Credits:

Bassoon Concertos / Various

Description:

Until 2017, the masterful Lars Forkt conducted the Royal Northern Sinfonia himself in the Beethoven Concerto Zycles. This time, he will perform Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1. This time, he will tackle the difficult task of playing the piano while conducting the orchestra himself. This work is called a "symphony with piano" because of its rich orchestral part, and of course the piano part is full of thick chords and difficult passages, making it impossible to play this piece. Despite these misgivings, Forkert created a truly magnificent piece of music. From the beginning of the dramatic first movement, the listener's ears are drawn in and the music is compelling. In the second movement, the composer sings a gentle melody with all his heart, and in the third movement, he confronts the work with breathtaking power. The "Four Ballades," also recorded here, are from Brahms' early period. Nevertheless, it is as accomplished as the massive concerto, and here, too, Faulkert plays with heart and soul in every corner of the performance. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15~I. Maestoso
2.Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15~II. Adagio
3.Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15~III. Rondo. Allegro non troppo
4.Four Ballades, Op. 10~I. D minor. Andante
5.Four Ballades, Op. 10~II. D major. Andante
6.Four Ballades, Op. 10~III. B minor. Intermezzo. Allegro
7.Four Ballades, Op. 10~IV. B major. Andante con moto