Grieg & Schumann: Piano Concertos

Grieg, Schumann: Piano Concertos / Andsnes, Jansons: Release Date: 09/30/2003. Label: EMI Classics. Catalog #: 57562. Spars Code: DDD. Composer: Edvard Grieg, Robert Schumann. Performer: Leif Ove Andsnes. Conductor: Mariss Jansons. Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Number of Discs: 1. Recorded in: Stereo. Length: 0 Hours 59 Mins. Works on This Recording: 1. Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 16 by Edvard Grieg Period: Romantic Written: 1868/1907; Norway Date of Recording: 12/2002 Venue: Philharmonic Hall, Berlin, Germany Length: 28 Mins. 43 Secs. 2. Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 54 by Robert Schumann Period: Romantic Written: 1841-1845; Germany Date of Recording: 12/2002 Venue: Live Philharmonic Hall, Berlin, Germany Length: 29 Mins. 53 Secs. REVIEW: Leif Ove Andsnes and Mariss Jansons turn in one of the best Grieg Concerto recordings in many a moon. For starters, EMI’s engineering conveys impressive presence and impact together with an ideal balance between soloist and orchestra. Jansons pays particular attention to Grieg’s pungent wind writing, and the often-receded string flourishes accompanying the piano’s main theme in the first movement couldn’t be clearer. For his part, Andsnes has considerably modified his interpretation since his 1990 recording for Virgin Classics. His first-movement tempo gearshifts are less impetuous–more flowing and integrated–than before. He seems more willing to scale down passages that are essentially accompanimental in nature–and rightly so, seeing how eloquently the Berlin brass and wind principals shine in their frequent solos. Most importantly, the performers address the music’s heartfelt lyrical qualities without losing its organic thrust. Although I enjoy the lightness and spontaneity Andsnes brought to his earlier recording, I suspect the present version’s riper detailing and collaborative rigor will pay greater dividends over repeated listenings.-Jed Distler ClassicsToday