“As a package, their claims are strong, both artistically and in terms of recording quality,” awarded three stars by Penguin Guide. The Guardian wrote, “No one is more warmly dramatic in Prokofiev than Jarvi, making his issues consistently recommendable.” As part of our on-going re-issue of Neeme Jarvi’s famous Prokofiev Chandos now re-releases The Piano Concertos performed by Boris Berman and Horacio Gutiérrez with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
"Berman is incisive in Prokofiev’s Concertos No’s 1, 4 and 5 ….the highlight of this set is Guitièrrez’s hair-raising playing in Concertos No’s 2 and 3. Terrific orchestral support."
Tim Parry
“Storming Prokofiev reissues that brim with thrilling virtuosity and musicianship. Here, in brilliantly refreshed sound is a reissue of Prokofiev’s five piano concertos. The performance with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under the superb direction of Neeme Järvi are shared between Horacio Guitièrrez and Boris Berman….both pianists show themselves gloriously in sympathy with Prokofiev’s idiom. Indeed, Gutièrrez unleashes some of the most thrilling virtuosity on record, storming the Second Concerto’s first movement development/cadenza in a manner that will make lesser pianists tremble. He is no less stunning in the less obviously demanding Third Concerto where once again his ebullience is complemented by flawless technique and musicianship. Berman may off less supercharged vitality but all three of his performances alternate poise and exuberance to a most stylish and musical degree. Again, his way with the Fourth Concerto is so finely tuned that it makes what is arguably the weakest of the concertos a scintillating success. Järvi works hand in glove with his soloists and the result is a triumph. No record collection of the complete concertos, whether deleted or available comes within distance of this."
*** Re-issue of the Month *** *** Editor’s Choice ***
Bryce Morrison
