The right way to go for Chopin's Piano Concerti?

[Mark]

Having sorted out (I hope) my Brahms Piano Concerti problem, I'm now faced with a similar quandry over Chopin's pair.

My question to those of you in the know is this: Would this CD be a rewarding choice?

Thanks in advance.

[AnthonyAthletic]

Can't comment on the Argerich cd Mark.

My personal favourites are Pollini EMI for the 1st & Pogorelich/Abbado DG for the 2nd.

With a word or two for the sublime Rubinstein on RCA for both 

[sidoze]

No, certainly not. If you want Argerich, you should choose her earlier recording with Abbado.

Unfortunately there isn't a satisfactory recording of both concerti on one CD. My favourites can only be obtained from Japan (Sokolov PC 1) and an old radio broadcast (Pollini PC 2). Many other impressive recordings are in historical sound.

Perhaps someone else has a suggestion for 2 on 1 CD.

[Mark]

No, certainly not.

Your main gripe with this is ... ?


(And thanks, Tony. )

[head-case]

No, certainly not. If you want Argerich, you should choose her earlier recording with Abbado.

Unfortunately there isn't a satisfactory recording of both concerti on one CD. My favourites can only be obtained from Japan (Sokolov PC 1) and an old radio broadcast (Pollini PC 2). Many other impressive recordings are in historical sound.

Perhaps someone else has a suggestion for 2 on 1 CD.

I agree, it's horrid.  The handling of the orchestral part by Dutoit is particularly dull and Agerich is way off her prime, I'm afraid.  However, I take issue with the assertion that a satisfactory recording of both concerti isn't available on one CD.   I find this one very satisfactory

http://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Piano-Concertos-Nos-2/dp/B00002DE0S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0746774-0908941?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1181257559&sr=1-1

[Solitary Wanderer]

Seeing/hearing #2 performed a few years ago turned me into a true believer

I have two versions;

The Naxos, with Istan Szekely/Budapest Symph/Gyula Nemeth, which I think you've recently got rid of?

and the Rubinstein/New Symph Orches London/Skrowaczewski SACD.

The Rubinstein is the one I reach for but, like you, I'm looking for a more definitive version

[AnthonyAthletic]

(And thanks, Tony. )

You will get a lot of personal recs on this thread Mark, my main reason for liking the Pogorelich 2nd is the sprawling nature of the larghetto, at over 10 minutes.

Its the way I like it done, won't be everyones cup of tea LOL  

I doubt most could deny the Pollini its status?....then again?

[Mark]

The Naxos, with Istan Szekely/Budapest Symph/Gyula Nemeth, which I think you've recently got rid of?

Couldn't wait to show it the door. Bloody awful!

[Mark]

You will get a lot of personal recs on this thread Mark, my main reason for liking the Pogorelich 2nd is the sprawling nature of the larghetto, at over 10 minutes.

Its the way I like it done, won't be everyones cup of tea LOL  

I doubt most could deny the Pollini its status?....then again?

And the sound quality?

[Solitary Wanderer]

Couldn't wait to show it the door. Bloody awful!

I did a cd-r from a library copy so no sweat for me there

Watching the thread with interest

[orbital]

No, certainly not. If you want Argerich, you should choose her earlier recording with Abbado.

Unfortunately there isn't a satisfactory recording of both concerti on one CD. My favourites can only be obtained from Japan (Sokolov PC 1) and an old radio broadcast (Pollini PC 2). Many other impressive recordings are in historical sound.

Perhaps someone else has a suggestion for 2 on 1 CD.

Agree with Dutoit. I got this CD because I liked Argerich on DG, but it is nothing special at all.

I think the best bet for both conerti on the same CD is Hofmann. Mainly for the first, but the second one is also very good. Historical sound of course though, and the orchestra and the conductor have never been positively identified (though believed to be Barbirolli / LSO). This is not sentimental Chopin, but played excellently nevertheless IMO.

(Tony, for Sokolov are you talking Rowicki or Litton? )

[AnthonyAthletic]

And the sound quality?

Very good on the Pogorelich, 1983.  And the highest end of decent for the Pollini (but sound doesn't matter to me, such is the performance).  One you need to hear basically, to judge for oneself.

I still have that Szekely tucked away somewhere too, even if you got shot of yours  

[sidoze]

Your main gripe with this is ... ?

Head-case summed it up quite sanely.

I find this one very satisfactory

Ugh good god no. That ponderous drawling claptrap? If you want Zimerman, his early live recording of PC 1 with Kondrashin, once on a DG CD, is the one to hear IMO. Still, not a favourite.

I doubt most could deny the Pollini its status?....then again?

I like his performance of PC 2 much better. It was an early recording from the '60s and he really lets rip. I think I have it around somewhere and could upload it. Drasko knows it.

I think the best bet for both conerti on the same CD is Hofmann

I'd probably agree with this if pressed, but the historical sound, you know....

(Tony, for Sokolov are you talking Rowicki or Litton? )

Rowicki. http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1215930

The live and much later accounts with Litton and Vasary are very good but the orchestral support from Rowicki is absolutely perfect. Lovely pre-digital sound on it too.

[AnthonyAthletic]

I like his performance of PC 2 much better. It was an early recording from the '60s and he really lets rip. I think I have it around somewhere and could upload it. Drasko knows it.

There would be many takers Tony 

[Mark]

Thanks to all so far.

Incidentally, I do have the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Kulka/Semkow) on DG with Vasary at the keyboard. Any good?

[Drasko]

There would be many takers Tony 

If Tony can't find it I'll upload it.

[AnthonyAthletic]

If Tony can't find it I'll upload it.

Cheers, that would be brilliant.

In case I miss the message that Yourself or Tony have uploaded it, would you be kind enough to PM me with the details 

[sidoze]

Incidentally, I do have the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Kulka/Semkow) on DG with Vasary at the keyboard. Any good?

The ones in the DG Trio box? Good performances, lightweight yet poetic. For flair you'd have to listen elsewhere, but back then Vasary had a very lovely touch in Chopin.

There would be many takers Tony

I know where it is so I'll try to collect it tomorrow. Will PM.

[AnthonyAthletic]

I know where it is so I'll try to collect it tomorrow. Will PM.

My thanks 

[George]

Having sorted out (I hope) my Brahms Piano Concerti problem, I'm now faced with a similar quandry over Chopin's pair.

My question to those of you in the know is this: Would this CD be a rewarding choice?

Thanks in advance.

I am going to relisten to my copy, just to make sure before replying.