Rhapsody in Blue

I received my CD from Amazon on the day I went to hear Benjamin Grosvenor live at the proms. Well. This was lovely and not just 'chandellier music'. You hear all the notes. He keeps to time with no hint of narcissism. This man loves music, and music making comes naturally to him. I have about 8 different recordings of the Saint-Saens 2, and this is my favourite. James Judd and the RLPO aren't just accompanists, especially in the Gershwin, which comes off spectacularly. Absolutely brilliant. Buy and enjoy.

It is giving me many hours of enjoyment as we while away the dark days of winter . He is very talented.

That this young pianist displays technical facility is expected ; that he also brings a distinctive sound, original conceptions , and maturity in phrasing and vision is an all too rare combination at any age. How ever many recordings of these works you may have, you must add Grosvenor's . This cd more than fulfills the expectations raised by his equally stunning debut solo cd on Decca last year.

A carefully sculpted, multi-dimensional first mov. ; suave yet whimsical scherzando second ; and a daemonic yet at times playful finale , place Grosvenor's reading of the Saint-Saens Concerto on the same heights now occupied by my reference Gilels / Kondrashin and Rubinstein / Wallenstein recordings . The Ravel gives this pianist opportunities to display his sound , at times reminding of the golden warmth of the young Cliburn, at times the silvery bell-like quality of Kapell, and , throughout , the kaleidoscopic nuances of Michelangeli. An inspired choice, Grosvenor employs the 1924 Grofe jazz-band orchestration of the Gershwin, rather than Grofe's full -orchestra version we usually hear, the result a more intimate experience for listener and players alike. This "Rhapsody " is alive, exciting, in the moment, Gershwin himself "visible" at a piano in his favorite speakeasy.

Both pianist and orchestra here bring a freshness and vitality to these works that would have a listener wondering if the performances were live. The pianist is aided by a shared vision with the conductor , and wonderful playing in the orchestra, particularly solo parts in the "Rhapsody." I dont believe this combination of concerti has shared the same recording before, imaginative programming here.

Another unique feature of this cd are the 3 encores. Grosvenor effortlessly negotiates the complex chiffon filagree of Godowsky's transcription of "The Swan" ; gently unfolds the brief , but breath-taking, simplicity of Ravel's rarely-heard 1913 " Prelude" ; and is at one with Grainger's touches to Gershwin's heart-tugging " Love Walked In." Clearly, Grosvenor is a pianist embracing the music behind the written notes , music which takes wing unforced from his piano.

A comparison of what Grosvenor achieves in the contrasting middle movs. of the Saint-Saens and Ravel concertos , and between " The Swan" and "Prelude" ; and the connections he forges among the Classical encores and the Gershwin song ; all give telling measures of the remarkable range of the talent and art of this pianist. As this cd , and his earlier two cd's , make clear , Grosvenor stands out in a crowded field . An artist to follow. Highly recommended.

Allow me to add an aside : I am an American who had to purchase this cd from the UK because of a decision , apparently by Decca , not to release the cd on Amazon-US until Feb. 5, 2013 !? Despite great interest in Grosvenor's playing among pianophiles on my side of the pond ; Despite a very well received performance of this very Saint-Seans concerto in Minneapolis just a couple months before 2012 Proms ?! Inexplicable delay if the Amazon - US site is correct about a 2013 release.