Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No 2.

Werner Hass, pianist. National Opera Orchestra of Monte-Carlo, cond, Eliahu Inbal (Philips). Reviewed by Felix Manskleid.

The Piano Concerto No. 2 was completed in 1880 and dedicated to Nicholas Rubinstein, a friend and a performer, who once criticised one of Tchaikovsky's previous works by claiming it was unplayable — a statement he later retracted. It is not a highly evocative work and one senses, that the drama and poetry have been included with special consideration for the piano technique. If there is sentiment in this Concerto, there is certainly no melancholy or brooding, a concept which has too often been associated with the composer. On the contrary, at times, it is vigorous and self-assured with the familiar cliches of flourishing arpeggios and cadenzas, lending themselves to a brilliant display of virtuosity and temperament. Unfortunately, the composition immediately brings to mind simitar musical developments by the same composer and in this light, unequivocally loses some of its power and appeal. The performance however, is well balanced and this is due to the excellent cooperation between soloist and orchestra.