BUSONI: Concerto for Piano Op. 39. Gunnar Johansen, piano

Description   Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924): Concerto for Piano and Orchestra with Men’s Chorus op. 39 (Kindermann 247) Gunnar Johansen, Piano; Men’s choir of the NDR; prepared by Otto Franze; NDR Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt. Recorded 15/16, January 1956, Hamburg, Musikhalle (live). Chief producer: Dr. Friedrich Schnapp. Total Time: 68:25 AAD (mono) UPC # 0-17685-11632-2. Dissatisfied with the traditional concerto form, Busoni created a monumental work lasting 68 minutes which is symphonic in scale and intent, requiring of the pianist virtuosity and stamina of the highest order, yet also a sensitive, even intimate, collaboration with the orchestra. In this this well-proportioned performance by Egon Petri’s foremost pupil Gunnar Johansen, that above all respects Busoni’s large-scale architecture, listeners will hear both the transcendental virtuosity and the poetic sensitivity called for by the score.  Released with the kind cooperation of the Gunnar and Lorraine Johansen Foundation.   Sound Clips (MP3):   1. Piano Concerto, Op- 39 I- Prologo e Introito Allegro, dolce e solenne – Gunnar Johansen 2. Piano Concerto, Op- 39 II- Pezo giocoso Vivacemente, ma senza fretta – Gunnar Johansen 3. Piano Concerto, Op- 39 III- Pezzo serioso Introductio – Prima Pars – A Rera Pars – Ultima Pars – Gunnar Johansen 4. Piano Concerto, Op- 39 IV- All’Italiana (Tarantella) Vivace – in un tempo – Gunnar Johansen 5. Piano Concerto, Op- 39 V- Cantico Largamente – Gunnar Johansen