Nikolaï Lugansky, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester, Kent Nagano – Grieg & Prokofiev: Piano Concertos (2013)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 59:19 minutes | 879 MB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Ambroisie – naïve
Accompanied by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO Berlin), one of the best German orchestras, conducted by Kent Nagano, renowned for interpretations of clarity, elegance and intelligence, Nikolai Lugansky performs a new album dedicated to two famous composers, Grieg and Prokofiev. The Russian pianist is still spectacular in these concertos.
Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky is a fearsome technician who won many of Russia’s top competitions on the way up. He is reputed to have played a Beethoven sonata from memory at the age of five, and hearing his playing here you can imagine that it’s true: he’s the icily correct prodigy type. Some love him and some find him rather mechanical, and the solution to this conundrum can be found by listening to this release on France’s Naïve label. Lugansky is here backed by the rather unlikely combination of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and somewhat fashion-forward Californian Kent Nagano, but Nagano plays it straight and keeps the focus on the pianist. How good is this rising Russian? In the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26, he is very good indeed. This is not a virtuoso showpiece in the Lisztian manner but is difficult from start to finish, with every bit of the piano part made up of lengthy decorations in parallel sixths and the like. The work is all about precision, and Lugansky delivers it in abundance; not a note or little gesture is missed. The news is not so good in the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, which is entirely competent but rarely anything else. But those looking for a recording of the Prokofiev C major concerto will find Lugansky’s in the top echelon. –AllMusic Review by James Manheim
Tracklist:
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16
1. I. Allegro molto moderato 13:48
2. II. Adagio 06:29
3. III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato 10:38
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26
4. I. Andante – Allegro 09:33
5. II. Tema con variazioni 09:13
6. III. Allegro ma non troppo 09:34
