Glazunov: String Quartets Nos 3 & 5

Advantages: dynamic and gripping
Disadvantages: none

...Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth. The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be. Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great music, great performances
Disadvantages: Unfamiliarity

...I’ve loved the Piano Quartet since first hearing it on R3. Written at Oxford as a teenager it is an astounding (and humbling) creation, which betrays its creators years if you can mentally re-score sections, such as the opening of the last movement, for a rock band – those pounding chords and short motifs are heavy-metal rifs for piano and strings! The ‘rock’ turns into ragtime at the end – not sure if that’s progress but it’s definitely fun! The rest of the disc will not disappoint – except for the teenager’s complaint (mine!) that it’s not loud enough!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: That sparkle that only few have brought to these works!
Disadvantages: Once its ended you just wish there was more!

..., with such longing and pain that it makes you melt inside. A truely incredible piece by an amazing legendary performer. The Glazunov concerto was somewhat alien to me. I do know Glazunov's style vaguely from playing his String Quintet and Chant du Menestral but had no idea how incredible the concerto is. Its now one of my favourites with its lush harmonies and obscure melodies and rousing finale, and hearing Vengerovs penetrating yet sweet tone playing makes it all worth while! I reccomend this to anyone who loves the Romantic Violin Concertos!!!! And anyone who just wants to hear beautiful music!!!! Like i mentionned before, the only bad thing about this is that it ends and then theres no more!!!! :)... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful