Koncerty (Grieg, Ravel, Prokofjev) – CD

This CD presents previously unreleased live recordings from the Czech Radio archive featuring pianist Ivan Moravec in piano concertos by Edvard Grieg, Maurice Ravel and Sergei Prokofiev. The performances include Griegs Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, with the Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mikls Erdlyi; Ravels Piano Concerto in G major, with the Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Yuri Simonov; and Prokofievs Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat major, Op. 10, with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Karel Anerl. Moravec, one of the great pianistic legends of the 20th century, is heard in concert performances recorded in Prague. Prokofievs concerto, recorded at the Prague Spring festival in May 1967, captures one of Karel Anerls outstanding late recordings with the Czech Philharmonic before his departure for Toronto. The Ravel performance from May 1974 is another memorable experience, while the Grieg concerto from December 1984 is Moravecs only issued recording of the work. The microphones capture him at the height of his powers, combining romantic breadth, precision, drive and subtly nuanced colour with profound immersion in the music.