Dive into the captivating world of Romantic piano concertos with Jonathan Plowright's latest album, "Gablenz & Paderewski: Piano Concertos." Released on May 28, 2021, under the Hyperion label, this album is a testament to Plowright's virtuosity and the rich musical heritage of the Romantic era.
The album features two significant works: the Piano Concerto in D-Flat Major, Op. 25 by Jerzy Gablenz, and the Fantaisie polonaise sur des thèmes originaux, Op. 19 by Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Plowright's masterful performance is accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Łukasz Borowicz, creating a harmonious blend of solo brilliance and orchestral depth.
Spanning a total of 66 minutes, the album is divided into seven tracks, each offering a unique blend of melodic invention and technical prowess. Plowright's interpretation of Gablenz's concerto is particularly noteworthy, with critics praising his ability to bring out the work's thunderous and melodic qualities. The album also includes Paderewski's Polish Fantasy, a piece that showcases the composer's distinctive style and Plowright's versatility as a pianist.
This album is a must-listen for fans of classical piano music, offering a fresh perspective on lesser-known works by Gablenz and Paderewski. Jonathan Plowright's performance is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, making this a standout release in the Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto series.