It took me some time to find this particular recording after I heard it recommended one day as I was listening to my local NPR station. I've been a late comer to the piano music of Robert Schumann, but the Grieg Piano Concerto has been one of my favorite pieces from the Romantic period.

Overall, this Sony Classic recording is crisp, clean and impeccable with Murray Perahia on the piano and Sir Colin Davis and the Symphonie Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks to back him up. The orchestra never overpowers the soloist, and Perahia delivers up a performance that is dead on for precision and emotion - especially with the Grieg concerto - in fact, I'll go out on a limb here and say that this one is the best recording of the Grieg concerto ever, edging out the Mustonnen by just a hair.

Now for the background, since I've got a hunch that I've managed to completely baffled my readers with the previous paragraph. The Romantic era in classical music stretches from about the time of Beethoven to the end of World War One. Here, compositions took on the theory that emotion was the overwhelming need of the music, not necessarily technical flashiness or brilliance. This was the heyday of such composers as Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Mahler, among others. For those of you that are curious, this was the great age of the concerto, where a soloist (usually on the violin or piano, or another instrument) would have the real work of the piece, with the orchestra proving background and bridging sections along with counterpoint to give the music some interesting and life. Usually, this is where most soloists shine, and many of them take on particular composers and compositions as their 'signature' pieces, usually to great acclaim.

For anyone who plays piano, Murray Perahia is one of the great ones. In recent years he has been struggling with a debilitating illness that has severely limited his ability to publically perform. I recommend this one as one of his best, with the Grieg being a real highlight.

Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 54 A later composition by Robert Schumann that was started in 1841, but not completed until some time later. Schumann struggled all of his life with mental illness and bad health. The piano concerto is quite lovely, and very balanced with the themes and music. Not performed until before Schumann's death in 1846, it was first performed by his wife, fellow pianist and composer, Clara Schumann. In this recording, Perahia is particularly strong, but the orchestra has a few rough moments where the recording seems to dim out and be a bit weak. Recorded in Munich, Germany in January 1987.

Allegro affetruoso This first section is very light and romantic, with strings and an oboe to give a lush counterpoint to the piece. Towards the end of this (warning, it's long, about 15 minutes), the strings and piano finally join to give a triumphant conclusion to the piece, and some real knockout moments with Perahia.

Intermezzo: Andantino grazioso Starting off with a bit that sounds very close to Mozart, this is again very light, providing a bridge between the two allegri. It has very little in terms of backup from the orchestra, with the exception of a few strings and woodwinds. Perahia carries the entire movement without a flaw.

Allegro Vivace Picking up the pace again, we're back to a strong, vibrant performance. It's got almost a leaping, dancing tone to it, with many embellishments and trills to the piano, which in this performance are distinct and lively. Unfortunately, the orchestra still sounds a bit faint and in the distance, which mars the performance a bit.

Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 16 This is the piece that Norwegian Edvard Grieg is best known for after the Peer Gynt suites. This composition has become one of the standbys for many a young pianist. It's got fire, romance and some incredible leaps of virtuosity to it. Composed in 1868, when Grieg was in his mid-twenties, it's one of the best pieces that exemplify the Romantic period in music. Later on in his life, Grieg went on to revise and add some of the movements, which is the form that the concerto has remained in. Recorded in January 1988.

Allegro molto moderato The opening is one of the most famous in music, with a great boom and sweep, and then it calms down to a martial air from the woodwinds. Perahia's handling of the first movement is gorgeous to listen to, and here the orchestra doesn't have any problems keeping up or being heard.

Adagio Sweeping, sad and filled with a great deal of longing, this is a must to hear performed live. Some of the measures are almost heartbreaking in their intensity. It has remained a favorite of mine over the years. Perahia soars in this one.

Allegro moderato molto e marcato Flowing from the second movement with a literal bang, this is a fast, tempestuous movement, taking sections from the earlier two movements and incorporating them into a triumphant conclusion.

Heartily recommended to anyone who enjoys classical piano, this is a staple for any library. Best enjoyed when you have an hour to indulge yourself.

Sony Classical SK 44899
Murray Perahia, piano soloist
Sir Colin Davis, conductor
Symphonie Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks


Recommended: Yes