Fascinating,
both from the viewpoint of the pianist - a new name to me -
and the repertoire. First, the pianist, Korean In-Ju Bang, who
took First Prize in the 1004 Puigcerda competition (Spain) and
who 'from 2006' will be studying at the Juilliard School in
New York - presumably 2006 refers to beginning in the Autumn
semester. To have a high-profile release underneath her belt
already is quite an achievement. She is already a well-formed
artist.
The
First Concerto reveals a kinship with Rachmaninov in its long-breathed
melodies - as does a certain harmonic progression around 2'40
in. Whilst bombast is an easy accusation to level at this music
- try after 8'00, with its long melody and 'big' chords on the
solo piano – this is eminently listenable to. Same goes for
the melancholy-tinged Moderato second movement with its compensatory
sparkly later section and its lovely clarinet solo around ten
minutes in. Listen also to how the pianist finishes this off
with lovely descending staccato chords. The finale begins with
a great glissando that heralds both exuberance and a gentle
consideration of themes. Well worth hearing and superbly played.
Yablonsky handles his orchestra sensitively.
The
Second Concerto recalls Prokofiev, perhaps even more strongly
in its spiky and sparkling writing. The recording here somehow
seems not to do the trumpets justice; it seems fine with just
about everyone else. The passage around 6'40 in does rather
tend towards the filmic, though. Far preferable is the identifiably
Russian warmth of the 'Andantino semplice' before the bright
sparkle of the concluding Allegro molto rounds things off in
an exciting way.
For
those who only know Kabalevsky by his Colas Breugnon
Overture, this release will be valuable in filling out the picture
somewhat - and I look forward very much to hearing more from
In-Ju Bang.
Colin
Clarke
see also Review
by Rob Barnett
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