From Brahms a concerto that began life as a symphony, from Rachmaninoff a 'symphony' that began life as ballet music. And tucked in between these ambitious and inspiring pieces: pure exuberance!
Brahms's First Piano Concerto began life as an attempt at a symphony - no wonder it's so ambitious in scope - almost a symphony for piano and orchestra. Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances began life as a ballet score - and its dance inspiration gave the world a glamorous and intoxicating work for the concert hall.
This is a concert that moves in tragic and fatalistic realms - it has the beauty of storm clouds, the impetuosity of youth and the nostalgia of old age. At its centre is a moment of unrestrained celebration - noisy exuberance as Dvorák's nocturnal revellers sing and dance.
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No.1
DVORÁK Carnival Overture
RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances
Tugan Sokhiev conductor
Nicholas Angelich piano
AUDIO PLAYER LISTING
Track 1 - BRAHMS Piano Concerto No.1 in D minor: III Rondo - Allegro non troppo
Nelson Freire (piano) with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra conducted by Riccardo Chailly
DECCA ELOQUENCE 475 7638
Track 2 - DVORAK Carnival Overture
Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Zubin Mehta
DECCA ELOQUENCE 476 8482
Track 3 - RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances: I Non allegro
Track 4 - RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances: III Allegro vivace
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy
DECCA 455 7982
Audio kindly supplied by Silver Partner Universal Music