing for a stunning Tchaikovsky Cto. no. 1, and now hard on its heels comes another version with the conductor's favorite long-term keyboard partner, Denis Matsuev. He was the only pianist featured in the international broadcast of the opening of the new Mariinsky 2 concert hall. To say that a new recording of the Tchaikovsky First isn't needed doesn't suffice - there will always be an expanding shelf of new versions. Even if you own the Trifonov, it takes nothing away from this dazzling performance from an artist sixteen years more mature than Trifonov and gifted with exceptional powers of technical dazzlement and musicality - this is a commanding but never bombastic reading filled with lovely touches from both conductor and pianist. Nothing is routine; everything speaks with complete authority.It's true here, as with the Trifonov version, that the concerto is played as real music, not a warhorse to be banged through. Critics have accused Matsuev of banging, but on the two occasions I heard him - and on this recording - he exhibits incredible power that brings the piano to its limit of loudness but doesn't cross over into banging. There's a natural rise and fall throughout, adding variety and interest, all of it captured in excellent sonics for both orchestra and piano. I'm especially happy that Matsuev doesn't fuss with the syncopation in the finale but turns it into an exciting rush. Horowitz in his prime was capable of tearing the roof off with the double octaves that cap the orchestra's slow, suspenseful buildup at the end of the finale, and Matsuev comes very close, in far better sound. It's altogether an astonishing performance that one could easily name as first choice in the modern era.As for the Second Piano Cto., I haven't heard a first-rate performance since the old Gilels with Maazel on EM (done with the cuts inserted by Siloti, not the complete score)I; there's an exciting Pletnev reading on Virgin that is unfortunately caught in tubby, blurry sound. So I had high hopes for Matsuev, who performs Tchaikovsky's revised version at full length (43 min.) - and he delivers beyond expectations. The piano part is filled with difficulties that Matsuev showcases in bravura fashion, while Gergiev keeps pace with an accompaniment that is far and away the best I've ever heard. It's headlong and heroic in the fast outer movements, sensitive and engrossing in the slow movement, which has stretches that are almost a triple concerto thanks to extended violin and cello solos.As much as purist have given the Siloti edition a bad name, the truth is that the old cuts were justified if you feel, as I do, that the material is stretched thin in spots. But that's a small matter when you hear a performance that sets a new standard on disc (besides being the first SACD recording of the Second Cto.). I know that many listeners shrug off Gergiev's flood of recordings, but this one is a must-listen, for his contribution as much as Matsuev's.

One of the finest performances of Tchaikovsky's second piano concerto

It was exactly what was expected.. excellent

J'ai été tres surpris d'entendre son interprétation du Concerto no.1, bien connu, de Tchaikovsky, et meme impressionné! L'Orchestre est excellent aussi sous Valery Gergiev. J'ai plusieurs versions de ce Concerto, mais celle-là, me touche profondément par son style au piano. Je le recommande sans hésitation!

Seems the microphones were too close to the piano? Otherwise it's a great CD of the Dennis performance.

Per me Denis Matsuev è uno dei giovani pianisti più interessanti nel repertorio russo, L'abbinamento con il grande Valery Gergiev produce un CD di valore. Qualità del suono ottimale.