Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical piano with John Ogdon's remarkable album, featuring works by Igor Stravinsky and Dmitri Shostakovich. Released in 1972 under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd., this album showcases Ogdon's virtuosity and deep understanding of these complex compositions.
The album opens with Stravinsky's "Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, K50," a three-movement piece that highlights Ogdon's technical prowess and expressive range. The first movement, "Presto," is a whirlwind of energy, while the second, "Andante rapsodico," offers a moment of introspection. The final movement, "Allegro capriccioso ma tempo giusto," brings the piece to a thrilling close.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Shostakovich's "Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35." This four-movement concerto is a tour de force, demanding both technical skill and emotional depth from the performer. Ogdon's interpretation is nothing short of breathtaking, with each movement—"Allegro moderato," "Lento," "Moderato," and "Allegro con brio"—revealing new layers of meaning and complexity.
With a total runtime of 38 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of two of the most important works in the classical piano repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, John Ogdon's masterful playing is sure to leave a lasting impression.