The New York Times reviews Leif Ove Andsnes’ performance of Britten’s Violin Concerto with the New York Phiilharmonic and Antonio Pappano

“Odds are you have never heard a performance of Britten’s Piano Concerto, even if you’re a regular concertgoer. The same holds true for another rarity, Debussy’s Fantaisie for Piano and Orchestra. And while Rachmaninoff’s Second and Third Piano Concertos are staples of the repertory, his Fourth Concerto tends to turn up only when an orchestra is surveying all four.

“Well, the pianist Leif Ove Andsnes has come to the rescue. For his stint this season as artist in residence with the New York Philharmonic, he made the adventurous decision to play these overlooked works on three programs. In October he gave an incisive account of Rachmaninoff’s Fourth that made a case for this episodic piece as its composer’s most experimental score. He will play the Debussy in April.

“On Thursday, with Antonio Pappano on the podium, Mr. Andsnes gave an exhilarating performance of Britten’s unconventional four-movement concerto, last heard at the Philharmonic 36 years ago. Britten was just 25 when he composed it, in 1938, though seven years later he revised it … I yield to no one in my admiration for Britten, and I’ve always liked this early concerto. But the vibrant, insightful performance Mr. Andsnes gave with Mr. Pappano and the Philharmonic was a revelation … “

 

 

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/09/arts/music/review-philharmonic-pappano-andsnes.html
Author: New York Times