Anton Rubinstein: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Pièces caractéristiques, Op.50 – Anna Shelest (piano), Neeme Järvi (conductor).

Description The breadth of Anton Rubinstein’s contribution to the development of Russian culture in the 19th century cannot be overstated. His multifaceted genius can be divided into three areas: Rubinstein the composer, the pianist, and the educator. This third release in the series of recordings of his works for piano and orchestra focuses on Rubinstein’s role as a pianist.   Hailed by The New York Times as a pianist of a fiery sensibility and warm touch, Anna Shelest is an international award-winning pianist who has thrilled audiences throughout the world.   Champion of esoteric repertoire, Anna’s collaboration with the legendary conductor Neeme Järvi on a project of recording the complete works for piano and orchestra by Anton Rubinstein has been praised by Gramophone Magazine for “…power and agility… effortless effect… nuanced and incisive all around.”   Reviews “Anyone who enjoys Romantic piano concertos should find a great deal of pleasure in this release…. Shelest and Järvi find the right balance between grandeur and momentum, between dramatic force and supple lyricism, to make the best possible case for these works. Shelest has all the technique required to make these concertos sound natural, and the warmth and musical imagination to really bring them to life…. Overall, this is strongly recommended to all who love Romantic piano concertos.” –Henry Fogel, Fanfare, January/February 2024 “These are easily the top choices now for these two concertos. They are by far the fastest, tautest available, performed by a conductor who likes to keep things moving, whatever he’s conducting. Rubinstein loves to mark everything “moderato”: Shelest and Jarvi ignore his all-too-common moderato instruction and just play it allegro. And there’s no reason to dawdle in these concertos: they are Rubinstein’s least inspired. Not that they are without value; their conventional mid-1800s virtuosity is impressive and compelling, and their slow movements gently stir the sentimental soul. Anna Shelest has a relaxed command of the difficult solo parts. The short ‘Barcarole’ and ‘Berceuse’, orchestrated from piano pieces by Leytush, make for wonderfully moody palate cleansers between the concertos. Sound is excellent. With this disc, Shelest and Jarvi have recorded all Rubinstein’s numbered piano concertos; just one CD remains for the Fantasy and Concertpiece to survey everything Rubinstein wrote for piano and orchestra. I look forward to the final volume.” —Stephen Wright, American Record Guide, January/February 2024 “[Shelest and Järvi’s] interpretation easily outclasses the old complete works by Joseph Banowetz and Alfred Walter (Marco Polo).” — Jean-Claude Hulot, Diapason, May 2024