Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 on CD

Description

'Just 21, Trifonov has won every top piano competition, and this shows why. His performance of the Tchaikovsky warhorse (with Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra, sounding a bit diffuse) is nuanced but not mannered, virtuosic without being showy, and powerful yet not hammered, as many young Russian pianists do. Liszt s grandiose transcriptions of Schubert and Schumann songs, including a swirling Erlkönig, reveal his ability to conjure mood and drama with colour or phrasing, though he doesn t quite catch the humour of Die Forelle. He has the world at his feet. **** --The Times At the age of 21, the Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov has already played with the world's leading orchestras, and last year alone won three major international titles, including the Tchaikovsky Competition Grand Prix, awarded by Valery Gergiev. Trifonov's combination of delicacy and fire leaves an indelible impression in this debut recording with the Mariinsky. The Tchaikovsky, scorching and heart-rending but never bombastic, is paired with solo Liszt transcriptions (of Schumann and Schubert) and Chopin's Barcarolle. We might be more sceptical had not the revered pianist Martha Argerich added her name to his supporters, describing him as 'technically incredible' and tender as well as demonic. She should know. This is a simply remarkable disc ... Daniil Trifonov s playing is a heady mix of super-virtuoso and the ability to generate the utmost tenderness ... He demonstrates an enviable variety of touch and shading ... The couplings are as intelligent as they are magnificent. --Colin Clarke, International Piano Nov/Dec 2012 Now the 21 year old pianist is obviously the real deal, this isn t all flash and dash although there s plenty of both as you ll hear but listen out for the expressiveness of Trifonov s approach, the way he plays with the tempo and keeps some of his powder dry for the coda where he almost leaves the orchestra trailing in his wake, and they sound as if they re having a ball as well. Truly exciting Tchaikovsky... [Excerpt) Shall I give you a moment or two to get your breath back?! One of the most exhilarating recordings of the Tchaikovsky concerto I ve heard in years... It could easily have been a CD Review disc of the week when it was released last year. CD of the Week Massive power gives way to the most delicate pianissimi and a constant sense of discovery. This performance is close to epic.

Tracks

1. Piano Concerto No. 1
2. Barcarolle
3. Erlkönig, Frühlingsglaube
4. Die Forelle Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singe (N)
5. Die Stadt
6. Liebeslied