Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Glazunov: Chopiniana / Franck: Les Dijinns

Album Description

Vladimir Ashkenazy, a name synonymous with pianistic brilliance, presents a captivating album that masterfully blends the romanticism of Chopin with the orchestral prowess of Glazunov and Franck. Released in 2017 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this classical piano album is a testament to Ashkenazy's enduring artistry and his ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions.

The album opens with Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11, a work that showcases Ashkenazy's technical virtuosity and emotional depth. The concerto's three movements—Allegro maestoso, Romance. Larghetto, and Rondo. Vivace—are performed with a sensitivity and precision that highlight Chopin's lyrical genius and structural innovation.

Following the concerto, the album delves into Glazunov's Chopiniana, Op. 46, a suite of five movements that pay homage to Chopin's signature styles. Ashkenazy's interpretation of these pieces, including the Polonaise, Nocturne, Mazurka, Valse, and Tarantella, is both reverent and refreshing, offering a nuanced perspective on these beloved melodies.

The album concludes with Franck's Les Djinns, CFF 136, a dramatic and evocative work that showcases the full range of Ashkenazy's pianistic prowess. The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin provides a rich and resonant backdrop, enhancing the overall listening experience.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of some of the most celebrated works in the classical piano repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Vladimir Ashkenazy's interpretations are sure to captivate and inspire.

August 18, 2017

This Compilation ℗ 2017 Decca Music Group Limited

About Vladimir Ashkenazy

Vladimir Ashkenazy, born in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod) in 1937, is a legendary figure in the classical music world, renowned for his dual prowess as both a pianist and conductor. Ashkenazy's musical journey began in Moscow, where he honed his skills and went on to win prestigious prizes, including the Warsaw International Chopin Competition. His extensive discography spans a vast repertoire of classical and romantic works, earning him seven Grammy Awards and Iceland's Order of the Falcon. Ashkenazy has collaborated with some of the world's most esteemed orchestras and soloists, leaving an indelible mark on the music world. In 2000, he was appointed Conductor Laureate of the Philharmonia Orchestra, further cementing his status as a master musician. Though he has announced his retirement from public performances, his contributions to classical music continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.