Track Listing

1. Concerto in F, for piano & orchestra: 1. Allegro
2. Concerto in F, for piano & orchestra: 2. Adagio
3. Concerto in F, for piano & orchestra: 3. Allegro agitato
4. Rhapsody in Blue, for piano & orchestra (orchestrated by F. Grof�)
5. Cuban Overture

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #61911 in Music
• Released on: 2007-05-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Hybrid SACD - DSD, Import
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com
Jon Nakamatsu won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997 and has made several fine recordings since then. This all-Gershwin program is probably his finest. He plays the Piano Concerto with great rhythmic sass, the Charleston always underpinning the melodies. Rather than opt for a showy reading of this or the Rhapsody in Blue, he and conductor Jeff Tyzik emphasize the music’s sultry quality; the smoke-filled nightclub is there right alongside the concert hall at all times. The clarinet solo that opens the Rhapsody is stunningly evocative. Nakamatsu and the horn player duet with a keen jazz ear, and the solo piano work is songful and elegant. If you’re looking for fireworks, there are plenty in the Concerto’s finale – it’s a thrilling reading. The Cuban Overture, a work so familiar that it’s hard to look forward to, is given a terrific reading here by Tyzik and The Rochester Philharmonic, with the Latin percussion sounding wonderfully at home with the "regular" orchestra. This is a splendid release. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Waited 50 years for this version
This is a simply incredible album. It is the Rhapsody in Blue to add to your collection for both excellent sound quality & superb performance. Both soloist & orchestra are completely inspired. I've heard several competent but dutiful versions on disc, but this one soars. Heard it on HD radio & could not wait to own it.

Blew me away: incredible fluidity
I had the privilege of hearing Jon Nakamatsu perform a Beethoven Concerto recently and as a result, purchased this CD, loving Gershwin. I have several other versions of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and this interpretation is the best for me. The fluid lines of play warm my heart. The humor found in the piece comes through with playful notes making me smile. The other pieces are similarly enjoyably performed. I just went on line to purchase all the rest of his albums, I liked this one so much. I can't wait until they arrive!

fun, satisfying listening
Jon Nakamatsu is one of the brightest rising stars in classical music. As a classical label owner, I have listened to a lot of music and this pianist is at the top. These fabulous pieces are treated with Nakamatsu's usual tenderness and lyricism that he affords his Chopin and Brahms CDs, and still leaves room for the jaunty, sassy, fun that these compositions ask for. Leave a space on your Favorites list for this one!