Experience the legendary Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli in this historic live recording from Warsaw, captured on March 13 and 27, 1955. This album showcases the Italian maestro's unparalleled virtuosity and profound musicality, offering a rare glimpse into his live performances during the mid-20th century. The repertoire spans a variety of styles and composers, demonstrating Michelangeli's versatility and mastery of the piano.
The album opens with a selection of keyboard sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, followed by Johann Sebastian Bach's iconic Chaconne from the Violin Partita No. 2, arranged for piano. Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 3 and Frédéric Chopin's 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini showcase Michelangeli's technical prowess and interpretive depth.
The second half of the album features Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor, performed with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Witold Rowicki. The concert concludes with a delightful mix of pieces, including Brahms' Waltz No. 17 in E-Flat Major, Debussy's Images, Book 1: No. 2. Hommage a Rameau, and the playful Faschingsschwank aus Wien by Robert Schumann.
This recording is a testament to Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli's enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. The live setting adds an extra layer of excitement and spontaneity, making this album a captivating listen for classical music enthusiasts and those eager to discover the artistry of this remarkable pianist.
2006 IDIS2006 IDIS
Tracks
Keyboard Sonata in B Minor, K.27/L.449/P.83: AllegroDomenico Scarlatti, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Keyboard Sonata in C Minor, K.11/L.352/P.67: AllegroDomenico Scarlatti, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Keyboard Sonata in D Minor, K.9/L.413/P.65: AllegroDomenico Scarlatti, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Keyboard Sonata in A Major, K.322/L.483/P.360: AllegroDomenico Scarlatti, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004: V. Ciaccona (arr. for piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3: II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3: III. Scherzo, AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3: IV. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35: Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35Johannes Brahms, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54: I. Allegro affettuosoRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Witold Rowicki
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54: II. Intermezzo, Andantino graziosoRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Witold Rowicki
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54: III. Allegro vivaceRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Witold Rowicki
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26: I. AllegroRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26: II. RomanzeRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26: III. ScherzinoRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26: IV. IntermezzoRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26: V. FinaleRobert Schumann, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Waltz No. 17 in E-Flat MajorFrédéric Chopin, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
Images, Book 1: No. 2. Hommage a RameauClaude Debussy, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
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