"Con forza"

Translation of a review in "Fono Forum" magazine

June, 2007

Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, piano concertos no. 1: Denis Matsuev (piano), St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Yuri Temirkanov (2006) RCA/SonyBMG CD 88697 00233 2 (55")

In his recording of the popular B flat minor evergreen, we see pianist Denis Matsuev in the best light. Matsuev, born in 1975, approaches the inescapable party piece with fresh energy, as if it were a new discovery; a highly virtuosic touch and the use of strong dynamics make his reading more convincing than nearly all his recent predecessors — from the lyrical Volodos and the precise Lugansky, through the prematurely aware Lang Lang to the smart Olga Kern and the shirt–sleeved Berezovsky. Matsuev is effectively assisted by the orchestra conducted by Temirkanov and by a well–adjusted recording sound.

Music 5 stars Sound 5 stars