Virgin Classics' compilation of two of the three concertos by composer Antonin Dvorák provides listeners with a suitable, though incomplete, introduction to these works. Opening with the Op. 33 Piano Concerto -- arguably the least successful and least often performed of his concertos -- listeners are immediately treated to a wonderfully strong, energetic orchestral introduction by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg. Pianist Claire Désert's playing is nuanced and sensitive, offering as much help as possible to the ...
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Virgin Classics' compilation of two of the three concertos by composer Antonin Dvorák provides listeners with a suitable, though incomplete, introduction to these works. Opening with the Op. 33 Piano Concerto -- arguably the least successful and least often performed of his concertos -- listeners are immediately treated to a wonderfully strong, energetic orchestral introduction by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg. Pianist Claire Désert's playing is nuanced and sensitive, offering as much help as possible to the material at hand. Balance between soloist and pianist is good throughout. Dvorák seems to have given some of the more interesting material to the orchestra rather than the piano, and the ensemble rises to the occasion. Violinist Christian Tetzlaff joins the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra for an energetic and passionate performance of the Op. 53 Violin Concerto. Although there seem to be differences in opinion on tempo -- the orchestra often pushes ahead while Tetzlaff pulls back -- the...
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