Alexandre Kantorow became the first French pianist to win the gold medal and the Grand Prix at the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition in 2019.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Saint-Saëns preferred using the piano in musical dialogues rather than as a solo instrument, viewing the concerto soloist as a dramatic character.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Saint-Saëns opposed pianistic extravagance, favoring works where balance, moderation, and beauty were paramount, with virtuosity serving as an additional color.
Performer Biography
Jean-Jacques Kantorow, the conductor on this album, began violin studies at age six and won ten prizes at major international competitions between 1962 and 1968.
Composer Biography
Camille Saint-Saëns, known for "Carnival of the Animals," was also a distinguished performer on both organ and piano.
Recording & Production
This recording features Saint-Saëns' first two piano concertos and four shorter concertante pieces, spanning over thirty years of his compositional career.
