Evgeny Kissin's 1989 debut album, "Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1," is a captivating introduction to the prodigious talent of the young pianist, then just 17 years old. Recorded live at the Philharmonie in Berlin, this album showcases Kissin's extraordinary technical prowess and deep musicality, as he tackles Tchaikovsky's monumental First Piano Concerto. The concerto, a cornerstone of the romantic piano repertoire, is presented in its entirety, with each movement revealing Kissin's ability to balance power and delicacy, passion and precision.
The album also includes a selection of shorter pieces by Tchaikovsky, drawn from his Op. 51 and Op. 42 collections. These works, ranging from the delicate "Fragilité" to the fiery "Danse languide," demonstrate Kissin's versatility and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods. The final track, the fifth étude from Op. 42, is a tour de force of virtuosic playing.
Kissin's playing is supported by the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini, with the orchestra providing a rich, warm backdrop to Kissin's brilliant pianism. The sound quality is excellent, capturing the full range of the piano and the orchestra in the acoustically superb Philharmonie.
This album is a testament to Kissin's extraordinary gifts and his deep understanding of the romantic repertoire. It's a thrilling introduction to one of the most exciting pianists of our time.
Vinylscout