Olli Mustonen, the pianist on this recording, is unique in combining the roles of composer, pianist, and conductor in equal measure.
Critical Reception
Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 was met with an "avalanche of critical abuse" at its 1913 premiere, with one critic describing the composer's playing as if he was "dusting the keys."
Performer Biography
Olli Mustonen has performed the full cycle of Prokofiev Piano Sonatas in concert series at venues like the Helsinki Music Centre and Amsterdam Muziekgebouw.
Performer Biography
Hannu Lintu, the conductor, has received several accolades for his recordings, including a 2011 Grammy nomination for Best Opera CD.
Composer Biography
Prokofiev was known for his bluntness, once telling a famous singer that she didn't understand his music and that women always resorted to tears instead of correcting their mistakes.
Composition History
Prokofiev originally intended his Piano Concerto No. 5 to be less difficult, but it "turned out to be complicated" as he wrote in his autobiography.
Recording & Production
This recording was produced with support from the Finnish Music Foundation (MES).
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