Stravinsky / Bartok / Prokofiev – Valery Gergiev

   in Piano International (Jan, 2017)
This live concert, caught right at the end of Gergiev’s tenure with the LSO, finds the orchestra on top form in a blazing performance of the Bartók that puts one in mind of Boulez’s energy-drenched performances of the 1980s; The Firebird finds Gergiev and his players painting in the finest colours.

The best performance, though, is the Bartók Concerto. It is up against fearsome competition (Anda, Katchen and Kovacevich to name a few), but it holds its head high. Interestingly, the piece feels more raw than is often the case, with the odd rough edge in the orchestra enhancing this impression. Bronfman never bangs, and the piano/tutti interactions are beautifully managed. …