Leon Fleisher, a name synonymous with pianistic brilliance, takes center stage in this captivating live recording from 1956, now released as part of the Klemperer Live series by Archiphon. This album, titled "Klemperer Live: Cologne Vol. 6 — Concert 27 February 1956," offers a rare glimpse into Fleisher's masterful interpretations of classical repertoire, captured in the prime of his career.
The album opens with an orchestral overture, "Iphigenie en Aulide," arranged by Richard Wagner, setting the stage for Fleisher's virtuosic performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58. The concerto, divided into three movements, showcases Fleisher's technical prowess and deep musical sensitivity, from the lively "Allegro moderato" to the introspective "Andante con moto" and the spirited "Rondo. Vivace."
Following Beethoven, Fleisher delves into Richard Strauss's "Don Juan, Op. 20," a tone poem that Fleisher brings to life with dramatic flair and nuanced phrasing. The second half of the concert features Fleisher's performance of Antonín Dvořák's Sinfonietta, a chamber music gem that Fleisher and his ensemble navigate with precision and warmth.
Recorded live in Cologne on February 27, 1956, this album is a testament to Leon Fleisher's artistry and the enduring power of these classical masterpieces. With a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, it's an engaging journey through the classical piano repertoire, as interpreted by one of the 20th century's most celebrated pianists.
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