Wednesday 18 August 2010

Grieg - Piano Concerto [Jablonski/Maag-The Philharmonia Orchestra]

Another Grieg Piano Concerto, the sixth of the year, only earlier this month i reviewed the Bakkelund disc [2nd August 2010], all these different versions gives me a different perspective on this work, and since i've listened to it a lot, i've gained quite a few insights along the way, it's a wonderful love affair to have.

Peter Jablonski is Swedish [i thought he was Polish], he has quite a nice discography, some very varied and interesting discs, it's good to get to know him, plus the booklet cover is refreshing, in nice greens [photo by Nick White], he made this recording in 1993.

Again it's the slow movement that gets me, gentle and soothing, the orchestra play a 2 minute introduction before the piano enters [2:22], and it's heavenly, slow rippling notes of the utmost poignancy, it's a dreamy world, and this left me in dreamland!, it's only 7 minutes long, but there's a 'surprise of a reprise' in the third movement.

Here's Jablonski playing the cadenza in the first movement on YouTube.