www.classicalsource.com reviews Leif Ove Andsnes’ second London performance in his LSO Artist Profile Series
“As recipes go, the combination of the London Symphony Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes, London Symphony Chorus and Michael Tilson Thomas doesn’t get much better … In Schumann’s Piano Concerto he created plenty of largesse in an account that emphasised its inherent chamber qualities whilst allowing plenty of room for a wonderfully poetic Andsnes. In the first movement every opportunity was found to cherish a repertoire work. Conductor and soloist focused on warmth of expression and subtlety of phrasing. Balance and blend was spot on, and dynamics so well controlled that only in the tutti passages (where timpani and trumpets were let off the leash) were you reminded that Schumann was writing for a full orchestra. This rendition was as far from being routine as can be; and meticulously prepared woodwinds and strings were a delight. Andsnes neither drew attention to himself nor provided great insights, but he was technically flawless and his immaculately-shaped playing allowed the music to unfold with both elegance and, when required, power. The first-movement cadenza was strikingly vivid.”
Source: www.classicalsource.com