The Berliner Morgenpost reviews Leif Ove Andsnes’ performance of Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Berlin Philahrmonic
“If a pianist nowadays puts a focus on Rachmaninoff’s equally unpopular or unknown fourth piano concerto, this can actually mean only two things: either he plans a complete recording of all Rachmaninoff piano concertos or he has already done so. On the Norwegian Leif Ove Andsnes meets the latter. He had already played Rachmaninoff’s first and second piano concertos with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2005, and followed with the other two concertos later with the London Symphony Orchestra. The fact that the Philharmonic now also embarks on Rachmaninoff ‘s fourth piano concerto speaks for the special friendly relationship that exists between the pianist and the orchestra. After 33 long years, the musicians pick up the score from the depths of their music archive, and in such a highly coveted way that there is no doubt about the quality of the work.”
“Leif Ove Andsnes, as expected, presents himself as a serious designer. His tone breathes classical coolness and clarity, virtuosity never comes to him for himself. In front of the public’s ears, a symphonic Rachmaninoff with a soloist and orchestra emerges as equals, very precise listening partners. And this is due not least to the guest conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada, who was making his debut with the Philharmonic …”
Source: Berliner Morgenpost