This Katchen, Kertész recording represents a distinctly central tradition in Romantic concerto playing, strong tempos, structural integrity, and expressive warmth kept firmly within classical bounds. Nothing is underplayed, but nothing is indulged either. The partnership is crucial; Kertész does not merely accompany but shapes the orchestral argument with the same seriousness Katchen brings to the keyboard, resulting in performances that feel purposeful from first bar to last.
Decca’s early stereo engineering serves the performances well, giving the piano a solid, present image without overwhelming the orchestra. Orchestral detail is cleanly rendered, and climaxes expand naturally. These qualities, combined with the interpretive restraint of both artists, make the recording age exceptionally well.
Artist(s): Piano – Julius Katchen
Conductor – Istvan Kertesz
Orchestra – The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Recording Info: Producer: John Culshaw
Engineer: Gordon Parry
Recorded 25 Mar-30 Apr 1962 at Hadar Cinema, Tel Aviv
Sourced from a 15ips 2-track Tape
Components used for Transfer: Analog: Transport - Nagra 4SJ modified with Flux Heads
Preamp - Merrrill Audio Master Tape Preamp
Digital: Merging Hapi Analog to Digital Converter clocked by an Antelope Audio 10MX Atomic Clock
Software: Merging Pyramix v15
Power Conditioning: Shunyata Research Everest 8000 for all components with Shunyata Sigma-X Power Cords.
All components are grounded to Shunyata ALTAIRA Hubs
Piano Concerto In A Minor (Op. 54)
Composed By – Robert Schumann
(31:15)
1 Allegro Affetuoso 15:20
2 Intermezzo, Andantino Grazioso 5:20
3 Allegro Vivace 10:25
Piano Concerto In A Minor (Op. 16)
Composed By – Edvard Grieg
(27:50)
4 Allegro Molto Moderato 12:00
5 Adagio 6:00
6 Allegro Modeato Molto E Marcato 9:35

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