And what a journey it’s been. With the first two issues I
used terms such as ‘deeply probing and distinguished performances’, ‘subtle
details and depth of feeling’, ‘provides wonderful insights’ and ‘hugely
recommendable’.
Andsnes has not rushed into these recordings, taking them
into concert and absorbing the music before committing them to disc.
Now to the final
release from Sony Classical of Piano
Concerto No.5 in E flat major, Op.73 ‘Emperor’ and the Fantasy for Piano,
Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op.80 ‘Choral Fantasy’.
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| 88843058862 |
The Allegro of Piano Concerto No.5 opens with a strength and assurance from both soloist and orchestra with Andsnes providing fine delicate phrasing. The orchestra moves ahead decisively, full of authority and with beautifully wrought quieter passages. When Andsnes enters again he provides clear, beautiful phrases, observing every dynamic. The orchestral textures are extremely fine showing how much Andsnes has worked with this orchestra. Andsnes moves through some wonderfully well sprung, dynamic, fast flowing passages with such élan. This is musicianship of a particularly high order. Centrally Andsnes brings a light-heartedness before the climactic chords for piano against the orchestra. Andsnes’ fluency and touch are superb. There is a superb little cadenza that is sensitively carried through to the huge scales that follow.
There is a beautifully paced orchestral opening Adagio un poco moto, with just the right
amount of forward push. Andsnes brings a similar forward urge to his playing, with
very fine purity of tone and exquisite phrasing. It is Andsnes’ subtle, almost
imperceptible changes of tempo and dynamics that bring such a mesmerising effect.
The Rondo. Allegro
brings taut, rhythmically well sprung playing that fairly bounces ahead, full
of joy. Andsnes and his players seem to really throw themselves into the music
with magnificent results. This pianist’s pure tone comes through in the quieter
passages with a delicacy that is extremely fine. The coda is simply terrific.
Just as in the previous releases, Leif Ove Andsnes has
brought a subtlety and depth to this concerto revealing its many moods and
depths.
The Prague Philharmonic Choir www.filharmonickysbor.cz join
Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra for Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy. The Adagio
opens with some fine, broad piano chords before falling to the intricate little
phrases that Andsnes works up so well. There are phrases that recall the Fifth
concerto with Andsnes bringing much to the attractions of the piano part of
this work, showing that, for all its oddities, there is much inventiveness and
entertainment.
After the orchestra enters for the Finale the piano joins with its sprightly motif before the music
takes off, full of wit and charm highlighted by Andsnes’ amazing ensemble with
the orchestra. The finale of the ninth symphony is foreshadowed before some terrific,
dynamic playing. Andsnes also brings much sensitivity to this rather extrovert
work, showing a subtlety that could easily be lost and, indeed, often is. There
is spontaneity galore in the sudden piano flourishes before the chorus enters
and some tremendous playing as the chorus and orchestra head forward with
Andsnes achieving a fine balance of his forces right up to the coda.
These performers tend to make the Choral Fantasy sound
greater than really it is with a direct spontaneity coupled with fine
sensitivity. All in all this is a very fine performance.
Leif Ove Andsnes and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra have
topped off a considerable cycle with a real winner. There is something in these
performances that just lifts the music. It all sounds just so right.
These are performances to live with and, surely must rank
alongside the very best committed to disc. The recording made at the Dvorak
Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague on 20th and 21st May 2014 is
excellent. There are informative booklet notes.
See also:
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