Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with this exquisite collection of his most celebrated piano concertos and other notable works. Released on April 1, 2010, under the Hyperion label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 21 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces that showcase Tchaikovsky's unparalleled genius and emotional depth.
The album opens with the powerful and dramatic Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23, followed by the lyrical and introspective Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44. The journey continues with the expansive and virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 75, providing a comprehensive exploration of Tchaikovsky's concerto repertoire.
In addition to the concertos, the album features the enchanting Concert Fantasia in G Major, Op. 56, and two beautifully arranged solo piano pieces: "Solitude, Op. 73 No. 6" and "None But the Lonely Heart, Op. 6 No. 6," both masterfully arranged by Stephen Hough. These additions offer a delightful contrast and further highlight Tchaikovsky's versatility as a composer.
Each track is performed with precision and passion, bringing Tchaikovsky's compositions to life with a blend of technical brilliance and heartfelt expression. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Tchaikovsky's works, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the greatest composers in history.
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso – Allegro con spiritoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Minnesota Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä, Stephen Hough
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: II. Andantino semplice – Prestissimo – Tempo IPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Stephen Hough, Minnesota Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23: III. Allegro con fuoco – Molto meno mosso – Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Stephen Hough, Osmo Vänskä, Minnesota Orchestra
Concert Fantasia in G Major, Op. 56: I. Quasi Rondo. Andante mossoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Osmo Vänskä, Minnesota Orchestra, Stephen Hough
Concert Fantasia in G Major, Op. 56: II. Contrastes. Andante cantabilePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Anthony Ross, Minnesota Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä, Stephen Hough
Solitude, Op. 73 No. 6 (Arr. Hough for Piano)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Stephen Hough
None But the Lonely Heart, Op. 6 No. 6 (Arr. Hough for Piano)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Stephen Hough
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: I. Allegro brillantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Osmo Vänskä, Minnesota Orchestra, Stephen Hough
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: II. Andante non troppoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Jorja Fleezanis, Anthony Ross, Minnesota Orchestra, Stephen Hough, Osmo Vänskä
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: III. Allegro con fuocoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Osmo Vänskä, Minnesota Orchestra, Stephen Hough
Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 75Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Minnesota Orchestra, Stephen Hough, Osmo Vänskä
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: II. Andante non troppo (Ed. Siloti)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Anthony Ross, Kyu-Young Kim, Minnesota Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä, Stephen Hough
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44: II. Andante non troppo (Ed. Hough)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Anthony Ross, Jorja Fleezanis, Osmo Vänskä, Minnesota Orchestra, Stephen Hough