Track Listing

1. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Allegro affettuoso - Andante espressivo - Allegro
2. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Intermezzo - Andante grazioso
3. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Allegro vivace
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, CT. 48: Maestoso
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, CT. 48: Larghetto
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, CT. 48: Allegro vivace

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #379060 in Music
• Released on: 2000-11-14
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
This disc is a prime example of why we listen to historical recordings. The performances are unlike anything we can hear today. Cortot, famous for his poetic, searching interpretations of Chopin and Schumann, gives singular performances of both works. He uses a rhetorical approach with a degree of rhythmic freedom that raises eyebrows today, but his alterations of basic pulse are always done to bring out points in the music. His sensitivity and color come across in the excellent sonic restoration by Mark Obert-Thorn, which sounds more like good mid-1950s mono than the actual 1934-'35 recording dates. Although Cortot was sometimes criticized for inaccurate playing, the only technical problems heard in these recordings are occasional flubs in the orchestra; the pianist actually sounds like a tower of strength, with his fluency and powerful tone. Even listeners who normally avoid older recordings may love this one. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews

Grand musicianship, beautiful restoration.
Forget the background hiss, forget the somewhat dry sound quality. This is music as it should be played. There is something so joyous and heartfelt about Alfred Cortot's playing in these two concertos, and the London Philharmonic matches him all the way. The Schumann is a particularly famous piece, and the Chopin deserves more fame than it now has.

As much as I like the Chopin performance, I really must say that it is the Schumann concerto that simply enthralls me. This concerto has had many fine recordings (Radu Lupu's 1973 Decca recording is a personal favorite). Yet Cortot's 1934 recording remains as fresh, engaging, and lovely as ever. It is supremely romantic playing of the most romantic of composers. This recording will always have a special place in my collection.

Naxos should be congratulated for its line of historical recordings, all with excellent restorations and copious liner notes, all at budget price. To anyone who is worried about the ancient recording quality, I can say unequivocally that after half a minute of listening, you will forget all about the hissing as you fall under the spell of the musicians' spirited playing. Who knows, you may even find the sound quality nostalgic. I did.