Frédéric CHOPIN (1810-1849)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 (arr. string orchestra Wojciech Rajski) [41:19]
Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op. 60 [8:46]
Impromptu No. 1 in A flat major, Op. 29 [3:55]
Impromptu No. 2 in F sharp major, Op. 36 [6:20]
Tarantella in A flat major, Op. 43 [3:07]
Daniil Trifonov (piano)
Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Sopot/Wojciech Rajski
rec. December 2010, St Moniuszko Academy of Music, Gdańsk
DUX 0832 [63:30]
Chopin features prominently in the Trifonov repertory. Last
year I reviewed
a 2-CD set from DG of the pianist performing solo piano works by the Polish
composer. The present recording from the Dux label captures the young pianist
in December 2010. This was shortly after he won third prize at the XVI International
Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw.
The Concerto is performed in an arrangement for string orchestra made by the
conductor Wojciech Rajski. The absence of woodwinds, although robbing the
orchestral sonority of some colour, doesn’t bother me too much. The
Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Sopot have a rich, vibrant sound with
plenty of bloom and they’ve been well-recorded. Rajski proves a sensitive
conductor, with the subtleties and nuances of the score at his fingertips.
Trifonov has an instinctive feel for this music and his playing has all the
hallmarks of maturity and refinement. He’s always sensitive to its contours,
shaping the phrases naturally. His phenomenal technique reveals a high degree
of polish and finish. The central Romance has some lovely moments, with the
hushed strings providing a radiant backdrop. The pianist’s variety of
touch and achievement of colour ensures his sound is never monochrome, but
emits luminosity and glow in a kaleidoscope of hues. The frolicsome finale
is buoyant, doesn’t sound rushed, and fully captures the character of
the dance. Trifonov’s consummate refinement reminds me of Krystian Zimerman
and his excellent recording of the two concertos on DG (review),
in which he directs the Polish Chamber Orchestra. On the downside Zimerman's
tempi can occasionally be on the slow side.
The four solo pieces are a welcome addition. The Barcarolle is a poised and
elegant reading, brimming with poetic insights and delicately voiced. Rubato
is tastefully applied. The Impromptus, quite rightly, have an improvisatory
feel to them, and depict some enchanting musical landscapes. It’s a
pity we don’t get the Impromptu in G flat, which is my favourite of
the three. The short Tarantella brings the recital to a lusty climax.
Dux provides some excellent booklet notes, in English only. They discuss in
detail the works played, as well as providing portraits of all participants.
Sound quality is second-to-none, with the balance between the piano and orchestra
in the concerto ideal in every respect.
Stephen Greenbank
|
Support us financially by purchasing
this from
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|