Review

There are so many recorded versions available of the Piano Concerto in A Minor Op.54 that any newcomer has to be extraordinary to justify itself. This enticing performance is just that. Jan Lisiecki, the 20-year-old born in Calgary, came into prominence as a child prodigy, making his orchestral debut aged nine. Today he is internationally acclaimed and is one of the most respected pianists of this generation.

The first hearing was most disappointing. Lisiecki seemed to be uninvolved and somehow unresponsive to the score…a non-starter. Easy to understand, as we are so firmly imprinted with the usual bravura performances that anything less energetic sounds injudicious and/or simply wrong. The following week listening again to make sure, I heard a very convincing performance, thoughtful and searching. Lisiecki’s Schumann is so natural and unforced that his playing does not come between composer and listener.

Also, I was playing it softly at the “audition” level and now, at a more robust volume, the true character emerged.

There are many attributes of this performance; excitement, communication, delicacy and tonal beauty. It is such a perfect blend and unanimity of soloist and orchestra that it sounds as if were executed by one mind. There is cross inspiration between piano and the solo instruments of the orchestra, particularly the creamy winds that, in spite of perfect ensemble, still sound spontaneous. The recording is a model of a naturally balanced soloist and these delectable orchestral textures. The two shorter and less familiar, later-concerted works – Introduction and Allegro appassionato Op.92, Introduction and Concert Allegro Op.134 – receive similarly attentive performances, making this release even more attractive. Time stands still during the little encore, Träumerei, adding a thoughtful adieu on this attractive CD.