New York Classical Review follows Leif Ove Andsnes Residency with the New York Philharmonic performing Britten’s Piano Concerto

“The Philharmonic was joined by star pianist Leif Ove Andsnes for Britten’s Piano Concerto, in its 1945 version. It’s often been observed that the solo part in this concerto is less prominent than most entries in the genre, and that it’s really the orchestra that drives the piece. That’s a fair assessment, but Andsnes’s virtuosity was still clear in this performance. The piece begins in medias res, with a bright, galloping energy right from its opening bars. Andsnes dove in with supreme confidence, showing sharp articulation in the rushing figures of the piano part, occasionally testing the ensemble, but giving an invigorating reading.

“The second movement is a steamy, sultry Waltz, but in this rendition there was a pert playfulness to it, as well. A sense of whimsy came through in the variations of the Impromptu, finding stretches of impishness and closing with glittering arpeggios. The closing March was pure pounding excitement, as Andsnes dazzled in the frantic piano part. The concerto finishes with a series of false endings right out of the Beethoven playbook, and Pappano sold each with more conviction than the last.”

 

 

Source: http://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2018/02/pappano-strikes-sparks-with-philharmonic-in-colorful-program/
Author: New York Classical Review