Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major / Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 5 / Schlime: 3 Improvisations

Featuring

Mikhail Pletnev
Francesco Tristano Schlimé
Russian National Orchestra
Maurice Ravel
Sergei Prokofiev

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Historical Context

The simplicity and festive nature of both concertos reflect the Parisian 'Zeitgeist' of the 1930s, influenced by Jean Cocteau, the Group of Six, and Stravinsky, with a motto of 'simplicity, clarity and pleasure.'

Composition History

Both Ravel and Prokofiev composed these concertos after writing a concerto for the left hand dedicated to the one-armed pianist Paul Wittgenstein.

Composition History

Both Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major and Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 5 were composed in 1932, marking the end of the piano concerto genre for both composers.

Performer Biography

Mikhail Pletnev, the conductor on this album, won the Gold Medal and First Prize at the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition at age 21.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Ravel initially considered the title 'Divertissement' for his Piano Concerto in G Major, aiming for a gay and brilliant character rather than profundity or dramatic effects.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Prokofiev sought a 'new simplicity' in his Piano Concerto No. 5, moving away from the ponderous harmonies and rhythmic complexities of his earlier works.

Critical Reception

Paul Wittgenstein, the one-armed pianist, refused to play Prokofiev's Fourth Concerto, stating, 'I thank you for the Concerto, but I don't understand a note of it and will not play it.'