Krystian Zimerman - Piano Concertos - Classical - CD

This disc was Gramophone's "Recording of the Month" for February 1999.

Maurice Ravel's piano concertos are works of unapologetic neoclassicism, in their use of traditional concerto forms with modern twists of harmonic and melodic gestures. The G-major concerto is the freer of the two, from its opening whip crack to its rollicking finale, with the sublime Adagio in the middle. Pierre Boulez leads the Cleveland Orchestra here, an ensemble with which he has been closely associated for many years, and one which knows his take on this repertoire well. Pianist Krystian Zimerman's pianism shines, with flawless technique and sensitivity to Ravel's melodies.

The more serious-sounding D-major concerto for the left hand--commissioned by Paul Wittgenstein--was to have been recorded in Cleveland, but Zimerman felt that the chosen piano didn't suit the acoustic of Cleveland's Masonic Hall, and the work was instead recorded later in London. Zimerman excels with the London Symphony Orchestra as he did with the Cleveland. Between the two concertos, Boulez and the Cleveland Orchestra provide a spirited reading of the 'Valses nobles et sentimentales,' further Ravelian neoclassic gems, inspired by Schubert. A fine outing from Boulez and Zimerman, and an altogether enjoyable disc.