Gershwin: Piano Cto in F/Rhapsody in Blue in C (Hybr)
Gershwin: Piano Cto in F/Rhapsody in Blue in C (Hybr)
(Audio CD) by Kenneth Grant
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Product Details:
Audio CD Release Date:
May 08, 2007
Studio:
Harmonia Mundi Fr.
Composer:
George Gershwin
Conductor:
Jeff Tyzik
Orchestra:
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Number Of Discs:
1
Format:
Hybrid SACD, Import
Average Customer Rating:
based on 8 reviews
Description:
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
Track Listing:
1.
1. Allegro
2.
2. Adagio
3.
3. Allegro agitato
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Review:
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Groovy GershwinJul 08, 2008 This recording is outstanding, a really inspired performance. Everything is exemplary, great acoustics, terrific piano playing, first rate orchestra. Highly recommended.
Terrific CDApr 16, 2008 Excellent CD with great interpretation of Gershwin. All of my favorites in one CD with excellent sound. My best Gershwin so far!!!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Gershwin relieves the stress!Nov 11, 2007 The recordings on this CD are so wonderful. If you have had a stressful day, just pop in this CD and relax. This immediately became my favorite recording of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (and I have many).
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
An Amazing Piano Concerto in FAug 25, 2007 For those who have never heard Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F, Nakamatsu's performance will come as a revelation. In particular, the soulful Adagio, with its roots deeply into blues is unusually moving. While viewed as symphonic filler by snobs, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue sounds fresh here. Evn the opening catches you by the throat, while Nakamatsu's arpeggio's, trills and jazzy interpretations of Gershwin's text are a revelation. The piece opens more slowly perhaps, than most listeners are accustomed to, but the piece builds to a fabulous emotional crescendo. You'll love it.
The only minor letdown is that the disc concludes with the Cuban Overture. It's a wonderful piece, but far more orchestral than the other two works, with much less latitude for the conductor.
The sonics vary from dead flat and natural to strident. The engineers often went heavy on the bottom and top frequencies, but this is a minor consideration. All this aside, Harmonia Mundi USA has assembled a fine team for this release, and the the Piano Concerto in F alone is worth your purchase.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Gershwin Piano Concerto in FAug 14, 2007 This is a stellar recording! Gershwin truly comes to life under the direction of Conductor Tyzik and the performance of Jon Nakamatsu and the entire Rochester Philharmonic. A must have!
based on 8 reviews
