Return to my Music Pages
Go to
my home page
© Copyright 1997, Jim Loy
This is my review of a "classical" album (CD or tape), entitled Kissin - The Legendary 1984 Moscow Concert. Evgeny Kissin is one of the most popular pianist, nowadays. He was born in 1971. And, when this concert was recorded, live in the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, he was 12 years old. In the photo on the cover, he looks 6 years old. The performance is very good, regardless of his age.
Kissin performs the two Chopin Piano Concertos, with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Pyotr Kondrashin. Until I heard this performance, I was not aware that Chopin's First Piano Concerto is one of great piano concertos. The previous record album that I have is very dull. Kissin's performance, however, is powerful, thrilling, and beautiful, a true miracle for a 12 year old. The only problem is the noisy audience. There are more coughs on this album, than during the entire black plague. The Second Piano Concerto seems to have been performed very well, too, much better than the previous album that I have. But, I hate this concerto, it doesn't contain one memorable theme.
The album ends with three encores, Chopin's Mazurka No. 40, his Mazurka No. 49, and his Waltz No. 14. These are performed very well, too. The Waltz especially is a delight, I think it is the best part of the album.
I do recommend this album. It may be one of the great events in the entire history of music.
Order this recording from Amazon.com (goes directly to this recording).