Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor for piano, trumpet & strings, Op. 35 - CD

The two piano concertos of Shostakovich, though strikingly different from each other, have both become twentieth-century classics. The First Concerto was composed for Shostakovich's own performance, and is one his most appealing and delightful scores. Both the Second Piano Concerto and Concertino for Two Pianos, (appearing here in an arrangement for Piano solo and Chamber Orchestra), was composed for his son, Maxim, who was completing his pre-Conservatoire studies at Moscow's Central Music School and who gave the Concerto its première on 10 May 1957, the day of his nineteenth birthday. Both works are perfect examples of what came to be known as the 'Youth' concerto, works composed specifically to showcase the talents of young virtuosos. Hänssler Classic is proud to present the artistry of Florian Uhlig in this special program, featuring the complete concertante music of Shostakovich for Piano and orchestra.

Few classical artists have made so spectacular an initial impact upon public – even global – consciousness as the pianist Yevgeny Kissin, when in 1984 at the age of 12 he gave both piano concertos by Chopin in a single concert at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. His fame was assured, and from there on his reputation preceded him as a young, sublimely gifted virtuoso possessed of the most brilliant technique, seemingly natural musical touch and preternatural confidence.

All those assets can be heard to advantage in some popular – and more formidable works by his countrymen, from the glittering display vehicles written by Shostakovich and Prokofiev to the powerful sweep of Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular First Concerto. Of course Kissin has gone on to perform and indeed record these works – he is now 40, a British citizen for the last nine years, mirabile dictu – several times since, but the early recordings retain a bravado and unselfconscious vigour that infects every performance with appealing zest and sometimes astonishing assurance.